Ask, Don't Tell

Framing your classroom management with questions will help students to learn some of those fundamental behavioral patterns required in the classroom.  Instead of hearing the remainders, corrections or just relying on teacher always telling how to behave in different learning situations, questions force the students to think about the classroom agreements and shifts the responsibility of remembering and following those expectations to the students. Teacher's tone and body language associated with the questions are also important. It should always convey genuine interest and willingness to help. Never sarcastic, frustrated or ridiculing the student.

What do you need...
How can I help you...
What was our agreement...
What is your plan...

Examples
What do you need to be prepared for next lesson/learning?
Make sure you have all you need for the next lesson learning./

What is your plan to get your work done on time/before we finish?
If you cannot finish on time you have to finish this at home/stay in and work during recess

What do you need to to do to clean your desk/ space before you go?
Remember to clean your desk before you go! You have to clean your desk before you go.

How can you speak to me so that I can hear/understand you?
Don't whine and complain! I can't hear you! I don't understand you. Speak up.

How can you two solve this problem?
Who started this? Ok, both of you to the Principal's office. 

What would you suggest as a fair consequence for breaking our agreement/school rule/expectation for behavior?

What was our agreement about not disturbing others during ...
Be quiet. Stop talking and disturbing others.

What is our agreement for listening to others?
Please listen. Focus. Stop fidgeting or moving.

What do you need to do to be ready for listening?

What is our agreement for having a comment or question during a circle time/mini-lesson/student presentation/teacher talking to the class?
Please put your hand up. No shouting out. Wait until I/ student have/has finished.