“Do you need me to fuss at you to get you to behave?”
“Do you know what is expected of you when you come in my room?”
“This is a great opportunity to practice your listening skills.”
I think every teacher develops a short list of key phrases they turn to time and time again. I know I do. In different situations for different reasons, these key phrases can help a class regain its composure without you losing yours. I guess that’s why they call them “key phrases.”
“Do you need help controlling yourself?” … with the follow-up, “…because I can help you if you need it.”
“Focus please.”
“Having trouble focusing?” …again, with the follow-up, “…because I can help you if you need it.”
I think why these powerful classroom management phrases help my students is because they are aware of my clear expectations and my clear consequences when they don’t meet those expectations.
What are some of your key class management phrases? I’d love to hear them!
Darren Barkett