Make the most of every minute you spend teaching.

If you’ve been teaching a while, you know how frustrating disruptions can be. That’s why it’s important to plan for them in advance and to communicate expectations to your class on the very first day of school. That way students are well aware of the conduct they are to display while in the classroom. Using your CTL computer, you can create a classroom list that you display in a high traffic area where it can be seen and reviewed often. You can also type up a document containing the class rules, photocopy them, and pass them out to each student.

Here is how to minimize classroom disruptions:

• Model the type of behavior you expect from your students. That way, they can do exactly as you want them to do. They’ll follow your example which minimizes disruptions and instills a sense of pride in them for a job well done.
• Schedule breaks to go to the bathroom and get a drink as a class if you teach younger students. Make it so that everyone goes together to the restroom and water fountain. You’ll have fewer requests to go alone that way.
• Stick to a routine as much as possible. Again, this is about expressing expectations. Students are able to do many things on their own when they’re familiar with a routine. They can be in their desks, ready to go by the time you’re prepared to share your lesson with them.
• Rotate classroom obligations, so each student gets to do a specific task. Empower students by giving them responsibilities, like managing their education Chromebooks. It helps build skills and their self-esteem. When tasks are being taken care of by everyone, there is no room for jealousy or competition. Each student knows it will be their turn to do a certain task very soon.

It doesn’t matter what grade you teach, there will be interruptions to deal with. You can easily prevent them and disruptions from interfering with your lesson plans. By implementing the tips listed above, you’ll be able to focus more on the task at hand and less on the unexpected mishaps taking place in the classroom. You’ll be able to accomplish more in less time without putting forth a lot of extra effort.