Amazing classroom management for lining up can happen in any classroom easily. Most times, getting into line can make or break a calm, efficient class. I had some issues with students that were running to get into line and fighting about where they wanted to stand in the line. It was a mess. Because of the fights and arguments. I had to do something.
“If you find yourself getting upset with the students’ behaviors…STOP…and think about what you can change.”
So I decided to teach exactly what I wanted to see and hear when they got into line.
I put small pieces of floor tape spaced apart with numbers. Each child was given a number based on the first letter of their name. Hint, hint…ABC order made it easy for me to remember their numbers!
What happens first when lining up?
I modeled how the students should line up:
- Stand up.
- Walk quietly to their number.
- Stand quietly facing forward.
- Wait patiently. (Check out ways to wait patiently.)
What happens next when lining up?
They had to tell me what they saw me do and what they heard as I went into line.
Then I had 3 students practice. As a group we discussed what we saw and heard! A bunch of compliments were given for the great lining practice.
We tried 5 different students next and offered many more compliments. Then we tried the entire class. I offered many compliments for quiet walking students.
Every Time We Lined Up
For the next several week, before we lined up, I asked the students to “think about” what it should look like and sound like when we get into line.
As the weeks continued, I would give the “thinking reminder” whenever I noticed a rule that wasn’t being followed.
The students then started to get into line with the friends that were in front or behind them. It was magical!
I hope this helps you create a magical classroom experience!
Hugs,
Debora
Here are some other management ideas:
