Top 5 Classroom Management Strategies for Effective Teaching in November

Keeping the Calm: Top 5 Things to Do in November for Classroom Management and Instruction

As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to maintain a focused and calm classroom environment to ensure prime-time instruction continues smoothly. November, with its cooler weather and anticipation of upcoming holidays, can be a challenging month for teachers. However, being intentional about teaching and minimizing distractions can help keep your students engaged and on track. In this blog post, we will explore five cost-effective strategies to motivate elementary and middle school students, manage classroom behavior, and maintain an effective learning environment during November.

1. Implement a Reward Coupon System

Are you looking for classroom ideas that are cost-effective ways to motivate your middle school students? Forget expensive prizes; reward coupons are the perfect solution! Not only will your students appreciate being rewarded with things they value, but these free classroom rewards will also save money for other essential classroom supplies.

Popular Reward Coupon Ideas:

• Assignment Extension: Ideal for student-athletes balancing practice, games, and academic work. It demonstrates support for their interests while maintaining accountability.
• Special Pen Use: Allow students to use your gel pens. They get to choose one for the class subject or period.
• Work in the Hallway: Middle schoolers really love this one. I highly recommend keeping your door cracked or open as you are still responsible for them.
• Listen to Music: Students can listen to music while working, provided they bring their own headphones.
• Working Together: In middle school, where friends are everything, letting students work together helps them learn from each other, makes things more fun, and creates a good place to learn.

2. Incorporate Flexible Seating Options

Allowing students to choose their seating arrangements can give them a sense of independence and control over their learning environment. This classroom management approach can positively affect your class environment. If you have alternate seats, let them choose those options first. You could also offer the seat at your desk for a day. Flexible seating can increase student engagement and comfort, which is particularly beneficial as holiday excitement builds.

3. Utilize Snack and Drink Breaks

Bring a snack to class or allow students to bring a drink. Who doesn’t love a snack? I would keep a few extra snacks for students to choose from if they forgot. This small gesture can significantly boost morale and keep students focused. Allowing students to chew gum or have a drink during class can also serve as a simple yet effective reward for good behavior.

4. Introduce Special Privileges

Granting students special privileges can be a powerful motivator. Consider the following:

• First in Line: This can be altered to first in line and/or first in the cafeteria line. Make sure you clear this with other classes/teachers.
• Eat Lunch in the Classroom: Allowing students to choose a friend to eat with as you monitor can be a delightful treat.
• Free Time: Offer students a variety of options for free time activities, from reading to playing games to chatting with friends.

5. Promote Positive Behavior with Complimentary Assignment Passes

Complimentary assignment passes can be used as a homework coupon with clear instructions on what can be skipped. This reward can encourage students to stay on top of their work and strive for positive behavior.

Summary

November is a crucial month a positive classroom management approach to focus and maximize learning before the holiday season fully sets in. By implementing these five strategies—reward coupon systems, flexible seating, snack and drink breaks, special privileges, and complimentary assignment passes—you can create a motivating and engaging environment for your middle school students. These ideas are designed to keep students calm, focused, and eager to learn, ensuring that prime-time instruction continues with minimal interruptions and distractions.

Are you ready to put these no-spend classroom reward ideas into action? Each week, offer a selection of rewards and rotate them regularly to create excitement and anticipation among students, keeping them motivated and engaged as the holidays approach.