Classroom Management Tips: Students Who Are Late

 up missed work
Here are some classroom management strategies forStudents need to know that the consequence for
dealing with students who are late for lessons:being late will always be applied no matter what their
 excuse may be. Make sure you always spend a
1. Have clear rules on punctualityminute or two after the lesson finding out what the
Students need to know that there is a clear rule inproblem was and giving them the work they must
place with regard to punctuality. They need to knowcatch up – either at home or in break.
what the consequence is for being late and they need 
to know that this will be consistently applied by staff.4. Have a reward system which acknowledges those
 who come on time
2. Don’t let a late arrival disrupt the flow of theStudents like to do well. Good attendance is something
lessonthat all students can achieve, regardless of ability and it
When a student arrives late, direct them to their seatshould be acknowledged like any other social skill.
but don’t address the fact they were late until afterCompetition between groups is a good motivator.
the lesson. A brief… “Everything OK? Sit their 
please, you can explain after the lesson why you5. Keep records. Get pupils to fill in a form giving
were late.” …is better than getting drawn into anreason for late arrival and the time they arrived. Send
argument which other students may enjoy.copies home with notification of consequences if it
 continues.
3. Always follow up lateness and ensure pupil makes