Creating a positive climate for learning is one of the most challenging tasks facing physical education teachers. Developing a climate where students and teachers feel respected, where effort is applauded and accomplishments are recognized, and where there is a sense of belonging and community requires many different skills and can be approached in many different ways. The links in this section provide access to various discipline approaches, character education, and behavior management strategies. Although these links are written primarily for teachers in the classroom setting, there are many great ideas that can be used effectively by physical education teachers to create and maintain a positive learning environment.

For more resources check out some PE Classroom Management Books

New Teacher Sites
First Day of School Ideas/Information
Classroom/Behavior Management Sites

NEW Teacher Sites

Ideas for New Teachers and Education Students

Many different topics are covered here, making it a tremendous resource. The topics include classroom management mistakes, information on writing objectives and assessments, lesson planing, strategic teaching, and 504 plans.

Teacher's Survival Guide

A government publication offering useful tips for new teachers on connecting with other teachers, your principal, parents, etc.

Classroom Discipline

Advice and links to help you establish your own approach and practices to classroom discipline-- a great site for those who might feel a bit daunted by the whole topic.

First Day of School Ideas/Information

Education World Ice Breaking Activities

Three ice-breaking activities listed here will help you get acquainted with your class, and your students will also feel more comfortable with each other.

Education World First Day Activities

And just in case one of the above activities hasn't struck you yet, here are 14 more from the same people; take a look.

Education World First Day Advice from Experienced Teachers

Whether you are terrified of that first day in the classroom or just can't wait, you'll find these suggestions from experienced teachers to be terrifically beneficial.

Classroom/Behavior Management Sites

Creating a Climate for Learning: Effective Classroom Management Techniques

This site offers 12 tips for developing positive behavior in the classroom as well as information about the responsibilities of the teacher and the student.

ProTeacher! Classroom management ideas for elementary school teachers

Lots of neat things here including help for beginning teachers.

11 Techniques for Better Classroom Discipline

Schoolwide and Classroom Discipline by Kathleen Cotton

Nice article documenting the history and current status of classroom discipline in our schools today.

Developing a Discipline Plan

This site lists suggestions about how to develop a personal discipline plan. It also briefly discusses and offers access to seven models of discipline.

Teacher Talk

This site is sponsored by the Center for Adolescent Studies at Indiana University. Within this site, you can access articles on classroom management, cultural diversity, violence in the schools, preparing for student teaching, and a host of other articles pertaining to many different aspects of teaching.

You Can Handle Them All

This Web site, although commercial in nature, brings you some answers to several discipline scenarios that you may face as a teacher.

Works for Me Tips on Behavior Control

Order, respect and trust in the classroom are the key issues addressed here, and indeed, provide a good place to start. From noise control to safety issues to transforming behavior, these suggestions are worth investigation before you run into the problems!

Works 4 Me Tips on Managing your Classroom

Your classroom climate has a powerful effect on how well your students learn. Striking a balance between freedom and discipline is a skill that can make all the difference between a well-run classroom and classroom chaos. Here are some techniques educators are using to achieve such a balance. Topics include attendance, behavior control, and inclusion.