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Helps you identify common transitions, how much time is needed, and determine the clear expectations for each

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Includes a formula for effective corrections as well as options for corrective consequences

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Expectations for Classroom Activities Reading

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Expectations for Classroom Activities Reading

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Includes defining your common instructional activities and clarifying the expectations for each activity using the CHAMPS acronym

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Includes a balance of activities, meeting developmental needs, and common difficult times during the day (after lunch & recess, end of the day)

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Includes wrapping up the day and dismissal

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Includes how students enter the room, opening activities, attendance, and more

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Most teachers have a method of calling for quiet, and we’ve collected a variety of good ideas for elementary, middle, and high school.

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Consider using a wireless doorbell along with a hand signal (ex-raised hand)when students are transitioning from partner/group talk

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Certain instruments can provide a calming, yet clear signal for students to stop/pause their conversation.

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Consider a classroom chime where students have to be at level zero by the time the chime ends, pair it with a physical response by students like zero with fingers

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See this folder for lots of CHAMPS examples from elementary classrooms

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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Take it beyond 1, 2, 3 Eyes on Me!

You know that point in the day when the volume starts amping up? Bring down the noise level and help your students focus with these call-and-response routines. For each routine, we tell you what the teacher should say and how students should respond. Kids love them, and these classroom attention-getters really work!

We've shared 9 of our favorite attention-getters below, but there are 14 more in our printable version. Just submit your email here to get the printable version, and feel free to share it with a teacher friend!

1. Teacher asks: "Ready to listen?"
Students respond: "Ready to learn!"

2. Teacher asks: "All set?" (Clap, clap, clap)
Students respond: "You bet!" (Clap, clap, clap)

3. Teacher says: "Quiet on the set."
Students respond: "Action!"

4. Teacher says: "Surf's up!"
Students respond: "Shhhh!"

5. Teacher asks: "Ready to rock?"
Students respond: "Ready to roll!"

6. Teacher says: "Hands on top."
Students respond: "That means stop!"

7. Teachers asks: "Ready, set?"
Students respond: "You bet!"

8. Teacher says: "Chicka, chicka."
Students respond: "Boom, boom!"

9. Teacher says: "When I say PEACE, you say QUIET. Peace..."
Students respond: "...Quiet!"

Yes! I Want the 24 Attention-Getters Printable

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Free Printable: 25 Attention-Getters for The Classroom

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Take it beyond 1, 2, 3 Eyes on Me! You know that point in the day when the volume starts amping up? Bring down the noise level and help your students focus with these call-and-response routines. For each routine, we tell you what the teacher should say and how students should respond.

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Strategies to Match Function of Behavior 

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Strategies to Match Function of Behavior 

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Includes information about desk arrangement, physical & visual access, assigned seating, flexible seating, and more

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Includes information about the physical arrangement of the room as it relates to access to materials and information

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Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.body
Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.body
Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.body
Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.body
Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.body
Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.body
Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.body
Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.body
Danielson rubrics from Domain 2: Learning Environments

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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These are a great way to have a productive end to the day and provide closure to your time together.

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Feel free to make a copy and use in your classroom

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Large posters for each letter and posters for each letter with expectations

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Includes windows of opportunity for learning, motor development, emotional control, social skills, vocabulary, language acquisition, math & logic, and instrumental music

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Includes visual and verbal information, learn by doing/practice, teaching others, and variety

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Inclusive labels for non-readers, systems for a variety of things (dull pencils, headphone storage, community supplies, etc.)

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Written by: Mary Kate Bolinder

The average teacher spends close to 1,500 hours in the classroom each year. With so much time spent here, the classroom should be a place you and your students can all enjoy! An organized classroom brings a sense of calm, purpose, and efficiency to the everyday routine. Check out these classroom setup ideas for organizing student supplies and learning materials.

Top Classroom Setup & Organization Tips for Teachers

The teachers in our amazing and supportive Facebook Community offered their best tips and advice for organizing school supplies and student learning materials. Take a look at what they have to say below, and join in the conversation in our Lucky 1st Grade Teachers and Lucky 2nd Grade Teachers groups.

It's your classroom - do what works for you!

Teach your students your expectations for keeping supplies nice and neat, and MODEL MODEL MODEL!

"Color scheme over theme! Organization trumps theme every time. Switching to just solid colors was the best decision! I could easily make labels for literally anything in my class." Check out the Classroom setup pack for editable classroom supply labels.

Keep reading for tips and suggestions on how to organize school supplies and student materials.

School Supplies & Student Materials

Cubbies for Storage

Low on storage space? Repurpose student cubbies for classroom supply storage. Plastic tubs with labels hold extra supplies, journals, and other things like season-specific books. On top of the shelf are tubs for room transformations.

Supply Tubs

Use inexpensive shoebox-sized tubs for overflow supply storage.

Colored Paper Organizer

Organize colored paper in hanging files in a desk drawer or filing cabinet. It's such a little thing but it's been a tremendous time saver!

Construction Paper & Cardstock Storage

Each color of construction paper is actually in a file folder to keep it separate. It makes it super easy to pull out the bins and let students choose their colors.

Self-Serve Student Supply Drawers

The above skinny drawers are all filled with items students can get when they need them. The top drawer is the spot they drop in timely, miscellaneous things in (ice cream money, permission slips, etc.)

Supply Drawers (Not Student Self-Serve)

These drawers are filled with supplies to pass out when students need them.

Login Cards & Headphones Storage

Use a pocket chart to organize student log-in cards and headphones. This student log-in sheet is also super helpful to keep all those usernames and passwords organized!

Headphones Storage Hack

Label colored clothespins with students' class numbers, then label the headphones with their number as well using washi tape. Have students clip the earbuds and then wrap, wrap, wrap the cord until the end. Then, the silver part sticks perfectly in the little clip hole. Or, they can just tuck it under the cord.

More School Supplies and Scoop Rocker Storage

These white "recycling bins" are from IKEA! They hold so many supplies! They are filled with extra supplies that are replenished throughout the year. My scoop rockers fit perfectly in these big bins from Big Lots.

Pencils and People of the World Coloring Utensils

This is a cart that holds People of the World coloring utensils a nd also sharp and dull pencils.

Extra Crayon Drawers

Have a tub of old crayons for extras? Try this Montessori-inspired idea and organize them by color. LIFE CHANGING!!! When students need a specific color, they just go grab what they need! No more wasted time digging through a bin of mixed crayon colors!

Student Computers

These are stored in dish racks that I stuck to the top with poster tape. Each computer is labeled with the student number and also color-coded. The computer has a strip of tape, as does the slot on the dish rack it goes onto, and so does the charging cord. Zip-tie the cords to the dish rack so it doesn't fall behind the shelf.

Math Manipulative Shelf

All the math tools are stored here!

Supply Closet

Store craft supplies, games, fun Friday activities - literally everything! Use a shoe pouch organizer or clear hanging puch for centers and random supplies - works great!

Looking for more great classroom organization tips and ideas? Check out our Classroom Set-Up Materials for everything you need for back-to-school classroom setup!

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When it comes time for classroom setup, we have got tons of tips for organizing school supplies and learning materials!

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4 Ways Classroom Design Impacts Executive Functioning 

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4 Ways Classroom Design Impacts Executive Functioning 

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Effective classroom design can help elementary students develop skills like organization and task initiation.

At the beginning of a new school year, many of us spend a lot of time working on our classroom design-arranging desks just so and putting up engaging bulletin boards.

But designing a space is not decorating. Instead, it should impact learning and have a purpose. Teachers often re-create the same classroom year after year without assessing whether their design guides students' learning. Websites such as Pinterest give teachers ideas for decorating a room, but do these ideas support student learning?

Good classroom design supports the acquisition of not only content skills but process skills. We believe that when students are aware of the purpose of the process, they are more likely to internalize these processes. This year, we are intentionally designing spaces that give students opportunities to learn content and also executive functioning process skills.

Executive functions are process skills that allow us to successfully complete tasks. In any given classroom, there will be a wide range of students with a variety of executive functioning skill levels. These skills include working memory, task initiation, organization, metacognition, inhibition, planning and prioritizing, time management, emotional control, sustained attention, flexibility, and goal-directed persistence.

Executive functions develop biologically but also through experience. Students need to practice executive functioning skills just like they need to practice phonetic skills, math facts, and reading comprehension skills. Therefore, teachers have a responsibility and, more important, an opportunity, to cultivate these skills. The design of the classroom is one way to support these skills.

How Classroom Design Impacts Executive Functioning

1. Working memory. Working memory is one's ability to hold information in order to complete a task. It's been described as a "sticky note" to help students complete their work. Good classroom design supports working memory by limiting teacher language and verbal directions. When the design of the classroom tells students what to do, it frees up working memory for learning content rather than procedure. The design creates routine and transparency for the students.

Classroom teachers should create visuals to support their daily routine, which will limit teacher directions. These visuals could include anchor charts that outline the procedure of the daily routines, checklists, or visual cues to help with classroom organization.

2. Organization. The design of the classroom should help students organize their bodies, their materials, and, most important, their thinking. There need to be clear systems in place. For example, your classroom meeting area needs to have enough room for each student.

To help organize materials, homework should be dropped off in the same place each morning. Teachers need to be consistent so that students internalize the systems.

A well-designed classroom models for students how organization helps accomplish tasks. We realize that when teachers model structures, students can start to generalize and implement these structures with their own work and thinking. An outsider should be able to walk into a classroom and understand most of these systems.

3. Task initiation. Task initiation is one's ability to start a task independently. The setup of your classroom should prompt students and help them prioritize the steps of a routine.

For example, if supplies are clearly marked and accessible, students can initiate their work independently. It's important that the materials do not distract students. When too many materials are available, students have difficulty assessing what is necessary and can become focused on the materials rather than the task.

4. Inhibition. Inhibition is one's ability to self-monitor one's own behavior. When design is clear and simple, students won't be as easily distracted and can better regulate their own behavior. Color can be a good tool to organize information, but when color does not have a purpose and instead is used to decorate, it can confuse students. For example, alternating two colors when listing steps can help; however, rainbow information can hinder production.

Design should not be stagnant. Your students' work and product should help you decide if your classroom is working. Teachers spend time creating their classrooms prior to student arrival, but often the design that works in September is not the design that works in January or in May. It's important to continually reassess your design choices. Students' perspectives can be an important part of the design assessment. When students' input is included, the process becomes more transparent, and students can understand that design has purpose.

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4 Ways Classroom Design Impacts Executive Functioning

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Effective classroom design can help elementary students develop skills like organization and task initiation. At the beginning of a new school year, many of us spend a lot of time working on our classroom design-arranging desks just so and putting up engaging bulletin boards. But designing a space is not decorating.

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Research-Based Tips for Optimal Seating Arrangements 

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Research-Based Tips for Optimal Seating Arrangements 

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Research-Based Tips for Optimal Seating Arrangements

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The right approach to seating works behind the scenes to keep students focused on learning while minimizing disruptions, research suggests.

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6 Opening and Closing Routines for New Teachers

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Check for understanding, manage your students, and build classroom community with these six opening and closing classroom routines.

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6 Opening and Closing Routines for New Teachers

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Check for understanding, manage your students, and build classroom community with these six opening and closing classroom routines.

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Closing questions to use to wrap up a group, activity, or the day

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41 Elementary Classroom Jobs to Build Shared Responsibility and Community

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41 Elementary Classroom Jobs to Build Shared Responsibility and Community

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41 Elementary Classroom Jobs to Build Shared Responsibility and Community

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Classroom jobs help students feel seen, trusted, and excited to contribute to their classroom community.

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Move students in and out of class and between activities smoothly to save valuable instruction time.

While facilitating a demo lesson in front of eight Georgia instructors, my credibility crumbled when 35 cranky middle graders gridlocked themselves in a failed attempt to move their desks into small groups. Charitably, the observing teachers pretended not to notice.

Botched transitions are not only embarrassing, they're lost time. If you save 15 minutes a day through more efficient transitions, that will result in 45 extra hours of instructional time per year. Therefore, shifting students from one task to the next is worth getting right.

There are essentially three types of transitions: entering class and taking a seat, switching from one academic activity to another, and exiting class. And just like any academic procedure, transitions are taught through explicit explanations, clear models, rehearsal, and review.

1. Secure students' attention: "Focus on me, please."

2. Explain the procedure: "In a moment, return to your desks and take out your history textbooks."

3. Prepare kids for the signal to start: "When I say 'smooth,' you'll quietly proceed."

4. Initiate the transition: "And... smooth." Don't say "go," warns Linsin, because that word cues students to race.

5. Observe: Watch to make sure all students are complying.

Whether students are transitioning from reading to math, or PE to the drinking fountain, author Mike Linsin recommends standardizing the process with five steps that I paraphrase this way:

Troubleshooting

Did I provide too many or too few directions?

Did the transition catch kids off guard when they were absorbed in an activity?

Did too many kids have nothing to do?

Are there specific students who created chaos?

When transitions take too long or learners misbehave, it's time to don your figurative Sherlock Holmes deerstalker hat and reflect on these questions:

After answering those questions, try some of the techniques described below.

When transitions take too long: To counter students dragging their feet, announce how many seconds are left before the next event begins. Teachers like Tyler Hester take out a stopwatch and challenge kids to beat the transition times of other classes ( see a video example at the 35 minute mark). And here's a personal secret: Slowly counting down from five in a booming voice never fails to accelerate transitions.

When procedures aren't followed: Lining up her students at the end of the day was a problem for one fifth-grade teacher. Her challenging class often erupted into fights, and the assistant principal chewed her out for delaying the buses. As a solution, she affixed black dots to the floor three feet apart for students to stand on and provided more time for packing belongings. After a few practice sessions, her students' dismissal behavior improved.

Any transition benefits from showing young students how to ninja walk. Other routines are equally engaging; Watch Madeline Noonan's fifth graders ready themselves in "super scholar style" or with "word of the day" signals.

A number of studies show that reminders called precorrectives reduce misbehavior during transitions. Right before a transition, ask a child to describe the proper progression of steps for, say, entering the class after recess. Or play " correct the teacher " by performing examples and non-examples while learners indicate incorrect actions with a thumbs-down signal. Then call on someone to articulate or model the correct procedure.

In another precorrective, described by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a child walks through the procedure while the teacher narrates: "Let's watch Noel at the sink. First, she turns the handles a bit. What does she need next? That's right, soap! She pumps once because that is all she needs. Now she is rinsing off the bubbles and is ready for her paper towel. How many pulls does she need? Let's say it together-one, two, that will do!"

Finally, an effective strategy for reteaching transitions is simply to direct the entire class to start over. Budget extra time for do-overs during the first two weeks of class and be patient. As the Navy SEALs say, "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

When students don't want to quit what they're doing: Have you ever seen a boy wail when bedtime is announced? More than likely, he felt blindsided. In the classroom, many kids feel the same volcanic emotions when asked to stop doing an activity that absorbs them. However, displaying a countdown timer, like E.ggtimer.com, Online-Stopwatch.com, or Timer-Tab.com -when combined with verbal time signals-helps students anticipate and prepare for an approaching transition.

When younger children get distracted: In an article on transitions, Sarah E. Mathews cites a 2007 study that showed how "children appeared excited to engage in many routines that were part of music." Singing the following song, says Mathews, will help kindergartners straighten their work areas between activities: "A helper I will be. A helper I will be. / There's work to do. There's work to do. A helper I will be." Or play this clean up song.

Letting students take charge of transitions: Transitions don't have to involve an entire class. Watch how Wendy Hopf's sixth graders use hand signals: Raising one finger requests help, raising two fingers asks for a bathroom or water break, and raising three fingers indicates that a pencil needs sharpening. "I love it," says Hopf, "because I have the option of saying no."

Research suggests that successful transitions are quick and have clear beginnings and endings. Meeting those requirements will maximize learning time. However, don't be afraid to add in some whimsy, like the North Carolina teacher who greets each student with a charming individual handshake as they enter the classroom each morning, thus illustrating that transitions happen with kids, not to them.

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Move students in and out of class and between activities smoothly to save valuable instruction time.

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Using Simon Says for Classroom Transitions

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4 Classroom Rules that Improve Student Behavior

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4 Classroom Rules that Improve Student Behavior

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15 options to choose the most important for your classroom and students

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When classrooms are positive and well-structured, students thrive both academically and emotionally. Research shows that students in supportive and organized learning environments perform better in math and reading , highlighting the importance of establishing clear classroom rules and expectations.

Equally important is creating healthy boundaries that prevent disruptive behavior without stifling creativity. Read on for practical examples of classroom guidelines to help you build an engaging, productive learning space.

15 Essential Classroom Rules and Expectations

Classroom rules should be well-defined, student-friendly, and tailored to different grade levels. Co-creating these guidelines with students fosters a sense of ownership and helps ensure they understand behavior expectations from the start.

Every school has its own unique culture, challenges, and student needs. The following rules serve as a starting point and can be adapted, modified, or reimagined to fit your specific context, values, and students.

1. Respect Others: Listen attentively, avoid interruptions, and use kind words.

2. Be Prepared: Bring necessary materials, complete assignments, and participate actively.

3. Engage in Learning: Ask questions, share ideas, and contribute to discussions.

4. Use Devices Responsibly: Follow technology guidelines and minimize distractions.

5. Keep the Classroom Clean: Take care of personal space and shared materials.

6. Be on Time: Arrive punctually and ready to learn.

7. Communicate Honestly: Speak truthfully and ask for help when needed.

8. Take Responsibility: Own your learning, behavior, and choices.

9. Use Positive Language: Promote a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.

10. Follow Directions: Listen carefully and complete tasks as instructed.

11. Collaborate Effectively: Respect group work and contribute fairly.

12. Manage Emotions: Express feelings constructively and seek help when necessary.

13. Stay Safe: Maintain a respectful and secure environment for all.

14. Embrace Mistakes: View challenges as learning opportunities.

15. Support Inclusion: Respect diverse perspectives and learning styles.

5 Ways to Teach Acceptable Classroom Behavior

Creating an environment where students can learn and grow is an ongoing process that involves setting clear expectations, modeling positive behavior , and providing supportive guidance. When students understand what's expected of them-and why it matters-they're more likely to contribute positively to the learning environment.

Here's a guide to teaching acceptable classroom behavior:

1. Establish Clear Expectations

Clear expectations are the foundation of positive student behavior. Use discussions and class meetings to ensure every student understands the values and purpose behind each behavioral standard. Frame rules positively-for example, "Speak in a moderate, respectful tone" instead of "Don't yell in class." Reinforce expectations with visual reminders like posters and handouts that students can reference throughout the year.

2. Model and Reinforce Positive Behaviors

Research shows that children learn best through observation and practice. Teachers, administrators, and staff should consistently model expected behaviors when interacting with students and colleagues. Acknowledge students when they demonstrate positive behaviors with specific praise , such as, "I appreciate how you waited patiently for your turn to speak during our discussion." This reinforcement helps students connect positive behavior with successful learning experiences.

3. Encourage Student Ownership and Voice

When students are involved in creating classroom expectations, they're more likely to follow them. Hold class meetings to discuss behavioral challenges and brainstorm solutions together. Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their choices and set personal goals for improvement, fostering self-awareness and responsibility for their actions.

4. Teach Emotional Awareness and Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are inevitable, even with clear classroom policies. The key is teaching students how to handle these situations constructively. Help students recognize their emotional triggers and develop strategies to manage strong feelings. Use tools like peer mediation and role-playing to foster empathy, encouraging students to understand each other's perspectives and work toward win-win solutions.

5. Use Tiered Supports for Behavior

A one-size-fits-all approach to student behavior is bound to fall short. Instead, schools and districts should apply the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to ensure each student receives the behavioral interventions they need. This includes providing individualized coaching and collaborating with families to develop tailored behavior plans when necessary.

20 Evidence-Based Behavior Interventions for Your School Teams

Easy-to-understand rules and consistent guidance are the building blocks of a positive classroom culture. By establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviors, educators can foster an environment where students thrive academically and socially. Yet, ensuring every student receives the right level of behavioral support can be challenging without the proper tools.

That's where our Evidence-Based Behavior Interventions Toolkit can help. This resource offers 20 proven strategies designed to support students at every tier of intervention. Each guide includes detailed instructions and fidelity checklists, giving educators the confidence to implement interventions effectively.

Download the toolkit today to equip your school and district teams with the strategies they need to build strong, supportive learning environments. Whether you're a district leader, school administrator, or classroom teacher, these interventions can help you meet every student's behavioral needs while promoting positive outcomes schoolwide.

Download 20 Evidenced-Based Behavior Interventions

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Learn how to set classroom rules & behavior expectations for K-12 students. Discover strategies to create positive, productive learning environments.

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Guiding questions for each letter and examples