Classroom Management Strategies that Actually Work
When it comes to running a classroom, many early childhood educators struggle to find a balance between fun and structure. Behavior management can quickly become every teacher’s headache, leading to frustration for teachers, students, and parents who receive the incident reports each day.
As a behavior analyst, former toddler teacher, and current toddler mom—I’m here to share some practical tips on classroom management strategies to ease some of your stress.
Managing Yourself
You have so much on your mind as you walk into work. Family commitments are sneaking up, you just left a sink full of dirty dishes at home, and you desperately need a vacation. Here you are, preparing to walk into another day of tantrums, and toddler chaos. You brace yourself.
Before you step into the classroom check in with yourself — are you able to manage your own behaviors? One of the most crucial parts of leadership (teachers are leaders!) is being able to observe yourself and regulate your actions, even when the world feels messy.
As you prepare to walk into work, ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I reacting quickly to people and situations around me?
Did I snap at my husband this morning? Was I easily frustrated by other drivers?
2. Do I have the capacity to connect with another person right now?
If I see a co-worker on the way in, am I in a space to greet him/her? Am I in a headspace to have a positive conversation with a peer or caregiver in the classroom?
3. Have I met my own needs today? If not, how can I do that?
Did I have breakfast this morning? When I woke up, was I rested? Have I spent time preparing for my day in a way that feels productive?
Being aware of your own needs and meeting them prior to walking into work is one of the most effective ways to minimize problematic behaviors in the classroom. Managing your own stress allows you to connect and manage your classroom environment for better outcomes.
Attachment and connection with students leads to better outcomes and fosters resilience. The best way to help in forming these relationships is showing up as your best and healthiest self. Prioritizing your self-care is crucial to classroom success!
Managing Your Students
Your young students are looking to you for guidance on how to behave, so it’s up to you to give them feedback and cues that lead to a peaceful classroom environment. The best way to do this is to focus on routines and consistency.
Focus on having your routine set in stone, especially at the start of the day! This creates a stable beginning and sets the tone for the entire class. Have a brief morning check-in or greeting as a way to connect and start your students’ days.
Making a C.A.S.E. for Routine
C- Calm.
Routines reduce overwhelm, for both students and teachers, by creating predictability through repeated exposure and practice. When the day follows a familiar rhythm, everyone feels more grounded
A - Anchored.
A shared schedule keeps the group moving together. It provides a steady framework that holds everyone in place, even when individual emotions or behaviors fluctuate.
S - Safe
Consistency builds emotional security. When students know what to expect, they’re more able to regulate their emotions and trust the environment around them.
E - Effective.
When children know what's coming next, they can prepare to transition smoothly and engage more fully. This leads to fewer meltdowns, more participation in curriculum activities, and less frustration for everyone.
Keeping the focus on consistent routines and connection with your students will help in decreasing problem behaviors by establishing expectations.
You’re telling them what they should be doing and establishing yourself as a safe (but firm) adult who is there to keep them safe and engaged.
Sample Routine for A Preschool Classroom
Here is an example of a routine that most classrooms are likely familiar with already! I’ve tweaked it to show how to make it even stronger.
When we come inside from the playground, we line up at the sink → Having a verbal reminder as they come inside is important, “Line up to wash your hands!”
We wash our hands and dry them → Use a visual schedule (like this one) so the children remember all the steps for handwashing.
We find a book until it’s time for lunch/next activity → Use a visual cue for this, such as comfy pillows set out on the floor or curriculum set out on the table for them to go right to. They should know what is coming next and where to go.
Managing Family Relationships
At the end of the day you have three incident reports to hand out and you already know how each family is going to react. You dread these conversations and they can be a rough end to an already exhausting day.
We should be working as a team for these children but after working with hundreds of students and families, I’ve realized that’s rarely the case. Parents and teachers often feel at odds with each other, each dreading the end-of-day conversations when their child is having behavioral struggles.
Remember: You are a team in this.
Take a genuine interest in their life and family culture.
This should start immediately and continue throughout the student’s time in your classroom. Ask about the family dynamics, what movies they enjoy, how they spend their weekends. Be curious and open to hearing what works for them at home.
Start with a positive, always.
When a parent or caregiver walks in, it can be tempting to complain about their child or blurt out “It was another rough day.” Try to stop yourself. Greet the family with kindness and excitement and allow the child an opportunity to do the same. Then pull the parent aside for a moment of reflection.
Here’s an example of what a reflection might look like:
“Bobby had a really great time playing outside today - he loves water!”
“He really does, his grandma takes him to the pool when she has him over the summer.”
“I love that they have that time together. I know when he’s at home, there aren’t other children around, so he doesn’t have to share. Today he had a hard time waiting his turn and ended up getting a little bruise when another child hit him during a moment of big emotions.”
“Where is the bruise? Was he upset?”
“He was a little shocked more than anything, but the bruise is on his shoulder. We used an ice pack and talked about waiting our turn next time. Both children were playing together again with no further issues. It happens at this age!”
Share positive specifics about their child.
Talk about specific moments you’ve enjoyed with the student, praise that child in front of him/her to their parents, and be sincere. This will help more than anything in connecting with families and cementing your relationship as a team.
Most importantly…
Managing a classroom isn't about being perfect, it's about being present, prepared, and consistent. When you take care of yourself, build predictable routines, and foster strong relationships with families, you're laying the groundwork for a classroom of your dreams.
Early Childhood Classroom Management: FAQs
How do I manage misbehavior in a preschooler?
Correction through connection is something I tell all my teacher clients! Connect with the students before anything else. When they respect you, they’ll be more likely to adhere to your rules and classroom expectations. Be sure to consistently greet them kindly and with excitement and remain consistent in your expectations.
Why are the terrible twos so terrible?
When a child turns 2, they’re developing opinions and thoughts about what they want to do, rather than what they have to do. They’re developing a sense of self and autonomy - this should be fostered while also creating and holding firm boundaries.
Why are students so much “worse” at school than at home?
Consider how much attention a child receives at school compared to his/her home. While at home, there is much more attention available to the child, when at school, the available attention is limited! Some children act out as a way to ensure they access attention throughout the day.
Want more strategies grounded in behavioral science and real-world classroom experience?
Explore our coaching and training options for educators who want to feel more confident in their behavior management abilities!
