Off Task?

From this Question on Quora: How can teachers prevent students from throwing paper airplanes during classtime?

1. Be in charge. Make it clear to your students that there are consequences for off-task behavior and then apply the consequences fairly and without emotion.

   
   

2. Do not worry if your students will still “like you” when you fairly apply the steps to your lesson plan. Ex. 1st-warning, 2nd-move student’s seat, 3rd-one-on-one discussion with you, etc… Your students will like you a lot more if you run a tight ship. Students do not appreciate or enjoy a classroom that is out of control.

   
   

3. Create a classroom management plan that is fair, comfortable for you and that you will apply.

   
   

4. Take the time to teach your management plan to your students.

   
   

5. Have an interesting and curiosity stimulating lesson plan.

   
   

6. Do not be timid.

   
   

7. Do not waver. Stick to your plan.

   
   

8. Have an organized and well-run classroom with a full and challenging lesson plan.

   
   

9. Have positive consequences for students that are always on task and never create a problem. My simple way to do this was to allow those students to sit wherever they wanted to while the students that are repeatedly off-task and disruptive will sit where I choose.

   
   

10. Be willing to laugh and enjoy your students when those fun, happy opportunities pop up throughout the day.

    
    

Final Thought: Ensure that you have an active lesson plan where students get many opportunities to “do” a hands-on activity and they will be less likely to get off task.