‘EYFS is not about having the right rules, but having the right relationships,’ Leila Boric

Teaching the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a truly unique experience. It is a child’s world based on a balanced and rich curriculum, where children learn compassion, positive behavior, social interaction, and more importantly, have loads of fun!

At the beginning of the year, teachers often struggle to get their students into the routine. The first thing every teacher needs to establish is high quality classroom management. This is the crucial time of the year because it determines the rest of the journey with the students and determines whether the first term is going to be smooth or bumpy.  Children in the EYFS are mostly settled within the first two days of joining, although it does take some children longer to adjust.

A classroom management plan is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ plan, but a plan where a teacher picks what to focus on, keeps track, and holds students accountable for their actions. Children learn from the teacher and the teacher is their role model. Learning what makes the children happy and engaged is the key to good classroom management because it allows the teacher to really understand the children.

Teaching and focusing on small things is essential. The beauty of it is to teach it upfront and not all year long. Another key to a successful classroom management is consistency. Teachers will reap the fruits of their labor very soon when they get these four basic procedures right:

1. Bathroom procedures
2. Beginning of the day routine
3. End of the day routine
4. Lining up

Give children responsibility

Teachers should give children responsibility. Children love to be in charge. This is the essence of classroom management. It will be up and running in the blink of an eye.

Create opportunities for them to try out something new

Teachers should not hesitate to give children all kinds of classroom errands and responsibilities. We should designate classroom monitors (line monitors, lunch box and bags monitors, stationary monitor, etc.). Teachers often sing a song or use the timer while the children perform the tasks. They absolutely love the timer! Responsibility gives children a sense of control and it creates a positive learning environment. This is one of the best ways for children to learn how to be fearless and independent. We are in awe to see so many different personalities unfold before our eyes.

Be positive and enforce a positive behavior

Children love praise and are thrilled when they complete a task or they achieve something new. There are many things that come out of a specific praise, and when you cheer them for a job well done.

We all need to be a role model and show compassion. Children love to feel safe and secure in their enabled learning environment. Children will show respect towards teachers when they see how much they care for their well-being. Along the journey, I have seen children being very compassionate to their classmates in and out of the classroom.

Offer seating options

There is nothing worse than to see children and teachers acting like robots. I had some children who were not in the mood for a writing activity (just one of those days). I let them do the activity they love the most and then come back for the one I wanted them to do. It worked wonders! Not only did the children complete the work, they completed it with excitement.

To most children, you are their first teacher. They will certainly remember you and be thankful to you. You contribute to their holistic growth and pave the path for the future. That is the beauty of being an Early Years Foundation Stage teacher.