Champs Classroom Management: So, you’ve decided to become a teacher. Congratulations! As any veteran teacher will tell you, having a solid classroom management plan is key to success and sanity. Without effective rules and procedures in place, your classroom can quickly descend into chaos. The good news is, there are tried-and-true strategies for keeping your students focused and engaged.
One of the most popular systems is CHAMPS – a simple yet powerful framework for establishing clear expectations around Conversation, Help, Activity, Movement, Participation, and Success. If you implement CHAMPS effectively, you’ll be well on your way to a productive learning environment and fewer disruptions. In this article, we’ll explore the CHAMPS model in depth and provide tips for making it work in your classroom. By the end, you’ll have a blueprint for rules, routines, and responses that will set you and your students up for a great year.
What Is CHAMPS Classroom Management?
CHAMPS is a classroom management system that helps teachers establish clear rules and procedures to improve student behavior. CHAMPS stands for:
C – Conversation. Determine the level of talking allowed, from no talking to quiet conversation.
H – Help. Establish how students can get assistance, e.g. raise their hand, ask a neighbor.
A – Activity. Explain what students should be doing, like reading, group work, listening to the teacher.
M – Movement. Set rules for student movement around the classroom, hallways, etc. For example, walk carefully, get permission to leave your seat.
P – Participation. Define how students should actively participate in each activity. For instance, take notes, ask questions, work with a partner.
S – Success. Explain how students can achieve and demonstrate success in each activity. For example, complete all problems, finish reading assignment, participate in discussion.
Using CHAMPS, teachers clearly communicate expectations for student conduct and involvement in each activity or transition. Students know exactly how they should behave and what is required of them to achieve success. This consistency and clarity helps maximize learning time and minimize disruptions.
CHAMPS provides an easy-to-follow framework for creating a supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to succeed. When implemented thoughtfully, it can be an highly effective approach to behavior management.
The 3 Key Models of Classroom Management
When it comes to managing behavior in the classroom, there are three key models teachers often use: Assertive Discipline, Control Theory, and Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS).
Assertive Discipline focuses on clear rules and consequences. The teacher sets firm limits and issues appropriate punishment if those limits are crossed. This “traditional” approach can be effective but may damage student-teacher relationships if not implemented properly.
Control Theory aims to identify the underlying cause of misbehavior and “control” it. The teacher tries to determine the student’s motivation and make changes accordingly. This proactive approach seeks to modify the environment and encourage good behavior before issues arise.
PBIS, or Positive Behavior Intervention Support, is a multi-tiered system that reinforces good behavior. The teacher provides rewards and incentives for students who meet clearly defined expectations. PBIS focuses on building relationships and helping students develop self-discipline.
### Tier 1: Universal Supports
Tier 1 PBIS strategies apply to all students. Things like:
- Posting shared values and rules
- Teaching behavior expectations
- Offering verbal praise and rewards like stickers or extra recess for following the rules
Tier 2: Targeted Interventions
For students who need more support, Tier 2 uses targeted interventions like behavior contracts, buddy systems, or short-term counseling.
Tier 3: Intensive Supports
Students with chronic behavior issues receive tailored Tier 3 interventions, such as long-term counseling or behavior plans developed with parents, teachers, and administrators.
The key to effective classroom management is finding the right approach for your teaching style and students. Try implementing strategies from different models to keep your classroom running smoothly all year long.
Benefits of Using CHAMPS in Your Classroom
Using CHAMPS in your classroom has many benefits for both you and your students.
Improved Behavior Management
CHAMPS provides a structured framework for behavior expectations. Once you establish your CHAMPS matrix, students will understand exactly how they should act during each classroom activity. This clarity leads to improved behavior and fewer disruptions. You’ll spend less time redirecting students and more time teaching.
Increased Learning
When students understand behavioral expectations, more time can be devoted to instruction. A well-managed classroom is a productive learning environment where students can focus without distraction. CHAMPS also encourages students to develop self-discipline and take ownership of their behavior, which are important life skills.
Better Student Engagement
Students appreciate clear rules and structure. CHAMPS gives students a sense of control and helps them feel more invested in the classroom. When students help develop the CHAMPS matrix, they feel empowered and respected. This can motivate students to actively participate in lessons and activities.
Easier Lesson Planning
Once you have your CHAMPS matrix in place, planning lessons becomes simpler. You’ve already outlined appropriate behaviors for different activities and situations. When planning a new lesson, you merely need to refer to your existing CHAMPS framework to set clear expectations for students. This consistency from lesson to lesson leads to better retention of rules by students over time.
Using a system like CHAMPS has significant benefits for classroom management and the overall learning environment. With regular reinforcement, CHAMPS can become second nature, allowing you and your students to focus on teaching and learning. An organized, well-managed classroom where students understand and meet behavior expectations is the foundation for an effective learning space.
The 5 Main CHAMPS Rules Explained
The CHAMPS classroom management system focuses on 5 main rules to guide student behavior. Following these rules helps create an effective learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and able to focus.
Be there/Be ready
The first rule is simple but important: show up to class on time and come prepared to learn. Students should have necessary materials like books, pens, and worksheets ready to go so learning time isn’t wasted. Being on time and prepared demonstrates respect for the teacher and other students.
Follow directions
Teachers spend a lot of time planning lessons and activities, so following instructions promptly and accurately is key. Students should listen carefully to understand directions fully before starting work. If confused or unsure about something, students should ask questions right away to avoid frustration or wasting time. Doing the task as directed the first time will maximize learning.
Ask permission
Before doing anything out of the ordinary during class like using the restroom, sharpening a pencil, or throwing something in the trash, students must ask the teacher for permission. This prevents distractions and interruptions that disrupt the flow of learning. Teachers appreciate students who follow this courtesy.
Stay on task
Paying attention to the lesson and assigned work is essential. Students should avoid off-task behaviors like chatting with friends, passing notes, staring out the window or at the clock. Staying focused on the work at hand will help students achieve more and get the most from each class. Teachers give students their full attention, so students should reciprocate that respect.
Respect others
The golden rule applies in the classroom: treat others the way you want to be treated. Students should be courteous and considerate towards the teacher, classmates, and themselves at all times. Using appropriate language and volume, sharing space and materials, and being supportive of others creates a positive environment where everyone can learn and grow.
Read more: The Ultimate Lesson Plan Template Google Docs
Tips for Implementing CHAMPS Successfully
To successfully implement CHAMPS in your classroom, keep these tips in mind:
Start at the Beginning of the Year
Introduce CHAMPS on the first day of school. Explain the expectations for each area of the classroom and practice them with your students. Starting from day one will make CHAMPS second nature and help students develop good habits and routines right from the start.
Be Consistent
Enforce the CHAMPS expectations consistently everyday. Don’t relax the rules or make exceptions, especially at the beginning. Students need predictability and consistency to learn appropriate behaviors. Remind students of the expectations before each activity and redirect them quickly if they forget. Consistency is key.
Model the Behaviors
Show your students what the expectations look like through your own behavior and actions. Model what active listening looks like. Demonstrate how to walk carefully in the classroom. Practice the routines and procedures with your students. Children often mimic adults, so model the kind of behavior you want to see.
Provide Positive Feedback
Notice when students are following the CHAMPS expectations and provide positive reinforcement through verbal praise, rewards or incentives. Say things like “I noticed the whole class was using whisper voices during the activity. Thank you for following our CHAMPS expectations!” Students will appreciate the recognition and be motivated to continue the good behavior.
Make CHAMPS a Daily Focus
Refer to your CHAMPS expectations regularly throughout each day. Use them as a guide for transitions, activities, lessons and more. Point out specifically which expectations students should be following during each part of the day. Keeping CHAMPS at the forefront of students’ minds will help make the behaviors second nature. With regular use and practice, CHAMPS can become an integral part of your classroom culture.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the basics of CHAMPS and how to implement effective behavior management in your classroom. By being consistent and following through with clear expectations and consequences, you’ll gain control of your classroom and be able to focus on what really matters – the learning.
Your students will know exactly what is expected of them and what will happen if they choose not to meet those expectations. Most importantly, you’ll build a community of mutual respect where your students feel heard, supported, and able to thrive. Using CHAMPS is a win-win, leading to fewer disruptions and more time for teaching and learning. Give it a try – you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!
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