Classroom Management

1. Giving Directions
• Directions need to be:
• Systemic
• One at a time
• Positive words
• Stunningly clear and specific
• If there is ambiguity in what you ask them to do,
there is threat; they could be wrong.

2. One at a Time
• Walk them through it step by step.
• Don’t make students feel stupid.
• Keep directions as simple as possible.
• Are simple and easy the same?
• It may be simple, but not easy.
• Ex. It is simple to stop smoking, but
not easy to stop.

3. Pause for Visuals
• Let students look at the slide, board, etc.
and then back at you.
• This shows they are ready to listen to you.
• Example: Turn to page 32 and glance at
the page for the next 30 seconds.

4. Variety of Visuals
• Notes
• Slides on a PowerPoint
• Gestures
• Books
• Handouts

5. Word Choice
• Be careful of words or labels when you say
them. Know who is in the audience.
• Dangerous words/labels that turn others off:
Game Volunteer
Play Test
Fun Quiz
Groups Homework
Partner Write

6. Closed/Open Questions
• Make questions open-ended so there is
not just one right answer.
• Example:
• What is the greatest challenge facing
educators?
• What are some challenges of education?