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Classroom Management

In a few short weeks, I'll be starting my 2nd year as a K-4 Librarian. My first year went good but obviously there are some things I'd like to change. I'm looking into other possible motivations or positive reinforcements for behavior management during library time. Anyone have any suggestions or things they've used in the past that seem to work? Thanks everyone!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paula Daubert on July 21, 2010 at 7:53am

I sit my K-2 students on the floor in rows. If a row does a good job for a month (recorded on a chart in the front) they get to pick a prize from a treasure chest. Grades 3-5 sit at tables. If they do a good job for a month straight (must be the whole class) they get to take out an extra book. This year I have no aide. As a result, all students will be able to take out only 1 book. It will be a big disappointment for the 3-5 kids, but I do that to allow myself a chance to keep up with shelving books. It may also be a bigger incentive for the older students to do better.

Permalink Reply by cara delia on July 21, 2010 at 8:26am

I haven't began my 1st year yet, but as have been a classroom teacher for 5 years. This is an issue that is concerning me as well, since there will be an obvious shift in power. I only teach k-2. I am thinking of organizing the tables into color groups with a behavior chart/ noise level meter universal for all the classes. I'm thinking this might let me "micro manage" each table, give directions easier and help with procedures.

Permalink Reply by Keisa Williams (AKA Ms. K) on July 25, 2010 at 7:16pm

Hi! Why don't you check out the Elementary Library Routines Wiki http://elementarylibraryroutines.wikispaces.com

You will find a ton of suggestions there. Feel free to add your own ideas too!

Permalink Reply by Devon Gallagher on July 25, 2010 at 7:31pm

Love that link! Just bookmarked.

I found with older kids, the promise of "free time" as a reward worked well. This would be more 4/5. I wouldn't make it completely free, I would have board games, card games and perhaps an alternate choice of free reading time. They would really have to work for this. It motivates the unmotivated.

Do you ever do raffles or contest? Perhaps one reward could be an extra chance?

Extra book sounds good, and it doesn't take from instructional time.

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