If you are a teacher, you have probably realized that classroom management is an important part of your teaching style. If you have ever been in a classroom setting before, you are well aware that there is no effective teaching without effective classroom management. Sounds simple right: ask the students to behave a certain way and they will. If only it were that easy. Classroom management takes time and consistency!
Before even thinking about lesson planning, focus on classroom management. How will you get students to listen, raise their hands, answer questions, and work with others? There are so many different types of management styles and it can be overwhelming to read through the material on classroom management. Focusing on one style at a time can make it easier to decide whether or not that style is right for you. For the past few years, I have been using the CHAMPS system in my classroom and it has made such a difference!
What is CHAMPS?
This classroom management system aims to improve student behavior plus strengthen learner engagement through a system of clearly defined expectations. CHAMPS is a proactive and positive approach to classroom management. It is designed to help teachers manage student behavior and increase student motivation. It provides a very structured way to communicate classroom expectations and procedures. Each letter serves as a reminder to students of the type of behavior that should be seen in any given situation so that maximum learning, as well as a safe and caring environment, will be displayed.
During each activity, expectations are set in place for what the students should be doing and how they should be behaving according to each letter of the CHAMPS acronym. For each of these instructional approaches, ask yourself two questions, “What do students need to know and do in order to behave responsibly? What do students need to know and do in order to be successful?“
Using visuals to help explain the options works fantastic in my classroom. Before we get started with the posters. I teach what each picture clue means and how students will act/do. These cards are SUPER easy to use and they make sure all expectations are clearly defined.
Every time we start a new activity, we go through each letter, so students know their expectations. It is simple and effective. When a student is off task, I point to the sign to get them back on task. Let's take a closer look at them.
C is for Conversation. Can students converse during this activity? About what? With whom? For how long?
Choices in this category can include – no talking, whisper voice, inside voice, presentation voice, partner talk, group talk, and whole-group discussion.
H is for Help. How do students get your attention for help? How do students get questions answered? What should they do while they wait for you?
The teachers inform the students what they should do if they have a question regarding their current activity. This is very helpful to communicate, and it leads to fewer interruptions, especially when you are trying to work with small groups.
Choices in this category can include- raise your hand, ask a friend, ask your group, ask 3 before me.
A stands for activity, so in this section, you tell the students exactly what activity they will be participating in. What is the expected end product of this activity? What is the task or objective?
Choices in this category can include- whole group, independent work, group work, or partner work.
M is for movements. What reasons can students get out of their seats during this activity?
My students are given three options depending on the activity they are working on.
Choices in this category can include- stay in your seat, stay in one place, safe movement (this was for when they are working on during reading or math workshop), or turning work in.
P is for Participation. This tells the students exactly how they should be participating in the current activity. What behavior shows that students are participating or not participating?
Choices in this category can include- listening with ear and eyes, reading and writing, discussion, working with a group.
S is simple. If you follow all of the steps, then you will be successful! There are no questions for this one. When CHAMPs expectations are met, students will be successful.
This is a simplified, easy-to-implement version for behavior management. My favorite thing about these posters is that they are no prep. Just print, laminate, and manage your classroom behavior like a BOSS! You can find these editable posters by click here.