Episode 6: Unique Strategies for Classroom Management

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Unique Strategies for Classroom Management

Back in my first few months of teaching, the struggle was REAL! I had no strategy for classroom management. Nothing I did seemed to have an impact on the actions of my students. Everything was out of control and I had no idea what to do.

Then my mentor told me about ENVoY. (Did that sound like a prescription commercial to anyone else?!)

But seriously, ENVoY changed the way I saw classroom management. It is based on nonverbal communication. Michael Grinder helps people master the science of nonverbal communication! His educational series is based on research he did by visiting thousands of classrooms and seeing what worked for management in their classrooms. He put labels on it to help other teachers learn the techniques.

Believe when I say this changed the way I run my classroom. It preserves student relationships while keeping your classroom running smoothly.

1. ABOVE (pause) whisper

This is to grab your students’ attention. Whether you use a bell or call out “Class!”, the ABOVE needs to be just above the noise level in your classroom.

Then you pause, waiting for your students to settle down, and give your their attention.

Then to end it, whisper. I use “Thank you” but you can use anything.

2. Exit Directions

I mention this back in Episode 4 talking about Increasing Student Engagement.

Exit Directions are a way to have students gain independence and free you up as a teacher to answer academic questions. You can refer students back to it anytime they are unsure of the task. In Exit Directions, you will want to include: What to do, How to do it, Where to do it, and What to do when finished.

Here are two examples:

3. Most Important Twenty Seconds

How often do you release students to do work, and they don’t get started or on task? The Most Important Twenty Seconds (MITS) helps with this!

Links to All the Goodies

Michael Grinder’s YouTube Channel

Michael Grinder’s Website – It’s not just about teacher stuff. Check out his couple’s retreat or business advice! I had the pleasure of taking one of his courses, A Cat in the Doghouse where he gave us some of this business tips as well. AMAZING STUFF!