Managing disruptive behaviour: 12 ways to get a quiet classroom

Are you a teacher who feels like a referee more than an educator? Do you dream of a classroom where children listen, learn, and respect each other, instead of shouting, running, or ignoring instructions? In today’s busy schools, many teachers are struggling with disruptive behaviour. This is when children act in ways that stop learning from happening. It can be talking out of turn, fiddling with things, getting out of their seats, or even being unkind to others. When this happens, it is hard for anyone to learn, and teachers feel stressed and tired. You might feel like you have tried everything, but nothing seems to work. This article is here to help. We will show you 12 smart ways to manage disruptive behaviour and create a calm, happy, and peaceful classroom where everyone can learn.

12 Strategies for a peaceful classroom

1. Create clear and simple rules together

The first step to a calm classroom is having rules everyone understands. Instead of just telling children the rules, invite them to help make them. When children help create the rules, they feel more ownership and are more likely to follow them. Keep the rules short, positive, and easy to remember.

For example, instead of “No running,” you could say “We walk safely inside.” Write them down and put them in a visible place. Go over them often, especially at the start of the day or after a break. This helps remind everyone of what is expected and why it matters for a happy learning space.

2. Teach expected behaviours actively

Do not just assume children know how to behave. You need to teach them exactly what you want to see. For instance, if you want quiet working time, show them what that looks like. Demonstrate how to sit, how to ask for help quietly, and what a quiet voice sounds like.

Practise these behaviours often, just like you would practise reading or maths. Role-play different situations, like what to do if you need to sharpen your pencil. By actively teaching and practising good behaviour, children learn the skills they need to be successful in the classroom.

3. Use positive reinforcement often

Catch children being good! It is easy to only notice when things go wrong, but it is much more powerful to praise good behaviour. When a child is sitting nicely, listening, or helping a friend, tell them you noticed. Say exactly what they did well, like “I love how you are sitting so still and listening.”

This praise makes children feel seen and valued. It encourages them to repeat the good behaviour. You can use stickers, stamps, or a class points system, but the most important thing is your genuine words of appreciation. This helps build a positive atmosphere where good choices are celebrated.

4. Have a clear and consistent routine

Children feel safe and secure when they know what to expect. A clear daily routine helps prevent disruptive behaviour because there is less uncertainty. When children know that after maths comes reading, and then break time, they are less likely to get restless or act out.

Display the routine on the board using pictures and words. Talk about the routine each morning. If there are changes, explain them beforehand. A predictable routine helps children manage their time and energy, leading to a smoother and more focused day for everyone.

5. Give engaging and varied activities

Boredom can be a big cause of disruptive behaviour. If the work is too easy, too hard, or not interesting, children will find other ways to entertain themselves. Plan lessons that are fun, hands-on, and use different ways of learning. Move around the classroom, use different voices, and ask questions.

Offer choices where you can. For example, let children choose how they want to show what they have learned: draw a picture, write a story, or build a model. When children are interested and busy, they are less likely to cause problems because their minds are fully engaged in learning.

6. Build strong relationships with every child

Children are more likely to listen and respect a teacher they feel connected to. Take the time to get to know each child as an individual. Learn about their hobbies, their families, and what makes them happy or sad. Greet them at the door with a smile and a personal word.

Show them you care, not just about their learning, but about them as people. When a child feels truly seen and understood by their teacher, they are more likely to want to please that teacher and follow the rules. This strong bond is the foundation of good classroom management.

7. Use non-verbal cues and proximity

You do not always need to use your voice to manage behaviour. Sometimes, a look or a movement can be enough. Make eye contact with a child who is starting to fidget. Give them a gentle shake of the head. Move closer to a group that is getting too noisy.

Standing near a child who is losing focus can often bring them back without you saying a word. This stops small problems from becoming big ones and does not interrupt the flow of the lesson. It is a quiet but powerful way to show children you are aware of what is happening in the classroom.

8. Provide opportunities for movement breaks

Children are not meant to sit still for long periods. They have lots of energy! If they do not get to move, they will find ways to move in disruptive ways. Plan short movement breaks throughout the day. This could be a quick stretch, a two-minute dance, or a “brain break” game.

These breaks help children release energy and refocus. They come back to their work refreshed and ready to learn. It is much better to plan for movement than to fight against it. Movement can actually help some children concentrate better when they return to their desks.

9. Teach conflict resolution skills

Disruptive behaviour often comes from children not knowing how to solve problems with their friends. Instead of just stopping a fight, teach them how to sort it out themselves. Teach them to use “I feel” statements, like “I feel sad when you take my pencil.”

Show them how to listen to each other and find a solution that works for both sides. Practise these skills through role-play. When children have the tools to solve their own disagreements peacefully, there will be less shouting, less tattling, and fewer disruptions in the classroom.

10. Stay calm and do not take it personally

It can be very frustrating when a child is disruptive, but it is important to stay calm. Yelling or getting angry often makes the situation worse. Take a deep breath before you react. Remember that disruptive behaviour is often a sign that a child needs something, not that they are trying to upset you personally.

Your calm reaction models how you want the children to behave. It shows them that you are in control and can handle difficult moments. When you stay calm, you can think more clearly and choose the best way to help the child and manage the behaviour.

11. Involve parents as partners

Parents are your most important allies. When disruptive behaviour is a consistent problem, reach out to the parents early. Do not just call when things are bad; call when things are good too! Share positive stories about their child.

When you do need to discuss a problem, approach it as a team. Explain what you are seeing and ask for their ideas. Work together to create a plan that can be used at both school and home. A strong home-school partnership makes a huge difference in helping a child manage their behaviour.

12. Use logical consequences, not punishments

A consequence is something that happens as a result of an action. Punishments often feel harsh and do not teach anything. Logical consequences, however, are linked to the behaviour and help children learn from their mistakes. For example, if a child breaks a crayon, the logical consequence is that they help clean it up or use a different crayon.

If a child wastes time during silent reading, the logical consequence might be that they miss some free play time to finish their reading. The consequence should be fair, respectful, and taught with kindness. It helps children understand that their actions have results and encourages them to make better choices next time.

Conclusion

Managing disruptive behaviour is one of the biggest challenges for any teacher, but it is also one of the most rewarding when you get it right. By using these twelve strategies, you are not just stopping bad behaviour; you are teaching children important life skills. You are creating a classroom where every child feels safe, respected, and ready to learn. Remember that building a peaceful classroom takes time, consistency, and a lot of patience. Keep trying, keep learning, and celebrate the small improvements. Soon, your classroom will be a calm and happy place where both you and your students can thrive.

See also:

What happens when a student shuts down and how to help

Waking the apathetic student: Understanding and engaging the disengaged learner

Why your child does not care about anything (and what to do)

The class clown: Understanding, guiding, and channelling their energy

Personalised learning: Tailoring education for every student’s success

The attentive student: A guide for teachers and parents

How to help a distracted student focus: The ultimate guide for success

The delayed student: Challenges, solutions, and support strategies

Helping the quiet student thrive: Practical tips for teachers and parents

The outspoken student: Encouraging healthy communication

Students do not care? Discover the root causes and solutions

The focussed student: Characteristics, challenges, and support strategies

The lazy student: Understanding and supporting their needs

The unfocussed student: Understanding and supporting their needs

Strategies for helping the disciplined student become well-rounded learners

Understanding and guiding the undisciplined student

Helping the accelerated student thrive: Tips for parents and educators

The attentive student: A guide for teachers and parents