Book Review: The Classroom Management Secret

If you are looking to “up” your classroom management game, there are many helpful, research-based resources on the market. They vary in approach, therefore you have to choose the one that you believe fits your classroom management style the best.

If you are looking to purchase a guide, read my book reviews with Big Ideas to determine which one is right for you. And of course, to get an overview of ALL effective Classroom Management strategies, purchase Chapter 2 of the How to Teach Elementary School series: Classroom Management.

I first discovered Michael Linsin and The Classroom Management Secret through his blog at Smart Classroom Management. If you haven’t visited his website, I highly recommend it.

If you are a no-nonsense teacher who likes things simple and to the point (like me), this is the classroom management plan for you!

While The Classroom Management Secret can be implemented in all classrooms K-12, in its entirety, I feel it is best for grades 3 and up. A core belief of the author is that giving rewards in exchange for good behavior is a mistake and only improves behavior in the short term. Rewards do not change behavior in the long run and make classroom management more difficult. For long-lasting behavior improvement, create a classroom that nurtures intrinsic motivation.

I agree with this in theory; the older your students are, the more this can be your core philosophy. For younger students, K-5, a rewards system has value. Giving intermittent rewards for good behavior and work effort has benefits. Allowing students to work towards a goal, with a reward attached, has its benefits.

Whole group and individual reward systems that allow students to earn opportunities like extra recess, classroom free time, a positive phone call home, lunch with the teacher, and sitting next to a friend in class, can help to foster a positive classroom culture. I am not a believer in the rewards that have students picking trinkets from a treasure box or passing out candy. There can be a middle ground.

You CAN foster intrinsic motivation AND give students a reward goal to work towards that can contribute to a positive classroom environment.

I DO NOT want to reveal the SECRET in The Classroom Management Secret. You will need to read the book for yourself, but there are a lot of great TIPS from this management philosophy.

The HOW TO TEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Top Tips from The Classroom Management Secret.

Create a classroom that students LOVE to be in and have an unwavering commitment to accountability.
The first days of school are CRITICAL. Teach rules, consequences, routines and procedures and PRACTICE. Do fun activities to build culture.
Once rules, consequences, routines and procedures are taught, they will be followed and enforced. ALL. THE. TIME.
Have an organized class. Be prepared to teach everyday. The classroom needs to match your call for excellence.
The small things are the big things. How students handle small, simple routines show how they will handle big things.
When giving a consequence, remain calm and indifferent. It is the student’s problem, not yours.
Don’t micromanage. Don’t give reminders. If students know you will give reminders then why listen? By giving constant reminders you suffocate academic and social growth.
Improve listening and following directions by only giving directions ONE TIME. State the directions one time, stand and wait for them to be followed. Period.
Avoid boredom by changing things up! Make learning fun. Talk less. Get kids involved and engaged.