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…
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…
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…
Creating an environment where students thrive goes beyond traditional teaching methods. You want to create a classroom where students feel accepted, loved, cared for, and, for the most part, behave appropriately. Enter the world of Positive Behavior Classroom Rewards. A dynamic approach that acknowledges and celebrates our young learners’ positive choices and efforts. In this…
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….
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…
Classroom affirmations are an important part of the kindergarten classroom. Students walk into a classroom they have never been in before and are expected to try and do hard things. They are often not used to the tasks in front of them, and getting students out of a fixed mindset and into a growth one…
If students are off the wall when you come back from a school break or long weekend, or if students just need a little reminder. It may be time to go over your kindergarten classroom rules again! Teachers know how important rules and expectations are in the classroom. Right from the first day of school,…
Every teacher strives to have a well-managed classroom. We know that having a classroom that runs smoothly saves us time and energy when it comes to managing our students. It also saves us instructional time by allowing us to teach more and correct behavior less often! But how do we achieve a well-run classroom? A…
We are in the final weeks before the end of the year! Is anyone seeing some spring fever in their students’ behavior? This time of year brings so many schedule disruptions and fun days. It’s a great time to celebrate how far you’ve come as a class. And none of us want to spend a…
The beginning of the year is all about getting to know each other and building your classroom community. In all of that community-building, your students will notice the similarities and differences they have with their peers. There will be so many different personality types, learning styles, developmental needs, and more right there in your room….
One of THE most important parts of back to school time is teaching rules and expectations in your room. If you think about it, Kindergarten teachers have it the hardest in this area. You have a whole host of students who have never experienced ‘school’ before. Now, you may have a subset of students who…
It is so important at the beginning of the year to talk about classroom procedures and practice it often to start the year off right. Spending that time at the beginning of the year to talk about expected behavior is key and can really set the tone for your school year. Providing visuals to show…
What is a Classroom Community? Creating a ‘classroom community’ has been a big buzz word in recent years. What is a classroom community? A classroom community is formed when students come together as a class to work towards the common goal of learning. A classroom community helps students feel valued and connected to the teacher and other students in…
Going over every classroom procedure and practicing over and over is key to show what is expected and to start the school year off on the right foot. Use these visuals to help as you go over different classroom procedures and then display in your classroom. Classroom Visuals with Clip Art as well as Classroom Visuals with a blank space to add your own picture.
Every teacher strives to have a well-managed classroom. We know that having a classroom that runs smoothly saves us time and energy when it comes to managing our students. It also saves us instructional time by allowing us to teach more and correct behavior less often! But how do we achieve a well-run classroom? A…
I’m linking up with Inspired Owl’s Corner and PAWSitively Teaching for a fun linky party/giveaway all about honoring and thanking teachers for all the hard work we do! Teaching is an extremely time consuming and rewarding job all at the same time. This is the week to say THANK YOU to all the hard working…
So, the school year just started, and instead of having the perfectly managed classroom full of smiling, well-behaved students you dreamed of all summer, you’re staring at a room that looks more like a wild circus. This can happen to any teacher. A first-year, an almost retired, or a somewhere in-between teacher. You’re dealing with…
First of all, welcome to the incredible world of kindergarten teaching. You may be stepping into your classroom for the first time or just new to teaching those little hands. This grade level is filled with joy, challenges, and some of the most rewarding moments you’ll ever experience. I remember starting in kinder and just…
Starting your first teaching job can be both exciting and overwhelming. New teacher orientation is important when it comes to setting the stage for a successful school year by providing new hires with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support.Let’s explore some effective new teacher orientation ideas, discuss the importance of professional development, and highlight valuable…
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