Quick Reference Guides
Sometimes you need quick answers and immediate strategies. Here is an emergency toolkit—practical checklists, scripts, and strategies you can reference in the moment or use for quick planning. Keep this section handy for those challenging days when you need fast, proven solutions.
Daily Management Checklist
- Greet students at the door
- Start with clear expectations for the lesson
- Scan the room regularly
- Give specific, positive feedback
- Address issues privately when possible
- End class on a positive note
When Things Go Wrong
In the Moment:
- Stay calm and breathe
- Address safety first
- Use proximity and non-verbal cues
- Redirect privately if possible
- Continue teaching others
After the Incident:
- Reflect on what happened
- Have individual conversation with student
- Determine if follow-up is needed
- Consider if routine needs adjustment
- Plan prevention strategies
Emergency Management Kit
For Overwhelming Days:
- Brain breaks every 15-20 minutes
- Simplify lesson plans
- Use more partner/group work
- Build in movement
- Lower your voice and slow down
For Individual Challenging Students:
- Check if basic needs are met (hungry, tired, etc.)
- Look for patterns in behavior
- Consider environmental factors
- Connect with support staff
- Document for future reference
Building Relationships Script Bank
Daily Interactions:
- “Good morning, [Name]. I’m glad you’re here.”
- “How was your [weekend/game/performance]?”
- “I noticed you worked really hard on this.”
- “Thanks for being so helpful today.”
- “See you tomorrow. Have a great evening.”
When Students Are Struggling:
- “I believe in you, even when things are tough.”
- “Everyone learns at their own pace, and that’s okay.”
- “What can I do to support you better?”
- “Your effort is what matters most to me.”
- “Let’s figure this out together.”
Celebrating Growth:
- “Look how much you’ve improved since [specific time].”
- “I’m proud of the choice you made to keep trying.”
- “You should feel proud of yourself.”
- “Your hard work is really showing.”
- “That was excellent problem-solving.”
Preventative Strategies by Age Group
Elementary (K-5)
- Visual schedules and routine charts
- Movement breaks every 20 minutes
- Clear, simple expectations with pictures
- Positive reinforcement systems (stickers, points)
- Calm-down strategies taught explicitly
Middle School (6-8)
- Consistent routines but allow some flexibility
- Community building activities to address social needs
- Choice and autonomy within structure
- Respect for developing independence
- Understanding of emotional volatility
High School (9-12)
- Collaborative rule-setting
- Adult-like treatment with clear boundaries
- Relevance of learning emphasized
- Student voice in classroom decisions
- Preparation for post-graduation independence
Remember: Effective classroom management is about creating an environment where learning can flourish. It’s built on relationships, consistency, and a genuine belief that all students can succeed when given the right support and expectations.
