Next year I am transitioning from elementary, to high school and I am very nervous about the change. What are some things that you do to maintain respect and order in your high school classrooms?

I usually start with giving respect to get respect. There's always 1 or 2 students that want to push back and I usually take them aside and talk things out. That's one of the positives with high school, they are more logical and understand consequences.

This is exciting!! As a secondary teacher who has never taught students younger than 6th grade, I’ve always admired and envied elementary teachers for their clever and engaging methods and materials. You have a huge head start.

Don’t be afraid to appeal to your big kids’ love of play. They won’t say it out loud (or they might) but they miss being read to, or coloring, or playing heads-up-7-up. So, keep a few “little-kid” activities in your back pocket, for a rainy-not-rainy day.

And, tell stories about your littles (past students). Then invite your bigs to recall THEIR favorite memories from elementary.

Keep order by moving quickly from one activity to the next like we do for younger kids. EVERYONE benefits from a short-attention-span pace these days.

Have fun, and put to use the wise counsel already posted for you.

I use sarcasm a lot if I need to refocus someone. It takes the edge off discipline and allows a student to comply without losing face. Students will sometimes make a stand if they feel that giving in will cost them status among their peers, so avoid power struggles at all costs.

Be yourself. If you’re not stern, don’t be stern. If you’re not laidback, don’t be laidback. Be authentic. It’s easier in the long run. Don’t battle for power. Everyone loses. Ask questions about extracurricular activities and sports for particular students. They’re more likely to invest in you and your teaching if you invest in them.

Students will never care how much you know, if they don't know how much you care.

From the first day, establish clear routines for entering and exiting the classroom, turning in assignments, asking questions, and using technology. Consistency is key! Catch students being good! Acknowledge their achievements, both academic and personal.

Develope relationship, over time.

Set the tone earlier and be firm in enforcing your boundaries. Older kids tend to be a lot more perceptive and the more "difficult" ones will catch on quickly if you're too lenient and will happily see how far they can push you. Remember the carrot and the stick are two very powerful tools and you should use them accordingly.

Make sure your expectations are clear. Let students have input with the rules. Go over procedures early and often.

You will do great, I am sure of it. I made that switch last year as well and I was very nervous but it ended up being the best movefor me and I am so much happier. Defintiely having a routine and building relationships with your students will help yu the most.

A middle school friend told me high schoolers are just little children with big bodies. Take that to heart, set your routines, practice them, call the students by name every day, treat them with respect, be fair.