I picked up a few ideas from the kindergarten teacher this past Friday:

• She used a traffic light in which all the children had a clothes pin on the green light, once they behaved inappropriately, they moved to the yellow light and if they make it to the red, they must sit at the time-out chair.
• She used the big puzzel shaped foam pieces for the children to sit at during story time and morning message. She also had their names taped on the pieces so she could control seating arrangements.
• She would draw out of a bag the student helper for that day. The student helper would help with the morning message, get to sit at the stool next to the teacher at the story mat, and got to stand at the front of the line.

The link FOCUS on Classroom Management - 5 week seminar description and outline which is located in under "Web Resources", contains a description of a 5 week seminar on Classroom Management. It describes each weekly seminar and provides an outline. It also contains some very useful ideas and tips to use in the classroom!!

Classroom management outside the classroom!

Classroom management not only involves having control of the children in the classroom, but also in other areas of the school such as the gym and the playground. Here is a link to a video of a teacher sharing a tip to control behavioural issues at the school playground. I think this idea can be used in any area of the school!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1yTloGrKPQ

There are many other videos like this one on youtube, just type in the search box, "teachers trade secrets" and you'll get a bunch of videos of teachers sharing an idea they find effective!

Great tips!

Although I have a link provided to education-world.com, I found a really good curriculum article within the site. It has some really good ideas for maintaining control of your classroom. I think students will love these ideas!

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr261.shtml

New Link

Teachervision.com says this about classroom management:
"The toughest challenges become easier when you have the resources to support you."

http://www.teachervision.com/ has a tab titled "classroom management" which links you to a page containing links and information. It has a big part of it's website devoted to classroom management.
I believe teachervision.com has very reliable information!
(This website is located on the right hand side in under "Web Resources", it is titled: Teacher Vision - Classroom Management - Find resources to implement great teaching in your classroom.)

Why I choose Classroom Management as a topic....

Classroom management has always been an issue for me. When I think about becoming a teacher it is the only thing which really worries me. I am not sure how to establish an atmosphere that is inviting, comfortable, and promotes learning which I have control of. Sometimes I’m not sure how I would deal with chaos in the classroom. By looking at websites which offer tips and strategies, by reading about other teachers' experiences, and by reading articles about classroom management, I hope to get rid of my fear and feel comfortable to manage my own classroom.