I often hear teachers tell students, “Don’t worry about who’s first—we’re all going to the same place, so it doesn’t matter who’s first.” This reasoning wouldn’t work for me as I waited in line to board an airplane, buy things at the store, or get my driver’s license. It won’t convince many children, either. So to help keep things orderly and fair in your classroom, think through how you’ll handle who goes first when lining up, leading the line, getting or giving out supplies, etc. A few ideas [...]
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Displaying student work sends several important messages: As teachers, we value what students do. This is their classroom as much as ours. And in this classroom, students share their work, learning from each other. Here are some suggestions for displaying student work in a classroom [...]
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Simple signals for attention—whether visual (a raised hand) or auditory (a chime, rain stick, or other pleasant-sounding instrument)—are an essential classroom management tool. … Signals are more efficient and respectful than calling out “Hey, kids”; using too much talk to ask for students’ attention (students will tune out your voice after the first few words); or turning the room lights off and on (often both annoying and ineffective) [...]
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Knowing the typical schedules and routines of the classroom helps children feel secure and competent. Here are some links to articles that will help you create schedules and teach routines that fit your students’ needs. Check out one or two and let me know what you think: Have you found ways to make a tight schedule more child-friendly? Does a particular routine really make a difference in your classroom? [...]
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Just about every teacher needs to be away from the classroom at some point during the year. Whether you’re away for a half day, a day, or several days, you’ll want to make sure that the time goes smoothly for your students and for the substitute or “guest teacher. ” Here are some things to think about [...]
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Inviting parents and other adult family members into the classroom gives them a chance to experience some of their child’s school life. It can also be a way for you to get some help with clerical work (photocopying, stapling) or projects that are hard to manage by yourself [...]
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Furniture takes up lots of room, so if you’re lucky enough to have some choice about how you furnish your classroom, you’ll want to choose carefully. Look for pieces that will be truly useful, give you as much space as possible for flexible instruction, and allow the children to move around easily. … Here are our top picks for “truly useful” classroom furniture. [...]
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This energizer called “Interruptions” will get students up and shaking out the cobwebs—while enhancing their listening and literacy skills in a fun way! It’s especially good with K-3 students, but older children may also enjoy it. [...]
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Have you noticed an age shift in your class now that it’s the middle of the year? It always seemed to me that when we’d come back from February vacation, my students had all grown an inch, seen some new movie that changed the lingo in the room, and were suddenly more mature, for better or worse. [...]
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Last week, I encouraged you to work energizers—quick breaks that get children moving, breathing, and having fun together—into your classroom day. … Now, for all of you who are getting hooked on using energizers, I thought I’d offer some tips for using them more successfully. [...]
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