SPED 117 - G4

classroom management

is essential for keeping order and creating an inclusive, caring environment

• Establishing Clear Rules and Routines

• Physical Arrangement of the Classroom

• Positive Teacher–Student Relationships

• Engagement and Differentiated Instruction

• Consistency and Equity-Focused Discipline

key concepts of classroom management

establishing clear rules and routines

Keep rules simple and consistent. Use visual aids (e.g., picture schedules) to show what’s next. Helps students with autism or attention issues feel calm and cooperate.

physical arrangement of the classroom

Make classrooms accessible and supportive. Provide clear walkways for mobility needs. Set up quiet sensory areas Offer front seating for students with vision or hearing challenges.

positive teacher-student relationships

Build trust, empathy, and responsiveness. Use lesson study and teacher learning groups to improve teaching. Strengthens relationships and supports an inclusive classroom

engagement and differentiated instruction

Make lessons flexible and responsive. Use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) methods. Include adaptive technology and different teaching formats. Helps engage all students and meet diverse needs

consistency and equity-focused discipline

Fairness means meeting each student’s needs, not treating everyone the same. Use structured supervision, clear verbal cues, and supportive environments to boost learning. Apply Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to encourage positive behavior instead of punishment

philosophy of classroom management

serves as a teacher’s compass. It ensures that decisions about discipline, relationships, and learning spaces are consistent, empathetic, and student-centered

respect for diversity

View differences in ability, culture, and behavior as opportunities. Promote safety, respect, and acceptance. Create a space where all students can express themselves freel

positive behavior support

Avoid relying only on punishment. Use proactive strategies: clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and engagement. Builds intrinsic motivation and supports students with special needs

student-centered approach

Focus on each student’s individual needs. Use flexible seating, visual schedules, behavior contracts, and assistive technology. Helps create an inclusive space where all students can succeed.

collaboration and relationships

Build trust with students, parents, therapists, and colleagues for unified support. Encourage peer collaboration to foster care, belonging, and respect in the classroom.

reflective practice

Developing a personal philosophy is ongoing. Reflect on experiences and adapt strategies. Stay open to new approaches as students’ needs change.

noncompliance

When a student refuses to follow instructions or directions.

disruptiveness

Actions like yelling or throwing tantrums that interrupt the class.

aggression

Physical harm toward others, such as hitting or throwing objects.

self-injury

Hurting oneself on purpose, like banging their head or biting.

functional behavior assessment

Finds the purpose of a behavior.

ABC Analysis

Looks at Antecedent (what happens before), Behavior, and Consequence.

scatterplot

track when and where behaviors happen to spot patterns.

positive behavior support

Reinforce desired behaviors with rewards or praise. Adjust the environment to reduce triggers

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports)

School-wide supports for all students. Individualized behavior plans for specific needs.

Structured Routines & Positive Reinforcement

Use consistent schedules and visual cues. Praise or reward prosocial behaviors

De-escalation Techniques

Stay calm and validate student feelings. Offer sensory breaks or quiet spaces to prevent escalation.

behavioral shaping

Model and prompt small steps toward the goal.

Scaffold or chain tasks to build positive habits.

selective attention

Ignore minor negative behaviors. Immediately reinforce positive actions.

tootling

Encourage students to notice peers’ helpful acts Share and celebrate these positive reports to build community