Top 9 Strategies for Instilling Discipline and Managing First Graders Every Homeroom Teacher Should Know

Often, teachers answer students' questions without waiting for them to raise their hands, fostering a bad habit. Teachers must remember the rule 'speak only when allowed.' Over time, students will learn to wait for their turn to speak.

Just as with older grades, first-grade teachers should set clear rules. Despite their young age, kids understand right from wrong, and principles. For instance, at the start of class, a teacher might ask: 'How do we behave during class time?' This prompts responses, giving the teacher a chance to say 'So, we...' This is followed by establishing non-verbal cues like:

• Hand on lips means silence.
• Knocking on the desk means look up at the board.
• And more...

Teachers could also list 5 principles for being a good listener on the board. When a student breaks a rule, teaching stops, and the student must read the principles aloud:

• Ears are for listening.
• Eyes on the speaker.
• Mouths are quiet.
• Sit still.
• Hands off everything.

If a student fails to listen or interrupts, the teacher should firmly remind them of the rules and thank those who listen well. Incorporating the student's name into the lesson can regain their attention and bring them back into the discussion.

The first parent-teacher meeting of the year is crucial. It allows teachers to get acquainted with the family background and personality of each student in their class, facilitating a partnership with parents to instill discipline in students. Specifically, parents should:

• Check their child's books and school supplies before school, gradually fostering a habit of self-preparation according to the class schedule without parental assistance.
• Educate their child on the importance of being tidy and organized in both studies and play.
• Ensure a balanced routine, with each hour dedicated to its intended purpose, avoiding multitasking that can hinder learning.
• Regularly communicate with the homeroom teacher through direct conversations, phone calls, or communication books to timely remind and supervise students' discipline at school and home.

Instead of raising their voice, teachers should capture students' attention, then speak softly and approach those who are chatting. Thanking the quiet students for their attention and readiness to learn, the teacher asks the others, 'What about you?' Emphasizing that learning new things is impossible amidst noise.

Elementary students enjoy being praised and encouraged. At the beginning of the year, teachers should discuss with parents and set up a competition chart for the class, clearly noting the rules for rewards and violations. This competitive approach encourages students to be eager and active in maintaining discipline.

Another rewarding method could be:

• Assigning each student a unique number
• The teacher announces these numbers for students to remember
• Mark the numbers on the board in the left corner for competition
• Each act of good behavior or correct answer earns a star, exemplary behavior earns a smiley face, while disorderly conduct results in a star being removed
• At the end of the week, students with the most stars receive rewards

Not only for first graders but also for older students, 'forgiveness and acceptance' should always be a principle for teachers. Be lenient when they do not act as expected. Understand that children often forget and need frequent reminders. Avoid being too strict, as it can make them fearful and reluctant to go to school. Let every school day be a day of joy, making the school a second family.