The 6 Most Common Mistakes New Teachers Make When Creating a Classroom Management Plan

The concept of a classroom management plan can feel like a mammoth task to wrap your head around, especially if you’re just starting your journey as a teacher. It’s not a magical solution to erase every challenge or a cure-all potion to guarantee perfect behavior. Far from it, actually. Classroom management plans are fluid, messy, and ever-evolving, much like the nature of teaching itself.

Sure, a well-thought-out plan can save you from countless headaches down the line, making your classroom a place where learning happens smoothly. But let’s be real here: it’s not just about what’s happening on paper, it’s about the dynamic, unpredictable reality of managing young minds in a learning environment.

Now, the important thing to remember is that mistakes are inevitable, especially if you’re new to teaching. And while this might sound like a deterrent, it’s a good thing. Because every mistake you make is a step towards understanding what works and what doesn’t in your unique classroom environment.

In this post, we’ll explore six of the most common mistakes new teachers make when creating a classroom management plan, from failing to factor in consequences or rewards while formulating rules to neglecting to include parents or guardians in the decision-making process. By shedding light on these pitfalls, we hope to guide you in navigating the often overwhelming world of teaching with more confidence and less stress. Let’s dive in!

What is a classroom management plan?

A classroom management plan is your roadmap, your guidebook. It outlines how you intend to navigate the classroom landscape each day. The details vary greatly, encompassing the rules you set, the procedures you implement, and the consequences that follow. It’s about more than just discipline; it’s about structure and fluidity, tradition and innovation, routine and spontaneity.

A classroom management plan is your vision, it’s your philosophy translated into daily routines and expectations. It helps to streamline teaching, learning, and all the in-between moments, working towards smoother, more enjoyable class days.

While it’s not a cure-all solution or a silver bullet, it’s an indispensable tool in every teacher’s kit. Just remember, the best plans leave room for the unexpected because classrooms, like life, are full of surprises.

Common Classroom management mistakes and how to avoid them

Unfortunately, most inappropriate behavior doesn’t start out as a huge problem. This disruptive behavior escalates over time because it isn’t dealt with. That’s why I’m sharing my three most important tips for creating an effective classroom management plan that you’ll actually be able to follow through with. 

Mistake 1: Trying to change everything at once

We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t eat an elephant in one bite,” and it rings true when shaping your classroom management plan. In a whirlwind of enthusiasm and determination, it’s tempting to overhaul everything at once. But here’s the reality: trying to focus on every single detail simultaneously can leave you feeling overwhelmed, burned out, and without the desired results.

I’ll admit it – even I have found myself guilty of this, especially when it feels like classroom management is spiraling out of control. However, it’s essential to remember this sage advice: start small.

Instead of scattering your energy across numerous changes at once, zero in on one specific aspect you want to improve. This could be as simple as focusing on a single classroom rule. When you see a student adhering to this rule, shower them with praise.

This approach does double duty – not only does it make the management transformation more digestible for you, but it also fosters a positive classroom environment. By highlighting the right behaviors, you’re shifting the focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right, encouraging more of such positive actions in the process.

Mistake 2: Neglecting Student Personalities in the Planning Process

When drafting a classroom management plan, new teachers often make the mistake of not taking into account the personalities of their students. No two classrooms are the same because no two groups of students are the same.

Your classroom management plan shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all strategy but rather should cater to the unique dynamics of your classroom. Observe your students, understand their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and use this information to shape your plan. A classroom that feels personalized will foster a sense of belonging among students, which can significantly enhance the learning experience.

Mistake 3: Forgetting About Personal Style and School Environment

Don’t make the mistake of crafting a classroom management plan that doesn’t reflect your teaching style or take into account your school’s culture and environment. Remember, your plan is not an isolated document but something that needs to be integrated into your everyday teaching and your school’s overall framework.

If you’re a teacher who believes in learning through play, a strict, rigid classroom management plan would contradict your teaching style. Similarly, if your school emphasizes collaboration and group work, a plan that discourages student interaction won’t be successful. Remember your personal style and school’s philosophy when creating your classroom management plan.

Mistake 4: Getting stuck in complaint mode

When the days feel like a constant uphill battle, it’s all too easy to slide into frustration. We’ve all experienced those years that push us into a grumbling, overwhelmed state, seemingly incapable of breaking the cycle of disruptive behavior. No matter how many lectures we deliver or stern looks we give, the class seems to remain just outside our control. It leaves us begging the question: Why can’t we just gain control?!

Many educators mistakenly believe that classroom management revolves around control – wielding power over students to enforce rules. Let’s clear the air: Effective classroom management is not about control. Good behavior isn’t born out of fear or domination.

Enforcing rules purely based on your authority does a disservice to your students. It doesn’t equip them with the skills and values they need to be good citizens outside the classroom. The stark truth is, we don’t hold control over our students.

Your sphere of influence ends with you. We all have our ‘Joeys’ and ‘Janets’ who seem to know exactly which buttons to press. But no matter how much we wish Joey would stop talking and listen, we can’t control his actions.

What we can control, however, is our response to the behavior. By taking a step back and reconsidering our approach, we can see the situation in a new light. It may be tough, especially when dealing with that particularly challenging student, but ultimately, the only person we can change is ourselves.

Your responses and actions profoundly affect how your students react to you. By making mindful choices, you can shape your classroom environment, making your role easier and more effective.

Mistake 5: Creating Too Many or Too Few Rules

Just as Goldilocks in the fairy tale sought porridge that was “just right,” so too should your classroom rules be: not too many, and not too few. But striking this balance is often where new teachers stumble.

Overloading your students with rules can make the classroom environment feel oppressive and can also confuse your students. On the other hand, too few rules can lead to a lack of structure, which may result in chaotic classrooms where learning takes a backseat.

Aim for a balance that creates an atmosphere conducive to learning, but also gives your students room to breathe, grow, and make mistakes. When in doubt, less is more. It’s better to start with a few essential rules and add more as needed than to start with too many and need to backtrack.

Mistake 6: Failing to Include Parents/Guardians in the Decision Making

The last common mistake that new teachers often make is leaving parents or guardians out of the decision-making process. While it’s true that you’re in charge of managing your classroom, parents can be valuable allies in your quest for a well-behaved, smoothly functioning class.

By involving parents in your plan, not only will you get a better understanding of each student’s individual needs and challenges, but you’ll also gain their support. This cooperation can make implementing your classroom management plan at school more effective, and can also help extend good behavior patterns into students’ homes.

The Essential Ingredient: Building Relationships with Students

While the pitfalls we’ve just navigated are common ones, remember that they’re just a fraction of the vast puzzle of classroom management. The biggest piece, and perhaps the most rewarding, is fostering relationships with your students.

When students believe – truly believe – that their teacher cares about them, wants them to succeed, and appreciates their individuality, they are much more likely to engage constructively in the classroom. That positive engagement can transform your class into an active, vibrant learning community that you’re proud to lead.

The power of these relationships cannot be overstated. Students who feel valued and respected are more likely to respect the classroom rules and their peers. In turn, this makes your classroom time more enjoyable and productive, not just for you, but for everyone in the class.

So, as we wrap up, remember: As teachers, we all stumble, we all learn, and we all grow. That’s part of the journey. Embrace it. Forge those connections with your students, refine your approach, and keep your expectations high. It’s through these practices – and the inevitable mistakes – that you’ll create a thriving classroom culture.

And, you know what? You’ll be pretty proud of the incredible community you and your students built together.