Creating a positive and productive learning environment is essential for young students’ academic success and social development. In a kindergarten classroom, teachers often encounter a wide range of behaviors, from positive and appropriate to challenging and problematic. Teachers must have a toolkit of effective strategies to deal with these behaviors. Let’s explore the behavior intervention…
Being a kindergarten teacher is a whirlwind of excitement and energy! One aspect that can sometimes be tricky to manage is what to do when some students complete tasks ahead of others. That’s where early finisher activities come in. There are many different early finisher activities, ways to organize these activities and present the choices….
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….
Outdoor recess can sometimes be the most challenging time of the day. The freedom that outdoor recess gives students can often be too much, and disagreements, bad behavior, and other things start to happen. Some teachers only need to deal with it when the weather is warm enough, and others have to deal with outdoor…
It’s that time! Spring is here, so it is time to start bringing in some fun springtime-themed activities! I love Spring because it allows my students time to enjoy the outdoors, practice all the skills learned so far this year, and show everything they learned. Plus, I love looking back at our time together as…
When we welcome students into kindergarten, they often do not know how everything in a classroom works. Even if they went to preschool, that classroom looks and feels very different. It can be challenging for them to get into the right mindset. I love reading growth mindset picture books throughout the year to ensure my…
Empowering teachers with the tools and strategies to help primary students understand expectations and foster a caring classroom community. Sign up for my free 5 day classroom management email series! discover ways to ditch the stress: effective classroom management saving your sanity as a teacher building a classroom community Meet the author Hi, I’m Diana…
During the summer, looking ahead to the next year of kindergarten can feel daunting. It is exciting to think about a new group of students. But, there is so much to do, and it can be difficult to know where to start. Feeling overwhelmed is totally normal! Today, I have some tips on which resources…
You mapped out your expectations. You knew which routines and procedures you wanted to teach on the first day of school. After all of the work, you thought you were ready. And then maybe things didn’t go according to the plan. Perhaps some student behaviors were more unexpected and challenging than you were prepared for….
It is so important to review routines and procedures at the beginning of the year. Students need many opportunities to both discuss and practice procedures. Classroom management is most successful when expectations are clear and enforced consistently. The best way to introduce routines and procedures in Kindergarten is with visuals. I have shared HERE and…
There is a LOT that goes into one back to school season. It is stressful to navigate setting up a classroom. Then you must introduce yourself to families. After that, you need to organize your lessons and materials. And eventually you need to actually begin teaching the children in your room. With all of the…
Summer time is a great time to reflect on what went well for you this year, and what didn’t. Consider how many years you’ve been teaching this, and what issues you see again and again. If this was your first year teaching kindergarten, remember to give yourself grace! Nothing in teaching is ever perfect, and…
Are you a new kindergarten teacher, or are you a veteran teacher transitioning to kindergarten for the first time? Kindergarten is unique in the sense that you are gaining students who have never done school before. Everything is new to them! This can be overwhelming, but I have some tried and true kindergarten tips that…
In my experience, the most important time in Kindergarten is the first month. Kindergarteners come to you with virtually no school experience. Even with Pre-K, they aren’t accustomed to the rigor of focusing on academic work for as long as they need to in Kindergarten. Switching rooms for lunch and related arts is a foreign…
I thought my directions were simple… Write name, color, cut, glue, write. Yet as I scan the room I see and hear the complete opposite. Students are talking to their friends at their table and the volume is getting LOUDER & LOUDER. Two students are under the table. One student is cutting his paper into…
Alright, let’s chat! The end of the year can be such a stressful time. I feel like once I come back from spring break my mind starts going faster than it already does as I try to schedule, organize, and figure out how to get everything done by the end of the year. In fact as I’m…
We’ve all been there—you’re in the middle of a super important lesson, and then bam! A kid decides it’s the perfect time to test the limits. Whether it’s playing tag when they should be sitting down or interrupting a classmate with a story about their pet hamster, setting boundaries with children can feel like trying…
Understanding personal space is one of the most important social skills students can learn, especially in the early years of their education. However, for many students—particularly younger children and those with special needs—the concept of personal space can be a bit confusing. They often don’t realize when they’re standing too close to a classmate, crowding…
The first day of school is a huge pain point in the year for both new and veteran teachers. Yes, I said what I said. It sets the tone for the entire year and gives teachers the opportunity to create a positive classroom community. If you try to fly by the seat of your pants…
In the vibrant world of kindergarten, every day is an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and exploration. One of the keys to successful kindergarten daily routines is keeping things engaging and interactive for our young learners. And what better way to do that than by incorporating technology? Google Slides has become my trusty sidekick when…
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…
Are you preparing for a year of teaching kindergarten, and you aren’t sure where to begin? Does the thought of getting your classroom ready overwhelm you? You are in the right place! Today, I have three tips for how to plan the first week of kindergarten! These tips will ensure you start your year on…
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…
