KMK: Classroom Management – 5-4-3-2-1

So now you’ve got your Engl on the blackboard. Your kids know your rules, but like all kids they slip up and slide toward that cliff of obnoxious ruckus that children all around the world have mastered. What do you do?

You could just snatch up the eraser and make a letter disappear or you could give the kids a quick warning that lets them know they’re in danger of losing a letter while also grabbing their attention and quieting them down.

That’s where 54321 comes in. Start counting backwards from five with the corresponding hand gesture. When you reach zero everyone should be quiet with their eyes focused on you, hands clasped on their desks. If not, they lose a letter. You won’t believe how fast those kids will start disciplining each other to get everyone quieted down and ready. They do the work for you!

Of course you have to have told this to the kids beforehand on the first day so they know how it works otherwise they’ll just think you can’t count.

You could use anything that allows for both visual and aural communication to regain control of the class. This way even if they don’t understand what you’re saying the body language should communicate effectively what they should be doing. A call and response works as well. It’s all up to you to make it work.

Next time we’ll focus on individual rewards for cementing good behavior and instilling that personal sense of pride.