ABSTRACT
The goal of any level of classroom management is prevention, and preventing violence is part of the plan. Ryan (2008) recommended a strong violence prevention program for all school districts, which follows these strategies:
Focus on strong academic goals.
Model appropriate behavior.
Discourage and intervene in behaviors that lead to violence.
Do not tolerate inappropriate behavior.
Provide direct counseling.
Train staff to address behavior problems in the classrooms.
Avoid knee-jerk reactions to behavioral challenges.
Address behavioral issues in private and do not humiliate students in public.
Find ways to help all students feel appreciated and valued.
Create a classroom environment of mutual respect.
Generate a climate of inclusiveness in classrooms and the school.
Hold students accountable for their behavior.
Programs for preventing violence and bullying should be school-wide, but a supportive and caring community begins in each classroom. The rules and expectations you put into practice to manage the environment work alongside these prevention strategies and are augmented by the extras you do to make students feel special and part of your classroom community. Creating and tending a caring environment gives students a sense of safety, something some students may not experience at home. You want your students to feel comfortable coming to you about their problems. When they do, act on what you can address and seek other professional support personnel to deal with situations beyond the scope of your role as classroom educator.