Classroom management can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to set clear rules and maintain them throughout the school year. It’s even harder when you’re juggling student expectations and reinforcing positive behavior. Sometimes, without realizing it, teachers might disrupt the classroom dynamic.
Former middle school language arts teacher Jennifer Gonzalez shares ten common mistakes that can “sabotage classroom management” and offers solutions to avoid them.
“You already know the basics: set clear rules, follow through with consequences, and keep students engaged,” she says. “But even when you’ve got all that down, small habits can still throw your system off track.”
One of those habits is “smiling at the wrong times,” according to Gonzalez.
“I struggled with this a lot,” she admits. “I thought my students were hilarious, so when someone started to derail the lesson, I’d smile, which only encouraged more disruption. Then, five minutes later, I’d be yelling at the class for being out of control. It was a cycle.”
Her advice? Practice maintaining a neutral, focused expression when you need students to stay on task.
“I still believe it’s important to show students you appreciate their sense of humor, but they also need to understand when it’s time to be serious,” she explains. “Have a private talk with your class clowns, letting them know that when you don’t react to their jokes, it’s because it’s a serious moment.”
Another common mistake is making students “choose between listening and reading.”
“When you hand out a worksheet, do you give them quiet time to read it, or do you talk over them, explaining the document as they try to focus on it?” she asks. “If you’re talking while they’re reading, they’re either missing what’s on the paper or what you’re saying—no one can do both at once.”
Gonzalez’s solution is simple: say what you need to first, then pass out the materials.
“Once they have the handout, give them a few minutes to read in silence. And stay quiet. If you need to interrupt, ask them to put the papers down, so they can give you their full attention,” she advises.
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