3 Behavior Management Strategies That Work
Proven in Real Classrooms and Supported by Educational Research❤️
Classroom Mangement That Works
3 Moves to Motivate Positive Behaviors
Classroom management needs fresh ideas. Teachers need more than just rules, consequences, and redirections. They need approaches that intrigue and engage today’s students.
In The Carrot and the Stick, we explored how what you notice and how you respond becomes the foundation of your classroom management and shapes the culture students experience each day. In How to Handle Disruptive Students we shared two strategies to prevent student escalation, and in Where Science Meets the Classroom, we added two proactive strategies every teacher should have in their toolbox.
This short article offers three more strategies you can start using tomorrow. Two are designed to bring positive principles to life. The third gives students voice and choice, helping them take ownership when things go off track.
✨ Secret Stars
Secret Stars is a simple yet powerful strategy for boosting on-task behavior and building a sense of team in your classroom. It works especially well when you have a lot to cover. Because the mystery keeps everyone invested, students come together to meet the goal. No one wants to be the reason the class misses out, so they hold each other accountable in a positive way.
Dialed In
Dialed In puts a positive spin on the typical “problem calls” home. Instead of reaching out only when there’s an issue, call to share something great: “Your child was excellent today.” This works well as a weekly or monthly habit, with a goal of making three to five calls each week. 🔑 The key is making sure every family hears positive news from you, whether it’s the student who struggles or the one who always goes above and beyond. Everyone appreciates hearing good news.
Choice Charter 📜
Choice Charter transforms the way consequences work in your classroom. Instead of surprising students with punishments in the moment, you co-create a clear agreement at the start of the term. Students pre-commit to an “easy path” and a “hard path,” making every outcome feel like their own choice. This simple shift reduces power struggles, boosts self-control, and turns behavior management into a shared responsibility rather than a constant tug-of-war.
"If you want to gather honey, don’t kick over the beehive."
— Dale Carnegie
🌟Conclusion
We hope this ‘Strategy Edition’ of our Classroom Management Series sparks your enthusiasm and opens your imagination to creative strategies that will engage your students.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle
I would love to hear from you. What kinds of strategies do you need more of? What is your favorite strategy and why? What questions do you have? What do you like about these strategies?
Get our extensive library of proven strategies at BrainZones.org and kick the school year off right.
With over 30 years in an urban district, both as a teacher and a coach, I know how challenging difficult behavior can be. These strategies work, however, if you are struggling, you are not alone, we are here to help - just reach out.
Questions and comments are welcome. If you are finding this Classroom Management series valuable, please share.
Debbie Leonard
Cofounder & Content Creator