Classroom Management Strategies for School Counselors

One of the questions we see asked the most is, “What are some classroom management strategies for school counselors?!” After all, there is no “Classroom Management Strategies for School Counselors” course in college, right? More and more school counselors are getting their degree without having a background in education first. This post will provide practical strategies you can implement today! Be sure to listen or watch our podcast on the same topic.

Classroom Management Strategy 1: Be Prepared

If only we earned a quarter for every time we’ve heard the saying, “By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail,” we could at least afford a new pair of earrings. When we do a lesson, we try to have more activities than we need, just in case the lesson goes faster than we thought it would. Is there a greater fear than staring into the eyes of 20 kindergarten students knowing you have run out of tricks to keep them entertained??

Classroom ManagementStrategy 2:
Quiet Puppet

Here is my little quiet seat puppy watching the students participate in the class discussion.

This works great with my K-2 students. I tell my students at the beginning of the class that my little puppy friend is going to be watching for the quietest table. I switch the puppy from table to table throughout the lesson. When I announce the puppy at the beginning of the lesson, it makes the students snap to attention and be on their best behavior. As the lesson progresses, sometimes the students get excited and start talking. When I move the puppy to another table, it reminds the students of my classroom expectations without me having to say a word.

Classroom Management Strategy 3: Set Expectations

Before you can set expectations for your students, you need to know what you expect from them. Then, you need to figure out a way to communicate it to them. For example, be clear on whether you want a quiet room or a silent room. There is a difference. If you want no talking at all, make sure you tell them you want silence.
Post your rules and review them each time you meet with them. It may seem crazy, but repetition will lead to results. I have seen students remind each other, “Don’t violate rule #3!”

Strategy 4: Tickets–> Prize Box

Consider giving each student a ticket as they meet your clear expectations. At the end of the class you can draw a ticket from a hat and give students a chance to get into a prize box. Kim does a great job with this. Her prize box is stocked with toys from kids meals or things she has found on clearance at the dollar store.

Strategy 5: Table Signs

I use these table signs and name my tables before each lesson. I try to use words associated with the topic of my lesson. For example, when I did our Let’s Taco ‘Bout the Counselor lesson, I named a table the Guacamole table. One table was the Nacho table. This way I can say, “I need my Nacho table to lower your voices, please.” So I’m not singling out a student. Plus students love the fun names associated with the lessons.

Strategy 6:
Explain and Demonstrate

Legendary classroom management guru, Harry Wong, stresses this multiple times in his classroom management talks. Explain what you want them to do and then demonstrate it. For example, if you don’t want their voice level to go above a whisper, tell them, let them hear the whisper, and then let them practice whispering. Tell them what signals to look for or listen for when discussion time is over. For example, I use the alarm on my phone. I tell them when they hear the alarm tone on my phone they need to stop the activity and be prepared to listen.

We share many more tips and tricks on our podcast. Plus the lively banter should put a smile on your face. Let us know what classroom management strategies you use, too!