When it comes to primary classroom management, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every classroom has its unique dynamic, and finding the right approach often means blending different strategies to create a positive, engaging learning environment. This post explores four effective classroom management system ideas—Dojo, Marble Jar, Table Points, and Behavior Boards—each offering something special for teachers…
Starting your first teaching job can feel like diving into the deep end without your floaties. On my first day of school as a new teacher, standing in front of a group of students, I was super excited but also absolutely terrified. I had all my lesson plans ready, but as soon as the day…
As the school year ends, many of us are ready to flip those light switches into the off position, close the door, and walk away from the classroom to end our much-needed (and earned) summer vacation. However, as teachers, we also need to take a moment to reflect on our classroom successes and challenges. Reflection…
Classroom management is a topic that teachers never stop discussing, no matter the school year’s time. Initially, you must establish your ground rules, expectations, and routines. In the middle of the year, you revisit procedures and rules after a longer holiday break. Finally, during those last months, you remind students of your expectations and routines…
Classroom management transitions, those brief intervals between activities, have the potential to either enhance or disrupt the flow of your primary classroom. As primary teachers, we understand the delicate dance required to manage these transitions effectively. They can quickly escalate into chaotic scenes, but with thoughtful organization and engaging activities, they can become opportunities for…
Welcome back, kindergarten teachers! As we gear up for another exciting year (oh, Happy New Year, by the way.). It’s important to think about the unique challenges of managing a kindergarten classroom after school breaks. Transitioning from the relaxed atmosphere of holidays to the structured classroom routine can be overwhelming for our little learners. However,…
Kindergarten teachers, are you searching for innovative ways to manage your kindergarten centers effectively? I decided I wanted an easy way for students to see and understand exactly what was expected of them at each center, and I finally found something that worked! Digital slides and visuals. Completely designed to streamline classroom management while enriching…
Today, I’ve decided I wanted to dive into a topic that I realize is often talked about but can still be one of the hardest parts of teaching kindergarten. That topic is behavior management. Picture this: a classroom where students confidently navigate tasks with ease and a classroom where you are not repeating directions and…
What I’m about to talk about is something that they just don’t seem to teach in your college-level courses, and it is something that can either make your year flow smoothly or turn it into the rapids in the Grand Canyon. Classroom management. Those dreaded two words are a topic that many college courses seem…
You’ve tried Facebook groups. You’ve tried coworkers. You had a mentor. Or worse, you’ve been all alone. Nothing has worked. Not the way you want it to. You still have chaotic parts of your Kindergarten day that keep you up at night. They may even be causing a gray hair or two. You need the…
Do me a quick favor. If you teach kindergarten, I want you to think about each of the following sentences. Do any fo these sound familiar? -You feel so wiped out by planning time, that you can’t get anything done -Your classroom is noisy and chatty, even when you feel you have given them clear…
The end of the year is the perfect time to start thinking about next year. Reflect on the things that worked well, and the things that didn’t. There were likely some big wins with your students this year…and maybe a few moments that made you think that you needed a new approach next year. If…
It’s March, and many of us around the country are dealing with one of two things. 1.) You have been in the classroom for a while already this year, and you are dealing with some antsy kindergarteners who are ready for a break. Or, 2.) You just recently transitioned to the classroom for the first…
At the beginning of the year it is important to introduce, model, and review expectations and routines on repeat, but it is also so IMPORTANT to… If we have been off for a long weekend, winter break, spring break, or any kind of break longer than our typical weekend (although let’s be real, sometimes after…
If you teach primary grades you know that it is incredibly important to establish clear procedures and routines with your little learners right from the beginning! This helps them understand exactly what is expected and also helps to keep your sanity, am I right?! In Kindergarten we spend a majority of our whole group instruction…
As elementary school teachers, one of the most crucial aspects of our role is fostering a positive and beneficial learning environment for our students. However, achieving this can sometimes be challenging, especially when faced with a variety of behaviors and personalities in the classroom. This is where classroom behavior management plans come into play. Let’s…
So, it’s the beginning of the year, and everything was supposed to go smoothly… until you met the disruptive students. Whether it’s the line jumper, the blurt master, or the infamous space invader, every class has its fair share of disruptive classroom behavior that threatens the classroom environment. Don’t worry, though; we’ve all been there….
As the leaves change and the weather cools down, it’s time to embrace the fall season in your classroom! With new students adjusting to the school season, this new season is the perfect opportunity to refresh your space, engage students in fun fall activities, and dive into fall-themed lessons. From classroom door decor to math…
We all know that managing a classroom can be a bit like herding cats, especially in the primary and early elementary grades. Whether you’re teaching in a traditional classroom, a virtual classroom, or a hybrid setup, keeping everything (and everyone) on track is a challenge. But with the right tools, it can be a lot…
Hey there, fellow Kindergarten teachers! If you’re anything like me, you know that setting up a well-managed classroom can be exciting and a bit overwhelming. The first week of school is always full of new faces, eager young learners, and—let’s be honest—plenty of behavior surprises. But don’t you worry! If you’ve been following along with…
A successful classroom community happens when students clearly understand the expectations. The ideal time to set the stage for this classroom community is the beginning of the year! I recommend that teachers use a three-step approach to teaching new routines and procedures at the beginning of the year. The three steps are: 1.) Model desired…
As teachers of K-1 students, we know how important it is to create a positive learning environment where our young learners feel motivated and encouraged. One powerful tool we can use to achieve feeling is positive reinforcement. By focusing on good behavior and using various types of positive reinforcement, we can create a classroom atmosphere…
Designing the perfect kindergarten classroom layout is one of the most important steps a kindergarten teacher can take to ensure a successful school year. A well-thought-out classroom layout can significantly impact student engagement, classroom management, and overall learning experiences. This blog post will help prepare you for the school year since it is right around…
Establishing a strong sense of community within the classroom is super important when it comes to creating a positive and productive learning environment. When students feel connected to their peers and teachers, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and ultimately succeed academically. Furthermore, a supportive classroom community can help your classroom management, leading…
