My thoughts on what to do in a classroom!

I cannot say this is what one should or should not do as I do not have the experience or being in my own classroom. But, I have been a student for almost 19 years and have this experience on my side. I think that rewards are excellent for classroom management but they have to be used with caution. Some students may not want the reward offered and may still misbehave and ruin the reward for others, this leads to tension between the students. Speaking softly but firmly always works as well. This way there is not fear present but it lets the students know when the teacher is serious. My mom was a grade one teacher for over 30 years and she has never raised her voice in the classroom (nor at home for that manner), but she has a certain tone and it lets you know when she means business! A big part of classroom management is respect, if the teacher does not show respect and understanding for her students then the students will not show respect for the teacher. It is a two way street. As I have said before I have not had my own classroom yet, so my comments my not hold true when I begin teaching. However, for now I have only the perspective of a student and these are things that I consider important!