I’d like to add that it’s important to lay out expectations at the start of the term. You don’t have to be heavy handed, nor make a list of dos and don’ts. Set the mark for which students need to aim, and then give them every opportunity and assistance to get them there.

I really like these and also your take on “classroom management”. Meaning, it isn’t just about “control” and power but having a lesson that creating a culture that makes these issues mute or less of a problem….

I believe it SO important to frame things positively in the classroom, as per your suggestion about the word “no”. Also goes for the rules in the classroom “raise your hand” as oppossed to “Don’t speak out of turn” etc…..

If I get the time and hoping you don’t mind, I’d like to make a ppt presentation of these and a few others I could add? Would be a great primer for new and old teachers alike. We can’t think about this enough and through that process I think we gain “experience” and do so much of it intuitively. thanks….

David

PS> I’ll also add that two things I’ve used quite effectively with young learners is a yellow card / red card / green card system (football being such a well understood thing). Also in Asia a time out area works wonders but would never work in my clasroom in Canada (but your stress ball would maybe?). I also think teachers need to use a two step signalling device. Audio not visual. I use a bell. One hit and kids “freeze” Can be so funny. Two and they relax and listen/regroup.