Classroom management is part of the “triad of successful teaching,” that is, classroom

management, lesson planning, and effective discipline. The three are interrelated, and are most

effective when used together. Classroom management is understood as creating an environment

in which a catechist, the teacher, can teach and the student can learn. Discipline is part of that

environment, and lesson planning is one of the most effective means of maintaining discipline in

a classroom. Below are listed some elements of classroom management.

1. For those planning a catechetical program, choose the best day of the week and time of the

day for instruction according to local circumstances. For most communities this will be

Wednesday after school or in the evening. Consider having two sessions especially when

parents have varying schedules and space is limited. For those planning catechesis in a Catholic

school, it is best to give catechesis in the early morning hours of the day.

2. Prepare the place to be used for catechesis. Make sure it is large enough, well-lit, clean,

comfortable, decorated, and with plenty of fresh air. The physical setting makes a big difference

in the receptivity of the students.

3. Catechists should be conscious of their attitude and physical presence. Be positive,

enthusiastic, expressive, and professional. The personal cleanliness and neatness of the catechist

also contribute to the atmosphere of the classroom. By these factors the catechist tries to create

an atmosphere of friendship, welcome and trust.

4. Rules for behaviour during catechesis should be posted and verbally reinforced at the

beginning of the academic year.

5. Be orderly. Establish set procedures, and follow them in each class meeting (for example,

passing of books, asking questions, discussion procedure). Progress, not chaos, should reign in

the classroom.

6. It is a good idea for the catechist to be in the classroom before the students arrive, greet

them with their first names as they come in. The time of preparation ends when the first student

arrives. Be prepared to begin as soon as the time for instruction is scheduled to begin.

7. Begin class with prayer, that is done either by listening, speaking, reading, or writing.

Starting the same way every time, especially for younger students, signals that instruction time

has begun and prepares students to receive instruction.

8. If the circumstances permit, the catechist should assign seats to the students (obviously not

adults), separating students who might encourage each other to act up, or matching those who

will be a help and good influence on others.

9. The catechist should try to maintain good eye contact with the students. Some catechists

suggest using an over-head projector instead of a blackboard to illustrate a lesson because it does

not require a catechist to turn his or her back on students. However, it is also a good idea for the

catechist to move around the room while teaching, rather than be locked in the front of the class.

You do not sacrifice control by wandering, as the students do not know when you might be

standing next to their desk.

10. The catechist should try to learn the names of the students as soon as possible, and not only

their names, but their personalities, strengths and weaknesses as well. Name tags, seating charts,

or pictures with the names printed underneath are helpful ways to commit names to memory.

11. Be generous with praise: for each student; for specific behaviour; as an immediate response

to specific behaviour; and for all students in general. Give credit where credit is due. Praise for

good work should not depend on the catechist’s mood.

12. Be yourself - a warm, caring compassionate, loving human being who is devoted to

teaching someone how to live as a disciple of Christ in the Catholic Church.