We’re well aware of the challenges that come with managing classroom transitions. Whether it’s shifting from one subject to another, moving from individual work to group activities, or simply transitioning from one part of the day to the next, smooth transitions are key to maintaining a positive and productive learning environment. One effective tool that…
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…
Transitions can be a scary time in Kindergarten. Supplies start flying, voices get loud, and movement is chaotic. If you have any transitions in your classroom that fill you with dread, I have a teacher tip for you today! Using music during transitions has several benefits for both you and your students. Keep reading to…
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…
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…
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…
If you’re a kindergarten teacher. I bet you have already started preparing for next year. You may have started sending home kindergarten registration packets, setting up dates for kindergarten screening, and probably even thought about open house and kindergarten orientation. Kindergarten readiness is a focal point for teachers and parents. Ensuring that incoming kindergarten students…
Capturing and maintaining students’ attention is a constant challenge in the classroom nowadays. It’s a dynamic space filled with diverse personalities and distractions, making it essential for teachers to have effective tools at their disposal. Attention-getters are one such tool—a repertoire of techniques designed to get students to focus and redirect their attention to the…
Classroom disruptions can turn even the most well-planned lesson into chaos. As teachers, we’ve all experienced those moments when unexpected interruptions suddenly throw off our carefully structured learning environment track. From noisy students to technological glitches, disruptions can disrupt the flow of instruction and hinder student engagement. In this blog post, we’ll explore common classroom…
Creating a harmonious and productive learning environment in the classroom requires more than just engaging lesson plans and colorful decorations. Although I absolutely love both of those things. Knowing that those things alone do not make a classroom run smoothly is important. Classroom management is one of the most challenging parts of being a teacher,…
As primary grade teachers, we face unique challenges during the month of February, and sometimes, we just want to crawl into the corner and cry some tears while drinking our Starbucks, Dunkin, or water out of our Stanley cups. The long winter days and potential disruptions like indoor recess can test our classroom management skills…
I want you to imagine your classroom for a minute. Imagine not having a schedule. You can start reading and math when you want and send your students to lunch whenever you are ready. Each day would be different from the other, and if you already work in an elementary school setting, you know how…
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,…
The journey of teaching kindergarten students the fundamentals of phonics can be both rewarding and challenging. As teachers, we understand the importance of laying a solid foundation for early literacy skills. There are a variety of engaging phonics activities for your kindergarten class, from a kindergarten phonics worksheet to hands-on sensory bins. You’ll walk away…
Building strong bridges between the classroom and the homes of our young learners is crucial. Effective communication with parents is a cornerstone of successful education and a powerful tool for creating a supportive learning community. One of the most impactful ways to initiate this connection is through well-crafted parent letters, newsletters, quick app updates, etc….
As we gear up for another exciting school year, one crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked is classroom dismissal procedures. The end of the school day might seem like a whirlwind, but with a little organization and creativity, you can ensure a smooth and safe transition for your students from the classroom to their homes….
It seems like the school year just ended, and stores like Walmart and Target are already getting their school year displays up and ready. I love sending home my school supply list to my new kindergarteners because, many times, this is their first time purchasing things for a classroom! The first few days in a…
The first week of school is an important time for setting the tone and establishing a positive learning environment. As a kindergarten teacher, it’s important to plan engaging and purposeful activities that support routines and struggles and incorporate movement (because, hello! We all know kindergarteners 😉). I want to explore strategies and ideas to make…
On my first day of kindergarten as a new teacher, I admit I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The school supplies were neatly away, I had my iced coffee, and I anxiously awaited the arrival of my students. I had spent countless hours meticulously planning engaging activities to welcome my little learners. We…
Congratulations, new kindergarten teachers! As you start this exciting journey, I know there’s a lot of stuff going on in that brain of yours! There is so much to get done before the year starts, and it can be challenging to figure out exactly where to start. I’m gonna help guide you through setting up…
Hello, kindergarten teachers-to-be and veteran teachers! Are you ready for an amazing first year or 5th, 10th, or 20th in the kindergarten classroom? I’ve got some fun and helpful tips for a first year kindergarten teacher or even teachers who may need a little refresher. These tips for a first year kindergarten teacher will get…
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…
Summer is almost here, and it’s time to get your kids excited about learning and exploring during the break. As teachers, we know how important it is to keep our students engaged in educational activities, even when school is out. That’s why I love sending home summer bingo cards and fun summer resources with students…
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…
