Classroom Management
susanjones 25 Comments
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As every new school year approaches, I begin to get my mind ready for a new year of students. This always includes thinking of my classroom management approach. I like to look for new classroom management tipstry new things each year because each group of students is entirely unique and has a different set of needs than the classroom before. To help ensure things run smoothly throughout the year, I do have a few favorite strategies that I thought I would share today.
I believe that in order to get the most of your students both behaviorally and academically, you must have a solid teacher-student relationship with them. They want to know you care about them and they want to know you’re listening to them. And, quite honestly, getting to know my little school family is my favorite part of each year! At the beginning of the school year I like to have my students fill out a short, fun survey. The little survey gives me a quick overview of their family life and interests.I keep these surveys in the front of their file folders that I keep in my cabinet filled with parent notes, test scores, etc. Throughout the year I fill out little updated notes about new interests or hobbies they may have. I tend to do this most when a particular student may be having a difficult time with behavior. I find the more I can try to connect with that student and find what he or she wants to work for, then we can work together.
You can grab a FREE student survey to try in your classroom by entering your email below:
This is my all-time favorite hallway management trick. See all about how to use it in your classroom below:
An added tip: I usually don’t bust out this strategy until at leastafter Christmas break. I begin the year with strict and firm hallway expectations without a reward. When, I start thinking my class may need a little extra incentive, I randomly show up with this bin and explain all the details!
Writer’s workshop is one of my favorite times of the day. A large majority of that is the peacefulness it brings because of the atmosphere in the classroom. After I have taught my guided lesson and students begin their independent writing, I immediately turn off our overhead lights and play some classical music. It takes my students a few weeks to get used to, but as soon as the music begins there is an immediate calm throughout the classroom. It puts them in the “zone” and they produce some of the best writing. Honestly, it helps meget in the zone as well!
You can read more of my starting Writer’s Workshop tips by clicking below:
My favorite CD to use during my writing block is the Music for the Mind Kagan CD. I love the one specifically for reading & writing. I have a few other CDs from this series as well, but this one happens to be my favorite:
**You can also purchase this CD on itunes by searching for Gary Lamb.I hope some of these ideas can make their way into your classroom to make your life a little easier!
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Reader Interactions
25 Comments
Jennifer RossLove the survey! And I love playing music too! I have recently discovered I can play amazon prime music so I’ll play all kinds of classical music through that.
- kate
Thanks for sharing these great ideas! I am having trouble downloading the survey template. Would it be possible for you to email this resource?
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- Kristi
Great ideas and I am glad you explained what time of year to use these.
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- Katrina H
Great resource! I loved the “Taps” technique and will try it with my kindergarteners this year.
Again,
KatrinaReply
- Tina Chaput
Great ideas! Thank you for sharing !
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- Jessica
Loved your ideas…simple and easy to use
In remedial teaching the challenge is always getting the kiddos to relax after recess…i’ll be looking for the cd ….thx so muchReply
- VIRGINIA
I like your music idea. You say that you turn off the overhead lights?
How do your students see what they are writing?Reply
- Tracy
What is stinky feet???
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- Dee Collier
This is great! Thanks so much!
- Kim
Loved the taps video!
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- Tina
Thanks for sharing
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- Shanna
I’m anxious to try the Tap strategy, it sounds amazing. I teach 1st grade as well.
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- Theresa
Sounds like a great idea for positive reinforcement. I am going to have to give it a try! Thanks so much for sharing.
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- Nancy Cook
I love your approach! Thank you for sharing your talent and helping others! Nancy
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- Amanda Atkinson
Thank you for sharing
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- Jennifer Burger
Loved the Taps idea! Can’t wait to try it!
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- Nancy Kunz
Tried out TAPS…the kids love it. I don’t do it everyday to keep them guessing… 🙂
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- Stacy Gowell
Thank you!
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- Mrs. H
What do you do if you TAP someone, but they start to talk or act up before you get back to class? Do you unTAP them or tell them to try again next time?
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- Peggy
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
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- Mary Ann Lamb
Thanks for the Taps idea.
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- Kristine Hyde
Love the Taps!
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- Diane De La Cerda
Great ideas!!!
Thank you
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- Bea
I remember my teacher doing this in elementary school many many years ago lol. When I became a substitute before teaching, it was the one thing I could easily implement in any classroom at any time. I would bring my own box of stickers or erasers and give them out to those who had been tapped. It’s a great tool!
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- Veda Glover
I can’t wait to try out TAPS with my students. Thank you for sharing.
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