13 Classroom Management Strategies for Primary School Teachers
Managing a classroom full of energetic primary school kids isn’t always easy. Between the constant questions, sudden outbursts, and shifting attention spans, it can feel like a lot to handle. But with the right strategies in place, things can run much more smoothly. Classroom management is about creating a space where your students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. The way you set expectations, handle disruptions, and build routines can shape how your classroom feels every single day. Here are some classroom management techniques that can help you create a positive and fun environment for your students.
13 Classroom Management Strategies for Primary School Teachers
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Establish Routines and Rules
Start the year by setting clear routines and rules. When students know exactly what is expected of them, the classroom runs more smoothly. Whether it’s where to keep their backpacks or how to line up after recess, having routines in place saves time and reduces confusion.
You can also involve students in creating some of the classroom rules. This gives them a sense of ownership and helps build a more respectful and collaborative classroom culture. -
Build Strong Relationships
Building a strong connection with students goes a long way in managing a classroom. When students feel seen and respected, they are more likely to respond positively to guidance. Greet them by name, listen to their concerns, and show interest in their ideas. These small steps create a sense of trust and make the classroom feel like a safe space where everyone belongs.
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Model the Behaviour You Expect
Students watch everything. If you want them to speak politely, follow instructions, and stay focused, you need to model those behaviours yourself. You can also highlight good behaviour when you see it. For example:
- “I like how quietly Shreya sat down and opened her book.”
- “Look at how nicely Aarav helped his friend clean up.”
Instead of calling out poor behaviour, shift attention toward the students who are doing the right thing. This encourages others to follow suit. Positive reinforcement helps create a supportive atmosphere where good behaviour becomes the norm.
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Keep Instructions Simple
Young learners can easily get lost in long explanations. Break down your instructions into clear, short steps. Make eye contact, speak slowly, and ask students to repeat what they need to do. This helps them stay focused and understand exactly what is expected. Simple instructions also reduce the chances of disruption and confusion.
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Use Visual Aids
Not every student learns the same way. Some are visual learners who understand better through pictures, diagrams, and videos. Adding visual aids to your lessons makes things more engaging and easier to remember. It also helps break the monotony and adds some fun to the class. Charts, flashcards, posters, and colourful slides can make a big difference in how students connect with the topic.
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Encourage Peer Support
Teaching students how to help each other is a great way to build teamwork and improve learning. Let students work in pairs or small groups where they can discuss ideas, solve problems together, and support one another. This kind of collaborative learning builds social skills, boosts confidence, and helps everyone stay more involved.
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Teach Goal-Setting and Self-Management
Even young children can learn to set small goals. It might be something simple like finishing an assignment on time or improving handwriting. Teach students how to track their progress and reflect on what they achieved.
You can use checklists, stickers, or simple progress charts to keep it fun. When students monitor their own learning, they become more responsible and confident. -
Gamify the Learning
When lessons feel like a game, students are more excited to join in. You can use classroom quizzes, puzzles, role-play, or small competitions to teach topics in a fun way.
This is where Extramarks can help. It offers quizzes, videos, and fun activities that match what’s in the textbook. These features make learning more enjoyable and help students stay focused. With tools like this, students are more likely to take part and remember what they learn. -
Use Settling Activities
After lunch breaks or high-energy lessons, it helps to have a few calming activities to bring the energy level down. Activities like silent reading, breathing exercises, soft music, or simple journaling give students a chance to relax and refocus. These short settling sessions can help reduce restlessness and make it easier to transition into the next part of the lesson calmly.
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Offer Anonymous Feedback
Sometimes calling out a student directly can do more harm than good, especially with younger kids who are still learning how to behave in group settings. Instead of pointing fingers, try offering anonymous feedback to the whole class. For example, you could say, “I’ve noticed there’s still some talking going on. Let’s all try to be silent for a few minutes so we can focus on the next activity.” This kind of message encourages self-awareness without embarrassing anyone. It gives all your students a chance to adjust their behaviour on their own.
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Dealing with Aggression
Aggression in young students can show up in different ways. Some might act out physically, while others may use harsh words or show frustration through tantrums. As a teacher, it’s important to stay calm and see the behaviour as a signal, not just a disruption. Instead of reacting immediately with punishment, take a moment to understand what might be behind the behaviour.
Maybe the child is overwhelmed, lacks the right words to express emotions, or is going through something at home. Use a gentle but firm tone, give the child space if needed, and follow up with a private conversation. It helps to teach problem-solving skills and offer simple ways to express anger or disappointment. If aggression continues, consider looping in school counsellors or parents to solve the problem.
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Private Conversations
Not every issue needs to be handled in front of the whole class. If a student is having repeated behaviour problems or just seems off, pull them aside for a quick chat. This one-on-one time gives you a chance to connect without the pressure of an audience. Keep the tone kind but clear. You could start with something like, “I noticed you’ve been having a tough time staying focused today. Want to tell me what’s going on?” These private moments can help you understand the root of the behaviour and show the student that you care. It also builds trust and makes them more likely to listen the next time you redirect them.
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Developing Behavioural Plans
Some students need a bit more structure and support to manage their behaviour. That’s where a simple behavioural plan can really help. This doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as easy as setting a few clear goals, tracking daily behaviour, and offering small rewards for improvement. Sit down with the student and involve them in creating the plan. Ask what goals they want to work on and what kind of rewards they’d be excited about. You might also want to involve parents so they can support the same behaviour goals at home. Over time, this kind of plan helps students take responsibility and see that positive actions lead to positive outcomes.
Closing Thoughts
Managing a primary classroom is a learning process for both teachers and students. With patience and simple approaches, you can create a space where kids feel safe and ready to learn. Remember, small steps make a big difference in shaping a positive classroom. Keep trying different ways and see what works best for your group.
Last Updated on June 11, 2025
Reviewed by
Priya Kapoor | AVP - Academics
Priya Kapoor is an accomplished education professional with over 18 years of experience across diverse fields, including eLearning, digital and print publishing, instructional design, and content strategy. As the AVP – Academics at Extramarks, she leads academic teams in creating tailored educational solutions, ensuring alignment with varied curricula across national and international platforms...read more.
