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https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/classroom-organization-physical-environment/

The Scholastic website provides a short article on how to organize the classroom that is safe, spacious, and welcoming. In the article, it focuses on four areas that create an organized classroom including the space arrangement, desk placement, environmental preferences, and the classroom space design. Each category provides a brief and thorough description on how to implement strategies based on the focus areas and the positive effects they can have on students' social and emotional well-being and learning.

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Every teacher knows that an incredible amount of material accumulates during the school year, and classrooms can quickly become unmanageable.

So how can you feel confident and in control of your space from the first day of school to the last? By organizing your classroom in a way that keeps clutter to a minimum and helps your students function independently. Below, veteran teacher Sharon Taylor shares her best tips on classroom organization.

Don't let crayons, glue, and pencils take over your classroom! Instead of requiring each student to bring individual supplies, ask parents to contribute to the community collection if it's possible for them. You can also raise funds for your classroom with a ClassroomsCount™ campaign.

By doing this, you eliminate the need to track which items belong to which students. Store frequently used items in shower caddies at each table for students to share. This will help them learn to take turns and collaborate!

At the beginning of the school year, invest in Scholastic tubs, bins, baskets, and small storage boxes-or get creative and use empty coffee cans, jugs, and baby wipe containers. These will work great for storing manipulatives. Make sure frequently used items are easy to access and clearly labeled with words and pictures. Rarely used materials can be stored out of the way and only pulled out when necessary.

Instead of file folders, try using binders to store lessons and activities. You can organize binders for various monthly themes and topics and can even store small craft samples. Shoebox-sized plastic boxes are ideal for storing larger craft samples. It will take extra work to organize your binders the first year you use them, but by the next school year, you'll be ready to go with minimal effort.

This is a big timesaver for teachers! Before the week begins, set aside all the materials you will need for each day of the week. In your work area, keep a set of baskets labeled by day and store the materials you need in the appropriate bin. At the end of the week, clear out and re-file any remaining materials, and you'll be ready for next Monday by end-of-day Friday.

To have a successful reading program, you need a successful classroom library. The books should be easily accessible and organized so that students spend less time digging around and more time reading.

First, you need to decide how you want to organize your books. Many teachers keep their libraries in book bins that are organized by genre, topic, and level. However you decide to organize your books, make sure the book bins are clearly labeled.

Finally, Taylor has the ultimate tool to keep your classroom library organized: clothespins! Put each child's name on a clothespin and keep them in a basket near the books. When a student picks out a book to read, they should leave their clothespin on the book bin. When they are done reading, if they forgot where the book belongs, they simply look for where they left their clothespin to return the book to the proper bin.

Shop classroom tools for organization below! You can find all supplies, books, and activities at The Teacher Store, where educators get at least 25% off the list price.

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Tips for Organizing Your Classroom at the Beginning of the School Year | Scholastic

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Maximize your classroom in the new school year with first-rate classroom organization.

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https://www.teachersfirst.com/classroom_resources.cfm

The resources that the TeachersFirst website offers to teachers to help them organize their classroom include bulletin board ideas, classroom connection events, and classroom planning calendar. Each category provides a brief overview about the strategies and ideas on how to display information using these tools. For instance, teachers can use their bulletin boards to post student work, inspirational quotes, or learning goals. Teachers can also create a calendar of events (school/local, state, or nationwide) by posting a physical copy in the classroom or on an online source such as a Class Weebly or Google Classroom.

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teaching ideas, reviewed web sites, lesson plans, teaching units, classroom ideas, effective use, educational technology, integrating technology, best web sites for teaching, projector-ready lessons, interactive lessons, interactive whiteboard ready

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https://www.teacher.org/blog/organizing-physical-space-classroom/

The Teacher Blog site provides examples of what teachers are thinking as they set up their classroom. The blog focuses on five questions that teachers frequently ask themselves while organizing belongings, tools, and resources within the classroom. The main ideas that the questions focus on include safety, educational areas and tools that meet all learning styles and abilities, accessibility for all students, technology, and student involvement in arranging and adjusting the classroom. Each question is answered with suggestions of strategies and tools/resources that have been successful in creating a positive learning environment.

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Jon Konen
District Superintendent

Five rows with six desks in each row...each row is two feet from the next with every desk pointed to the front of the room where the chalkboard and teacher desk are located. Does this paint the picture of the standard old school classroom? Starting in first grade, I could be labeled by front row and closest to the teacher's desk. Yes, I was one of those kids...the teacher used proximity as a classroom management tool. From first grade until I graduated high school, this was typical of almost all of the classroom designs. In fact, I would bet there are still a majority of classrooms across the United States that are similar. This reminds me of a factory that creates widgets...widgets being students. So much research lately has been done on what is best when organizing the physical space in your classroom.

This component in Charlotte Danielson's Evaluation Model can be discounted and not as crucial as other components. This is far from the truth. In reality, the best teachers spend time organizing their room before school starts as well as changing their classrooms throughout the year to the meet the needs of their students. A teacher may start the year with rows of desks, and as community is built in the classroom, they group desks together.

Spencer Kagan suggests grouping desks in teams of four. In this manner, a teacher can automatically implement cooperative learning structures. The students that face each other are called, "face partners." The students that are next to each other are called, "shoulder partners." When a teacher asks students to think about a question and discuss, he or she can ask students to talk to their shoulder or face partners. He even takes it a step further when grouping students; he puts four levels of learners in each group: low, medium-low, medium-high, and high. Students do not know their labeled status. He then suggests that students be organized so that the low and high never talk to each other when using face and shoulder partners in order to increase the discussion depth. Kagan has also created a multitude of learning structures using this four-student arrangement. Here are the Essential Five Kagan Learning Structures, according to Kagan Trainer, Gavin Clowes:

Safety remains the number one characteristic that teachers should use when designing their rooms. After that, what should we think about as we design our own classroom? Here are five questions you can tackle in order to move from being a proficient teacher to an exemplary teacher in organizing your classroom.

1 - What Safety Measures Should I Think About as I Design My Room?

Unfortunately, there are many schools across the United States that are in complete disarray due to deterioration. Many areas do not have the funds to update their schools. Teachers have to make do with what they are given. Flipping their mindset, as well as parents and students can be difficult, but that is what a master teacher will do in order to ensure students are learning!

Walls that are crumbling, cracks and uneven floors, as well as bad electrical outlets can be found in many classrooms across the country. What can teachers really do with this atmosphere...hopefully, a lot! If your school district is unable to support your student's needs even after showing them these problems, an exemplary teacher will find other funding streams to get these things fixed in their classroom ( DonorsChoose.org, GoFundMe.com, FundMyClassroom.com, and more). I know these are not ideal situations for funding and fixing the structural problems, but we must try to advocate for our students as best we can for their safety, health, and their education!

When the physical components of walls, roof, seating, and electricity are ensured, a teacher has other safety measures to consider. Electrical cords, power strips, other wires should not be in the walkways. An overabundance of desk in the main walkway areas also make for hazardous situations. In the event of an emergency, students should not be impeded from leaving the classroom due to furniture or other obstacles.

An exemplary teacher must think about the highly accessed areas and how procedures and routines address student convenience and safety. Computers in the classroom may be along one wall, stored in a cart or cubby; procedures must be created so all students are not accessing the same area at once. Limiting the number of students, as well as creating routines for students to practice taking and putting away computers can increase the speed and efficiency in which students can access these devices. Other supplies and materials must be thought about in the same fashion....how can students access them quickly, as well as transition between learning activities efficiently.

2 - Do I Have Different Learning Areas and Zones in My Room's Design That Align to Different Learning Activities?

As educators move away from rows and aisles of desks as the only furniture or seating options in their classrooms, teachers must think about the different learning areas and zones in their room. At the elementary level, teachers can design their classroom for whole group, small group, and individual learning areas. Some classrooms may even have two different areas for whole group learning and sharing activities. Many teachers have a carpeted area where students come for direct instruction, demonstrations, or sharing, as well as table or desks for all students in a different area of the room. Many teachers have small kidney-shaped tables or tables where small group instruction can be utilized.

Master teachers take into account that a student may learn better standing, kneeling, laying, or even pacing in a small work area. Giving up control may be difficult for some teachers to give up because they may believe that sitting in the standard desks with all student's eyes on them is the only way they can learn. This is not true. In fact, there is research that shows sitting too long in plastic chairs may be the detrimental to a student's spines, thus affecting learning. The author of the research, Dr. Ted Siciliano of the Manahawkin Chiropractic Center, states, "So what's the bottom line for sitting and chairs? Don't sit ... for too long. Support the spinal curve ... periodically. Pay attention to what works for your spine."
Here are four typical learning areas in a master teacher's classroom, as well as it form and function:
AREA 1 - Individual Desks or Learning Areas - the most traditional area; students in this area learn best when they have their own individual desk or learning area; this can be more difficult for students to pair up and share, sometimes requiring them to get out of their desks to communicate better; the closest student is several feet away

AREA 2 - Tables or Small Groupings of Desks - students in this area learn best when they work cooperatively and in teams; students share learning spaces at a table or by putting furniture together; the students are within an arm's reach from other students

AREA 3 - Flexible Seating Areas - this area may be mixed into areas 1, 2, and 4; they learn best with a different type of seating (see question #3 below); students learning is tailored to specific needs; some teachers design their whole classroom in this manner; some teachers use this seating in order for all students to be able to work cooperatively, similar to area 2

AREA 4 - Pacers, Standers, and Students who Need to Be Moving - students in this area learn best when they are allowed to pace, stand, or constantly be up and moving; these students may also participate in areas 1, 2, and 3; teachers must place these students where movement is allowed and there is adequate space; these students may be located on a side of the room as to not distract other students

Some educators have also divided their classrooms up into a 7 Learning Zone system that connects routines, procedures, and areas of the classroom.

1. Discovery Zone - display examples, record observations and use data

2. News Zone - display learning targets, classwork, homework

3. Supplies Zone - student supplies area, reference materials, student work

4. Community Zone - evaluate progress, correct misconceptions, take notes, area to connect

5. Quiet Zone - making area of the room quiet, independent time, make-up work, testing, writing

6. Teacher Zone - defined teacher area to work with adults, confidential area, manuals, references

7. Subject Zone - examples and resources connected to subject areas, anchor charts, visuals, notes

3 - Is My Room Organized So All Students, Including Students with Special Needs, Have Accessibility to Learning Tools, Learning Zones, and Furniture?

As mentioned above, the teacher may be working with students in a small group, whole group, or individual manner. While the teacher is designating these locations, they also can be thinking about what works best for the students in their classroom. Designating different learning zones and areas may be the first step in making sure all students are ensured to have their needs met.

When a teacher thinks about different areas and zones, they match specific learning styles with flexible seating locations. Some students may do their best work at a desk away from other students, while other students may work best at table next to a peer. Other students need to move as they have a sensory need or may have special needs. Here are some ideas for flexible seating that take into account a sensory need:

Bouncy Chair - an exercise ball is placed on a chair mount; students can bounce and work on their core

Wobble Stool - a stool that wobbles and students can work on their core

Crate Seat - a Crate that has padding on it that can be moved around the room easily

Rocking Chair - a chair that rocks and provides repetitive motion

Disk-o-Seat Cushion - a inflated cushion that provides both sensory and core balance needs; student is able to move

Bucket Chair - a chair that is shaped much like a bucket that can be placed anywhere in the room; many styles of bucket chairs rock

Couch - students can sit or lay on a coach similar to learning experiences at home

Standing Desk with Tall Stool - students can stand at their desk; students can sit at desk that is taller than a normal desk

Stools - a seat without a back or arms

Gaming Chair - a chair that is bucket shaped and can rock; students can move these anywhere in the room

Theraband Chair Set up - a large rubber band is connected to the chair or the desk directly in front of the student; the student can swing their legs and get exercise by pushing and pulling at the Theraband with their legs

Camp Style Chairs - fold up chairs usually made of cloth

Pillow Seats - different sizes of pillows that students can use to sit on and they are easily movable

Foam Pads - a foam pad can be placed on a chair surface or the ground providing more comfort and well as the ability to move

Benches - a seat without a back or arms; can be used for multiple students working in the same area or working together

Peddle Bike Chairs - chairs devised that have bicycle pedals for students to use while learning

Peddle Bike Desks - desks devised that have bicycle pedals for students to use while learning

Texture Seats and desks - different types of textures attached to chairs and desks; some students like the feel of sand paper or Velcro attached to their desk providing a sensory stimulation

Carpet Squares - a carpet sample can be used by students to create a learning area and they can be easily moved

4 - How Does Access to Technology Play a Role My Room's Design?

As more classrooms attain the ultimate goal of one-to-one technology in the classroom, space and access can be an issue. Some classrooms have desktops located along walls or in pods; these all take up space. Mobile devices are starting to take over many classrooms, such as Chromebooks or I-Pad technology. These devices can moved anywhere in the classroom, and can be stored in many fashions.

Some technology is stored in computer carts. These carts hold all the computers, can be recharged by plugging them in, and can also be shared by other classrooms. Storing the cart in the classroom is a big decision as it must be easily accessible to all students, not block pathways, and have well-established procedures for taking them out and putting them away.

Wall mounted storage can be efficient if your school has one-to-one devices in that classroom. A permanent storage area must not block pathways and cannot be bumped easily by students passing by. It must be an accessible wall area where multiple students can access the devices quickly and safely.

Wireless capabilities can be issue if your school does not have adequate coverage. Adding more technology in a school may also be an issue because of the numbers of devices connected to the network. When the computer network bogs down, the devices run slower or may not even work at all. For computers that need to hard-wired into the network, you may have the same connectivity problems if your school does not have a large enough bandwidth. When the devices increase, the bandwidth splits that many more times.

5 - How Do Students Play a Role and Take Initiative in the Room's Arrangement and Adjustments According to Their Specific Learning Needs?

There are two main philosophies in the ownership of the classroom: this is the "teacher's" classroom, and this is "our" classroom. In the setting where the teacher owns the design of the room, there is limited input from the students in movement of furniture, nor accessible and delineated learning zones, nor much movement around the room. Exemplary teachers understand that the classroom must be flexible and adaptable to the students in front of them. They also understand that students should play a role in these decisions.

Teaching students to understand themselves through self-regulation may not seem like it connects with how you organize your classroom, but master teachers know that is not true. They understand that by teaching students about the different learning tools, learning areas, and learning zones students can support themselves in their learning. Agency is the ability for students to take on their own learning needs. Students who are allowed to have choice in meeting their own needs can be powerful and create agency. A National Board Certified Teacher, Amy Konen, states in her Teacher.org blog titled, Daily 5 and Alternative Seating: 4 Reasons Why They Are a Perfect Fit Together,

"When students have choice, they gain control over their learning. When they are given choices of where to sit, they feel more competent to choose what is best for them to enhance their learning. It helps them become more involved with their learning because they are the ones who are making decisions regarding their environment and their order of completing tasks. This is not to say I do not have any control in this area and kids are just running around doing whatever and however they want during this time. Choice will be put in place as the expectations and routines are learned within this time."
(Charlotte Danielson Model: Domain 2 Component e)
MORE ROCK MY EVALUATION RELATED READINGS:

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Organizing the Physical Space in Your Classroom | Teacher.org

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Jon Konen District Superintendent Five rows with six desks in each row...each row is two feet from the next with every desk pointed to the front of the room where the chalkboard and teacher desk are located. Does this paint the picture of the standard old school classroom?

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https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/classroom-management-strategies/

The Prodigy website provides examples of possible negative school behaviors and classroom disruptions. The website also informs readers with the latest statistic on teachers who struggle with classroom management. The website continues with universal strategies that have been proven effective in managing student behaviors and maintaining a structured classroom. There are 20 strategies that the Prodigy website offers, but to name a few, they include modeling acceptable behavior, involving students in developing expectations, documenting the rules/expectations and making them visible in the classroom, encouraging students to problem solve and develop a growth mindset, giving tangible rewards, communicating with non-verbal cues, and planning lessons that are engaging and interactive.

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Paper airplanes fly across the room. Students race between desks. You can't get a word in, as they yell over you.

Disruptive behavior doesn't have to be this dramatic, like a movie scene you'd watch in a media literacy lesson, but poor classroom management will almost assuredly elevate your stress and burnout rates.

Unfortunately, a 2019 report indicates that teachers overwhelmingly report a lack of professional development support in improving classroom management. Despite this unideal situation, there are straightforward and effective classroom management approaches you can implement by yourself. These approaches can enhance prosocial student behavior and academic engagement, establishing an orderly learning environment.

Available as a downloadable list to keep at your desk, below are 20 research-backed classroom management strategies and techniques.

Use the ones that best appeal to your situation and teaching style.

Universal classroom management strategies for educators

These 20 classroom management techniques have shown to improve classroom behavior, build relationships for a better classroom community, and foster a positive classroom environment where student learning is the number one collective goal.

Try these effective classroom management strategies with your students to become a happier, more effective teacher.

1. Model ideal behavior

Make a habit of demonstrating behavior you want to see, as many studies show that modelling effectively teaches students how to act in different situations.

A straightforward way to model certain behaviors is holding a mock conversation with an administrator, other teacher or student helper in front of the class. Talking about a test or other relatable topic, be sure to:

Use polite language

Maintain eye contact

Keep phones in your pockets

Let one another speak uninterrupted

Raise concerns about one another's statements in a respectful manner

After, start a class discussion to list and expand upon the ideal behaviors you exemplified.

2. Let students help establish guidelines

Encourage all students to help you build classroom expectations and rules, as you'll generate more buy-in than just telling them what they're not allowed to do.

This is especially essential for new teachers. Near the start of the school year or during the first day of a semester, start a discussion by asking students what they believe should and shouldn't fly in terms of appropriate behavior.

At what points are phones okay and not okay? What are acceptable noise levels during lessons?

This may seem like you're setting yourself up for failure, but -- depending on the makeup of your class -- you may be shocked at the strictness of some proposed rules. Regardless, having a discussion should lead to mutually-understood and -respected expectations for your classroom culture.

3. Document rules
Don't let your mutually-respected guidelines go forgotten.
Similar to handing out a syllabus, print and distribute the list of rules that the class discussion generated. Then, go through the list with your students. Doing this emphasizes the fact that you respect their ideas and intend to adhere to them. And when a student breaks a rule, it'll be easy for you to point to this document.

You'll likely want to post these rules up in your classroom - if you haven't already - for occasional reference. If you're feeling creative, you can include the rule list in a student handbook with important dates, events and curriculum information, too.

4. Avoid punishing the class

Address isolated discipline problems individually instead of punishing an entire class, as the latter can hurt your relationships with students who are on-task and thereby jeopardize other classroom management efforts.

Instead, call out specific students in a friendly manner. For example:

"Do you have a question?", not "Stop talking and disrupting other students"

"Do you need help focusing?", not "Pay attention and stop fooling around while I'm talking"

This basic approach will allow you to keep a friendly disposition, while immediately acknowledging inappropriate behavior.

5. Encourage initiative

Promote growth mindset, and inject variety into your lessons, by allowing students to work ahead and deliver short presentations to share take-away points. Almost inevitably, you'll have some eager learners in your classroom. You can simply ask them if they'd like to get ahead from time-to-time.

For example, if you're reading a specific chapter in a textbook, propose that they read the following one too. When they deliver their subsequent presentations to preview the next chapter on your behalf, you may find that other students want a bit more work as well.

6. Offer praise

Praise students for jobs well done, as doing so improves academic and behavioral performance, according to a recent research review and study.

When it is sincere and references specific examples of effort or accomplishment, praise can:

Inspire the class

Improve a student's self-esteem

Reinforce rules and values you want to see

Perhaps more importantly, it encourages students to repeat positive behavior. Let's say a student exemplifies advanced problem-solving skills when tackling a math word problem. Praising his or her use of specific tactics should go a long way in ensuring he or she continues to use these tactics. Not to mention, you'll motivate other students to do the same.

7. Use non-verbal communication

Complement words with actions and visual aids to improve content delivery, helping students focus and process lessons.

Many differentiated instruction strategies and techniques are rooted in these communication methods. For example, running learning stations -- divided sections of your classroom through which students rotate -- allows you to deliver a range of non-spoken content types. These include videos, infographics and physical objects such as counting coins.

8. Hold parties

Throw an occasional classroom party to acknowledge students' hard work, motivating them to keep it up.

Even if it's just for 20 or 30 minutes, they should be happy with snacks and a selection of group games to play. Clarify that you're holding the party to reward them and they can earn future parties by demonstrating ideal behavior, collectively scoring high on assessments and more.

9. Give tangible rewards

Reward specific students at the end of each lesson, in front of the class, as another motivational and behavior-reinforcement technique.

Let's say a few students are actively listening throughout the entire lesson, answering questions and asking their own. Before the class ends, walk over to their desks to give them raffle tickets. So others can learn, state aloud what each student did to earn the tickets. On Friday, they can submit their tickets for a shot at a prize that changes each week -- from candy to being able to choose a game for the next class party.

10. Make positive letters and phone calls

Keep students happy in and out of class by pleasantly surprising their parents, making positive phone calls and sending complimentary letters home.

When the occasion arises, from academic effort or behavioral progress, letting parents know has a trickle-down effect. They'll generally congratulate their kids; their kids will likely come to class eager to earn more positive feedback. This can also entice parents to grow more invested in a child's learning, opening the door to at-home lessons. Such lessons are a mainstay element of culturally-responsive teaching.

11. Build excitement for content and lesson plans

This one works well no matter the grade level: elementary school, middle school or high school. Start lessons by previewing particularly-exciting parts, hooking student interest from the get-go.

As the bell rings and students settle, go through an agenda of the day's highlights for the whole class. These could include group tasks, engaging bits of content and anything else to pique curiosity. For example, "Throughout the day, you'll learn about:"

How to talk like you're a teacher (sentence structure)

Why you don't know anyone who's won the lottery (probability)

What all the presidents of the United States have had in common (social analysis)

The goal of this classroom management technique is to immediately interest students in your agenda and thereby dissuade misbehavior.

Ready to make learning an exciting adventure?

Use Prodigy to boost classroom engagement and excitement with two captivating learning games for math and English!

12. Offer different types of free study time

Provide a range of activities during free study time to appeal to students who struggle to process content in silence, individually.

You can do this by dividing your class into clearly-sectioned solo and team activities. In separate sections, consider:

Providing audiobooks, which can play material relevant to your lessons

Maintaining a designated quiet space for students to take notes and complete work

Creating a station for challenging group games that teach or reinforce standards-aligned skills

Allowing students to work in groups while taking notes and completing work, away from quiet zones

By running these sorts of activities, free study time will begin to benefit diverse learners. This should contribute to overall classroom engagement.

13. Write group contracts

Help student group work run smoothly and effectively by writing contracts that contain guidelines, having everyone sign.

Group contracts should be based on expectations that students have for each other, and you have for them. You can gather the class's thoughts by holding a discussion about what the ideal group member does, and how he or she acts. Once you've written the contract, encourage students to come up with consequences for violating expectations.

By having them sign a fresh version of the contract before each group task and project, you're empowering them to hold each other accountable.

14. Assign open-ended projects

Encourage students to tackle open-ended projects -- projects that don't demand a specific product -- to allow them to demonstrate knowledge in ways that inherently suit them.

This starts by giving the class a list of broad project ideas, asking each student to choose one. Be sure to provide a rubric for each project that clearly defines expectations. By both enticing and challenging students, you should notice they'll:

Work and learn at their own paces

Engage actively with appropriate content

Demonstrate knowledge as effectively as possible

With these benefits, students may actually look forward to taking on new projects.

15. Give only two scores for informal assessments

Recall a time you saw a big "F" in red ink on your work. You were probably too upset to review mistakes and feedback, and so are your students when they see the same.
So, consider avoiding standard marks on informal and formative assessments.
Instead, just state if a student did or did not meet expectations. Then, provide struggling students with a clear path to improve. For example, pair classmates who didn't meet expectations with those who did, giving them a review and practice activity. When strugglers are confident they understand key concepts, encourage them to tell you. Provide a new assessment, allowing them to prove their competency.

Classroom management strategies for individual students

16. Use EdTech that adjusts to each student

Give students who struggle to process your content opportunities to try educational technology that adapts to their needs.

There are many games and platforms that use adaptive learning principles to detect a given student's skill deficits, serving them content to help overcome them.

For example, Prodigy Math adjusts its content to help students in grades 1 to 8 address their trouble spots. It also offers feedback to help them solve specific mistakes, as they answer questions that use words, charts, pictures and numbers.

The best bit? Teaching tools are all available at no cost to educators and schools.
See the student experience below!
Educators, access at no cost

17. Interview students

Interview students who aren't academically engaged or displaying prosocial behavior to learn how to better manage them.

While running learning stations or a large-group activity, pull each student aside for a few minutes. Ask about:

What helps them focus

Who they work well with

Their favorite types of lessons

Their favorite in-class activities

Which kinds of exercises help them remember key lesson points

Note their answers to come up with activities and approaches that engage them, thereby limiting classroom disruptions.

18. Address inappropriate or off-task behavior quickly

Avoid hesitation when you must address inappropriate or off-task behavior, especially when a student breaks a documented rule.

Acting sooner than later will help ensure that negative feelings -- whether between students or you and a student -- won't fester. Failure to act can result in more poor behavior, leading to needlessly-difficult conversations.

But keep in mind: It's usually best to talk to the student in private. Research shows that punishing students in front of peers has "limited value."

19. Consider peer teaching

Use peer teaching as a classroom management strategy if you feel your top performers can help engage and educate disruptive and struggling students.

Peer teaching activities, such as pairing students together as reading buddies, can be especially beneficial for students who suffer from low confidence and poor interpersonal skills.

Authoritative research states tutors improve self-esteem and interpersonal skills by giving feedback. Tutees realize benefits because they can ask questions and receive immediate clarification. A later study of at-risk students echoes these advantages. Although you should spend time teaching peer tutors how to properly communicate with tutees, you'll likely find the benefits are worth the work.

20. Gamify personal learning plans

Motivate students on personal learning plans by gamifying those plans, as studies - such as recent research from South Korea - indicate this will continuously engage and incentivize them.

Consider gamification strategies such as:

Adjusting your scoring system -- Give experience points (XP) -- along with traditional scores -- on tests and assignments, setting a goal for the student to reach a certain amount of XP per unit. For example, if a student scores 60% on a quiz, give him or her 6,000 XP. You can also award XP for completing extra assignments, participating in class or anything else that shows effort to learn.

Using stages -- Refer to topics and units as stages. The former terms have clear connotations for you, but students may not see how they fit together. If they're gamers, they'll understand that reaching the next stage requires overcoming precursory challenges. Emphasize this by framing certain tasks as prerequisites to reach the next learning stage.

If these strategies work especially well for individual students, you should see similar success by using them as class-wide student management techniques.

Classroom management strategy FAQs

What is the best classroom management style?

According to Diana Baumrind's work, a clinical psychologist known for her research on parenting styles, some educators believe an authoritative classroom management style may the best one. This type of high control, high involvement classroom management style is characterized by strong expectations of appropriate behavior, clear understandings of why certain behaviors are acceptable and others not acceptable, and warm student-teacher relationships.

However, there is no specific approach that has been proven to be the most effective. So you may wish to review The Classroom Management Book by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong which includes a variety of solutions that can be easily implemented. Every group of students has varying needs and will likely need a unique approach to help every student bring his or her best self to the classroom and be ready-to-learn every single day.

What are the four components of classroom management?

Implementing the top four components of classroom management from the start will set you and your students up for success all year long. They are:

Classroom design - be intentional about how you set up your desk, your students' desks, bulletin board displays, devices and other aspects of your classroom. Thoughtful classroom design can help create a safe and welcoming learning environment.

Rules/discipline - to create a safe and caring school community, develop classroom rules your students understand and - hopefully - respect. While it may not be fun, be sure to communicate that breaking classroom rules will have concrete yet fair consequences.

Scheduling/organization - being on time, keeping on task and staying organized will help set up your lessons (and your students' learning) up for success.

Instructional technique - while you may not have the flexibility you'd like when it comes to content and curriculum, you should have the freedom to choose how you teach. For example, 8th grade students may prefer a lecture-style lesson with small group discussions while 3rd grade students may prefer learning math with a digital game-based learning platform. Observe how your students learn best and use the classroom management strategies and techniques to teach your lessons.

Why is classroom management so important?

When done effectively, classroom management is important for three main reasons. It:

1. Creates and sustains an orderly learning environment in the classroom

2. Improves meaningful academic learning and fosters social-emotional growth

3. Increases students' academic engagement and lowers negative classroom behavior

Final thoughts about these classroom management strategies

These class-wide and one-on-one approaches to classroom management largely work across subjects and grade levels. Implementable without admin and parent support, they should empower you to establish an orderly - yet friendly and engaging - environment.

Look forward to better teacher-to-student and student-to-student interactions as a result.

Looking for a fun way to engage and reward your students? Try Prodigy Math! Aligned with curricula for grades 1 to 8, students will practice key skills while also exploring an exciting fantasy world.

Plus, you'll get access to free teacher tools that help you differentiate math content, send assessments and collect student insights - in just a few clicks.

Educators, access at no cost

Paper airplanes fly across the room. Students race between desks. You can't get a word in, as they yell over you.

Disruptive behavior doesn't have to be this dramatic, like a movie scene you'd watch in a media literacy lesson, but poor classroom management will almost assuredly elevate your stress and burnout rates.

Unfortunately, a 2019 report indicates that teachers overwhelmingly report a lack of professional development support in improving classroom management. Despite this unideal situation, there are straightforward and effective classroom management approaches you can implement by yourself. These approaches can enhance prosocial student behavior and academic engagement, establishing an orderly learning environment.

Available as a downloadable list to keep at your desk, below are 20 research-backed classroom management strategies and techniques.

Use the ones that best appeal to your situation and teaching style.

Universal classroom management strategies for educators

These 20 classroom management techniques have shown to improve classroom behavior, build relationships for a better classroom community, and foster a positive classroom environment where student learning is the number one collective goal.

Try these effective classroom management strategies with your students to become a happier, more effective teacher.

1. Model ideal behavior

Make a habit of demonstrating behavior you want to see, as many studies show that modelling effectively teaches students how to act in different situations.

A straightforward way to model certain behaviors is holding a mock conversation with an administrator, other teacher or student helper in front of the class. Talking about a test or other relatable topic, be sure to:

Use polite language

Maintain eye contact

Keep phones in your pockets

Let one another speak uninterrupted

Raise concerns about one another's statements in a respectful manner

After, start a class discussion to list and expand upon the ideal behaviors you exemplified.

2. Let students help establish guidelines

Encourage all students to help you build classroom expectations and rules, as you'll generate more buy-in than just telling them what they're not allowed to do.

This is especially essential for new teachers. Near the start of the school year or during the first day of a semester, start a discussion by asking students what they believe should and shouldn't fly in terms of appropriate behavior.

At what points are phones okay and not okay? What are acceptable noise levels during lessons?

This may seem like you're setting yourself up for failure, but -- depending on the makeup of your class -- you may be shocked at the strictness of some proposed rules. Regardless, having a discussion should lead to mutually-understood and -respected expectations for your classroom culture.

3. Document rules
Don't let your mutually-respected guidelines go forgotten.
Similar to handing out a syllabus, print and distribute the list of rules that the class discussion generated. Then, go through the list with your students. Doing this emphasizes the fact that you respect their ideas and intend to adhere to them. And when a student breaks a rule, it'll be easy for you to point to this document.

You'll likely want to post these rules up in your classroom - if you haven't already - for occasional reference. If you're feeling creative, you can include the rule list in a student handbook with important dates, events and curriculum information, too.

4. Avoid punishing the class

Address isolated discipline problems individually instead of punishing an entire class, as the latter can hurt your relationships with students who are on-task and thereby jeopardize other classroom management efforts.

Instead, call out specific students in a friendly manner. For example:

"Do you have a question?", not "Stop talking and disrupting other students"

"Do you need help focusing?", not "Pay attention and stop fooling around while I'm talking"

This basic approach will allow you to keep a friendly disposition, while immediately acknowledging inappropriate behavior.

5. Encourage initiative

Promote growth mindset, and inject variety into your lessons, by allowing students to work ahead and deliver short presentations to share take-away points. Almost inevitably, you'll have some eager learners in your classroom. You can simply ask them if they'd like to get ahead from time-to-time.

For example, if you're reading a specific chapter in a textbook, propose that they read the following one too. When they deliver their subsequent presentations to preview the next chapter on your behalf, you may find that other students want a bit more work as well.

6. Offer praise

Praise students for jobs well done, as doing so improves academic and behavioral performance, according to a recent research review and study.

When it is sincere and references specific examples of effort or accomplishment, praise can:

Inspire the class

Improve a student's self-esteem

Reinforce rules and values you want to see

Perhaps more importantly, it encourages students to repeat positive behavior. Let's say a student exemplifies advanced problem-solving skills when tackling a math word problem. Praising his or her use of specific tactics should go a long way in ensuring he or she continues to use these tactics. Not to mention, you'll motivate other students to do the same.

7. Use non-verbal communication

Complement words with actions and visual aids to improve content delivery, helping students focus and process lessons.

Many differentiated instruction strategies and techniques are rooted in these communication methods. For example, running learning stations -- divided sections of your classroom through which students rotate -- allows you to deliver a range of non-spoken content types. These include videos, infographics and physical objects such as counting coins.

8. Hold parties

Throw an occasional classroom party to acknowledge students' hard work, motivating them to keep it up.

Even if it's just for 20 or 30 minutes, they should be happy with snacks and a selection of group games to play. Clarify that you're holding the party to reward them and they can earn future parties by demonstrating ideal behavior, collectively scoring high on assessments and more.

9. Give tangible rewards

Reward specific students at the end of each lesson, in front of the class, as another motivational and behavior-reinforcement technique.

Let's say a few students are actively listening throughout the entire lesson, answering questions and asking their own. Before the class ends, walk over to their desks to give them raffle tickets. So others can learn, state aloud what each student did to earn the tickets. On Friday, they can submit their tickets for a shot at a prize that changes each week -- from candy to being able to choose a game for the next class party.

10. Make positive letters and phone calls

Keep students happy in and out of class by pleasantly surprising their parents, making positive phone calls and sending complimentary letters home.

When the occasion arises, from academic effort or behavioral progress, letting parents know has a trickle-down effect. They'll generally congratulate their kids; their kids will likely come to class eager to earn more positive feedback. This can also entice parents to grow more invested in a child's learning, opening the door to at-home lessons. Such lessons are a mainstay element of culturally-responsive teaching.

11. Build excitement for content and lesson plans

This one works well no matter the grade level: elementary school, middle school or high school. Start lessons by previewing particularly-exciting parts, hooking student interest from the get-go.

As the bell rings and students settle, go through an agenda of the day's highlights for the whole class. These could include group tasks, engaging bits of content and anything else to pique curiosity. For example, "Throughout the day, you'll learn about:"

How to talk like you're a teacher (sentence structure)

Why you don't know anyone who's won the lottery (probability)

What all the presidents of the United States have had in common (social analysis)

The goal of this classroom management technique is to immediately interest students in your agenda and thereby dissuade misbehavior.

Ready to make learning an exciting adventure?

Use Prodigy to boost classroom engagement and excitement with two captivating learning games for math and English!

12. Offer different types of free study time

Provide a range of activities during free study time to appeal to students who struggle to process content in silence, individually.

You can do this by dividing your class into clearly-sectioned solo and team activities. In separate sections, consider:

Providing audiobooks, which can play material relevant to your lessons

Maintaining a designated quiet space for students to take notes and complete work

Creating a station for challenging group games that teach or reinforce standards-aligned skills

Allowing students to work in groups while taking notes and completing work, away from quiet zones

By running these sorts of activities, free study time will begin to benefit diverse learners. This should contribute to overall classroom engagement.

13. Write group contracts

Help student group work run smoothly and effectively by writing contracts that contain guidelines, having everyone sign.

Group contracts should be based on expectations that students have for each other, and you have for them. You can gather the class's thoughts by holding a discussion about what the ideal group member does, and how he or she acts. Once you've written the contract, encourage students to come up with consequences for violating expectations.

By having them sign a fresh version of the contract before each group task and project, you're empowering them to hold each other accountable.

14. Assign open-ended projects

Encourage students to tackle open-ended projects -- projects that don't demand a specific product -- to allow them to demonstrate knowledge in ways that inherently suit them.

This starts by giving the class a list of broad project ideas, asking each student to choose one. Be sure to provide a rubric for each project that clearly defines expectations. By both enticing and challenging students, you should notice they'll:

Work and learn at their own paces

Engage actively with appropriate content

Demonstrate knowledge as effectively as possible

With these benefits, students may actually look forward to taking on new projects.

15. Give only two scores for informal assessments

Recall a time you saw a big "F" in red ink on your work. You were probably too upset to review mistakes and feedback, and so are your students when they see the same.
So, consider avoiding standard marks on informal and formative assessments.
Instead, just state if a student did or did not meet expectations. Then, provide struggling students with a clear path to improve. For example, pair classmates who didn't meet expectations with those who did, giving them a review and practice activity. When strugglers are confident they understand key concepts, encourage them to tell you. Provide a new assessment, allowing them to prove their competency.

Classroom management strategies for individual students

16. Use EdTech that adjusts to each student

Give students who struggle to process your content opportunities to try educational technology that adapts to their needs.

There are many games and platforms that use adaptive learning principles to detect a given student's skill deficits, serving them content to help overcome them.

For example, Prodigy Math adjusts its content to help students in grades 1 to 8 address their trouble spots. It also offers feedback to help them solve specific mistakes, as they answer questions that use words, charts, pictures and numbers.

The best bit? Teaching tools are all available at no cost to educators and schools.
See the student experience below!
Educators, access at no cost

17. Interview students

Interview students who aren't academically engaged or displaying prosocial behavior to learn how to better manage them.

While running learning stations or a large-group activity, pull each student aside for a few minutes. Ask about:

What helps them focus

Who they work well with

Their favorite types of lessons

Their favorite in-class activities

Which kinds of exercises help them remember key lesson points

Note their answers to come up with activities and approaches that engage them, thereby limiting classroom disruptions.

18. Address inappropriate or off-task behavior quickly

Avoid hesitation when you must address inappropriate or off-task behavior, especially when a student breaks a documented rule.

Acting sooner than later will help ensure that negative feelings -- whether between students or you and a student -- won't fester. Failure to act can result in more poor behavior, leading to needlessly-difficult conversations.

But keep in mind: It's usually best to talk to the student in private. Research shows that punishing students in front of peers has "limited value."

19. Consider peer teaching

Use peer teaching as a classroom management strategy if you feel your top performers can help engage and educate disruptive and struggling students.

Peer teaching activities, such as pairing students together as reading buddies, can be especially beneficial for students who suffer from low confidence and poor interpersonal skills.

Authoritative research states tutors improve self-esteem and interpersonal skills by giving feedback. Tutees realize benefits because they can ask questions and receive immediate clarification. A later study of at-risk students echoes these advantages. Although you should spend time teaching peer tutors how to properly communicate with tutees, you'll likely find the benefits are worth the work.

20. Gamify personal learning plans

Motivate students on personal learning plans by gamifying those plans, as studies - such as recent research from South Korea - indicate this will continuously engage and incentivize them.

Consider gamification strategies such as:

Adjusting your scoring system -- Give experience points (XP) -- along with traditional scores -- on tests and assignments, setting a goal for the student to reach a certain amount of XP per unit. For example, if a student scores 60% on a quiz, give him or her 6,000 XP. You can also award XP for completing extra assignments, participating in class or anything else that shows effort to learn.

Using stages -- Refer to topics and units as stages. The former terms have clear connotations for you, but students may not see how they fit together. If they're gamers, they'll understand that reaching the next stage requires overcoming precursory challenges. Emphasize this by framing certain tasks as prerequisites to reach the next learning stage.

If these strategies work especially well for individual students, you should see similar success by using them as class-wide student management techniques.

Classroom management strategy FAQs

What is the best classroom management style?

According to Diana Baumrind's work, a clinical psychologist known for her research on parenting styles, some educators believe an authoritative classroom management style may the best one. This type of high control, high involvement classroom management style is characterized by strong expectations of appropriate behavior, clear understandings of why certain behaviors are acceptable and others not acceptable, and warm student-teacher relationships.

However, there is no specific approach that has been proven to be the most effective. So you may wish to review The Classroom Management Book by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong which includes a variety of solutions that can be easily implemented. Every group of students has varying needs and will likely need a unique approach to help every student bring his or her best self to the classroom and be ready-to-learn every single day.

What are the four components of classroom management?

Implementing the top four components of classroom management from the start will set you and your students up for success all year long. They are:

Classroom design - be intentional about how you set up your desk, your students' desks, bulletin board displays, devices and other aspects of your classroom. Thoughtful classroom design can help create a safe and welcoming learning environment.

Rules/discipline - to create a safe and caring school community, develop classroom rules your students understand and - hopefully - respect. While it may not be fun, be sure to communicate that breaking classroom rules will have concrete yet fair consequences.

Scheduling/organization - being on time, keeping on task and staying organized will help set up your lessons (and your students' learning) up for success.

Instructional technique - while you may not have the flexibility you'd like when it comes to content and curriculum, you should have the freedom to choose how you teach. For example, 8th grade students may prefer a lecture-style lesson with small group discussions while 3rd grade students may prefer learning math with a digital game-based learning platform. Observe how your students learn best and use the classroom management strategies and techniques to teach your lessons.

Why is classroom management so important?

When done effectively, classroom management is important for three main reasons. It:

1. Creates and sustains an orderly learning environment in the classroom

2. Improves meaningful academic learning and fosters social-emotional growth

3. Increases students' academic engagement and lowers negative classroom behavior

Final thoughts about these classroom management strategies

These class-wide and one-on-one approaches to classroom management largely work across subjects and grade levels. Implementable without admin and parent support, they should empower you to establish an orderly - yet friendly and engaging - environment.

Look forward to better teacher-to-student and student-to-student interactions as a result.

Looking for a fun way to engage and reward your students? Try Prodigy Math! Aligned with curricula for grades 1 to 8, students will practice key skills while also exploring an exciting fantasy world.

Plus, you'll get access to free teacher tools that help you differentiate math content, send assessments and collect student insights - in just a few clicks.

Educators, access at no cost

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20 Classroom Management Strategies and Techniques [+ Downloadable List]

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Paper airplanes fly across the room. Students race between desks. You can't get a word in, as they yell over you. Disruptive behavior doesn't have to be this dramatic, like a movie scene you'd watch in a media literacy lesson, but poor classroom management will almost assuredly elevate your stress and burnout rates.

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https://www.edutopia.org/article/7-classroom-management-mistakes-and-research-how-fix-them

The Edutopia website discusses about seven mistakes that teachers often make as they manage students and their classroom. These mistakes may include teachers responding to surfaced behaviors, assumptions that it is not academic related, disciplining minor infractions, using the "time-out" strategy, public shaming, expecting compliance, and being biased. Each category provides a brief description of how teachers have used these techniques to manage the classroom and the outcomes that came with it after the fact. Each category also suggests strategies that are more appropriate and help teachers develop better classroom management skills.

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7 Classroom Management Mistakes—and the Research on How to Fix Them

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Whether our emotions get the best of us, or we fall into familiar but unproductive habits, here are 7 common classroom management mistakes, and what the research suggests you should do instead.

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https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/6-tips-skillfully-managing-extreme-student-behaviors1802.html

This website offers six tips to manage extreme behaviors, which was written by Jill Eulberg, a Veteran Educator with a focus in Special Education. Jill Eulberg shares successful strategies that she implemented with students who demonstrated severe behaviors. The strategies that were offered include determining the main problem, asking for support from colleagues, remaining calm in difficult situations, developing a plan and enforcing it, involving administration, and documenting all incidents. Jill Eulberg believed that following these steps and implementing these strategies can help identify the student's behavior and provide him or her with the appropriate services.

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Dealing with extreme student behaviors can be a disheartening experience for teachers, and diffusing small behaviors before they become big problems requires a skillful balance of concealing your emotions and using techniques to de-escalate the behavior. Here are some tips on how to handle challenging student behavior and get back to class.

1. Get to the Root of the Matter

Behavior is a form of communication, so consider what could be causing the disruptive behavior. Determining the cause can help teachers proactively meet student needs, while remaining in control and avoiding inadvertently reinforcing bad behavior.

While the type of behavior may vary, the function of behaviors typically serve one of two purposes: to get something (i.e., attention) or to avoid something (i.e., work). For instance, a student who constantly disrupts your class may be communicating a need for attention.

Rather than reinforcing this behavior by responding to a student blurting out-as negative attention is still attention-try anticipating the behavior and meeting the student's need beforehand. Meet with the student before class and ask them to help you with a special job. Make a point to have a one-on-one conversation about a subject of interest to the student. By meeting the student's need on your terms, you may stop the behavior from even occurring.
Further Reading: How to Regain Classroom Control When Students Are Loud and Unruly
2. Reach Out to Colleagues for Support

Most schools have teachers who specialize in working with students who have behavior issues. If you're dealing with extreme student behavior, seek out these individuals and ask for their advice.

Pam Schieffer is one such educator. She teaches students with emotional behavioral disabilities (EBD) in Minnesota and frequently deals with extreme behaviors. "My best advice is to provide clear, simple, and firm expectations for the students," she said. "They will push and try to cross the line. Don't back down, and don't show them it upsets you. Also, if they are trying to suck you in, ignore it and walk away when possible."

3. Remember to Remain Calm

The Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) offers training opportunities for schools on de-escalating and dealing with a wide range of student behaviors. In addition to training, CPI offers free resources on techniques for diffusing challenging student behaviors.

While easier said than done, CPI notes that one of the most important things you can do when dealing with challenging behaviors is maintaining your own self-control. Visualize yourself somewhere relaxing to maintain the appearance of calm, and use conversational "diffusers," which are short phrases such as "I hear you," "Thanks for sharing," or "Nevertheless." Spoken matter-of-factly, these diffusers can de-escalate a situation and show you're still in control.

Silence is another useful de-escalation tool. If a student is challenging you, try waiting silently for about 10 seconds and see if the student doesn't give up. While it might feel like an eternity, the extended wait time has shown to be effective.

4. Have a Plan and Stick to It

Every teacher should have a plan for dealing with students when behaviors are chronic or continue to escalate. If you're working with a student who has an identified emotional or behavioral disability, consult with the special education teacher. The student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) should provide a detailed plan for handling their behavior.

Students will test boundaries, so teachers need to set clear limits that are consistently enforced. Whether it's a positive behavior system, rewards, or strikes, you need a classroom management system that rewards positive behavior and penalizes poor behavior choices.

Make sure your plan is clear and students are fully aware of the consequences for not following it. But more importantly, stick to your plan. Consistently enforce your rules, or students will quickly learn they can get away with misbehaving in your classroom.

5. Involve Administration When Necessary

When extreme behaviors occur, safety should be your primary concern. No teacher should tolerate being hurt or threatened. If students aren't responding to your attempts to correct their behavior, it may be time to involve administration.

With a violent incident, isolate the student and call for help. If you can't isolate the student, you may need to move the class away from the student for everyone's protection and safety. After the incident, allow yourself and your students time to cool down. Breathe and regain your composure, then be sure to write up a complete report detailing the behavior incident.

6. Document, Document, Document

If you're struggling with student behavior, make sure to document the behaviors and the interventions you've used to address them. Documentation is critical to establishing a pattern of behavior, and it's pertinent information for administration if they need to become involved. Also, if administration is not supportive or questions you, having documentation protects you by outlining the steps you've tried prior to involving them.
Further Reading: How to Deal with Entitled Behavior in the Classroom
Like it or not, student behaviors are an inescapable part of being a teacher. Develop a plan and practice using techniques to stop behaviors before they begin. Skillfully managing student behaviors doesn't have to be the worst part of your job; it can be your opportunity to shine.

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6 Tips for Skillfully Managing Extreme Student Behaviors

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As a teacher, you hope to avoid being confronted with extreme student behaviors. Your best bet is to develop a plan and stop behaviors before they begin.

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https://www.weareteachers.com/classroom-procedures-save-sanity/

The WeAreTeachers website offers 12 strategies to implement in managing classroom procedures. The strategies range from developing a routine when getting in line and walking in line, establishing a system that informs students of transitions in between activities and classes, establishing a system/rule for borrowing or sharpening pencils, developing a routine of how to greet students in the classroom, and more. Each category gives a brief description of the effectiveness of the strategy and provides examples of ways to implement the strategy in the classroom.

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This is one of our favorite classroom procedures because it's easy and cuts back on a big problem. "The no-name papers will disappear," says Kristin B.W.

Learn more: Free Highlight Your Name Poster at Teachers Pay Teachers

12. Greet every student at the door

"They behave better when they feel cared about," says Debra M. Don't we all?

13. Use a visual timer

A Time Timer or visual timer shows how much time is left in an activity, letting students answer the "how much time do we have" question on their own.

Buy it: Visual Timer at Amazon

14. Streamline hall passes

Having a hall pass that works for your class will make your day infinitely easier as students will know if they can leave your class, and other teachers will know the students are permitted to move around the school.

Learn more: Paintbrush Hall Pass/Create Art With Me and Hall Pass Ideas

15. Stamp your feedback

Get a set of self-inking stamps that you can use to give feedback on student work. Or for students who are working on completing work independently or improving behavior, use rubber stamps that address common concerns as well as data tracking for students with IEPs.

Buy it: Rubber Stamps at Mrs. D's Corner

16. Get their attention

Having a selection of attention-getters that you can alternate, depending on your and your students' moods, will help you direct students throughout the day.

17. Set up a cell phone charging station

It's important to establish classroom procedures for cell phones from the beginning. Having a cell phone charging station solves the problem of students checking their phones during instruction. Set up the expectation that students store phones in the station so there's no back-and-forth about how much charge they have (their phones charging is not the point).

Learn more: Tips and Tricks for Managing Cell Phones in Class

18. Prep task boxes to keep kids busy

Having a set of boxes with coloring sheets, worksheets, extra practice, and games that students can play quietly or independently gives students a way to stay busy and learning while other students are finishing work.

Learn more: Swoop Into Kindergarten

19. Assign classroom jobs

Assign class jobs so that every aspect of the day is taken care of, and so students have ownership over what happens in your room during the day. Set up a way to rotate the jobs each week, and once students have their preferred jobs, keep tabs on who is doing what so it feels fair.

Learn more: Big List of Classroom Jobs

20. Have students apply for class jobs

Once students know what the class jobs are, have them apply for a job to have for the semester or year. You'll have consistency from week to week, and students will get the experience of applying and managing their responsibilities.

Learn more: Free Student Job Application at Teachers Pay Teachers

21. Communicate with cups

Provide students with a set of green, yellow, and red cups. As they work, they start with the green cup on top. If they feel like they need help, they switch the cup to yellow. And if they are totally stuck, they put the red cup on top. You can respond to the red cups first.

Learn more: Ingenious Ways To Use Solo Cups/K Teacher Tiff

22. Make bulletin boards work for you

Interactive bulletin boards can help you collect exit tickets, give you information about what students think about a question, and provide a fun procedure for students to complete each day.

Learn more: Our Favorite Interactive Bulletin Boards

23. Tighten your exit ticket procedures

Create a predictable way to collect exit tickets so students can spend their time showing what they know instead of figuring out how to pass it in.

Learn more: Exit Ticket Ideas

24. Be strategic with seating

A Double E, Pairs, Four Square-these are all ways to arrange your classroom. Your classroom routines and procedures will go much smoother if the class is set up to facilitate everything from passing papers in and out to lining up and finding groups and partners to work with.

Learn more: Student Desk Arrangement Ideas/Lucky Little Learners

25. Organize classroom procedures around a theme

Who says your theme can't incorporate procedures? Choose a classroom theme and get creative. If your theme is "Under the Sea," have seashells on the wall where students can post exit tickets, an octopus cell phone charging station, and a paper return tray decorated like a coral reef.

Learn more: Our Favorite Classroom Theme Ideas

26. Sort students into groups creatively

If students are going to be working together at all, you'll save time by having a quick procedure to move them from whole group to pairs or teams. One idea: Use pairs of cards to have students match up with their partner. Another idea: While students are seated, place a colored button (one color per group) on each desk. Then, have students stand and find the people who have the same-color button. After they're finished, have students return the buttons to a jar up front. You can use buttons or any other materials (colored sticks, tiles, etc).

Learn more: Clever Ways To Put Students Into Groups

27. Simplify grading

For informal assessments, let students know if they did or did not meet the assignment expectations. This is easier on you and gives students a quick update that they don't have to calculate (7/10) or respond to (letter grades).

Learn more: Creative Ways To Check for Understanding

28. Make transitions magical

As students move from place to place in the room, use a "magic" wand and turn them all into snowflakes, unicorns, or yetis. Get silly with it, and as students get more familiar with this procedure, put them in charge of the magic wand.

Buy it: Magic Wand at Amazon

29. Post a visual schedule

A visual schedule outlining your classroom procedures is a great way to help students know what's coming next. And for students who process visual information easier than auditory, it's helpful to be able to see the schedule and refer to it throughout the day. An individual visual schedule for a student with autism or processing needs can help them move throughout the day as well.

Learn more: Free Visual Schedule Templates

30. Bring nonverbal reminders wherever you go

Hang nonverbal reminders around your neck/lanyard and use them to prompt students to follow procedures, anywhere you go.

Buy it: Pictoral Communication Cards at Twinkl

31. Buzz in answers

Once students are in groups, have them use answer buzzers to chime in. It reduces noise and calling out.

Buy it: Light and Sound Buzzers at Amazon

For more teacher tips, tricks, and ideas, be sure to sign up for our free newsletters to find out when they're posted!

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31 Must-Teach Classroom Procedures and Routines

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These seriously cut your stress. We've compiled the best classroom procedures and routine ideas from our community and around the web.

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https://www.teachhub.com/classroom-management/2019/10/classroom-management-procedures/

The TeachHub website gives a thorough explanation about why classroom management procedures are important and the positive impacts the procedures can have on the students' social and emotional well-being and their learning. The website continues the most important procedures that should be implemented in the school/classroom routine and provides a step-by-step process on demonstrating these procedures.

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Classroom Management: Procedures - TeachHUB

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To maximize learning and minimize distractions, every teacher should have classroom procedures in place. Learn more about classroom management procedures.

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https://www.teacher.org/blog/managing-classroom-procedures/

The Teacher Blog informs readers about the importance of classroom management procedures and the benefits it can have on learning such as higher scores on standardized testing. The blog continues with asking six questions about implementing the procedures and answering in great detail about the purposes for doing so. The main idea for each question focuses on specific routines and procedures, student acknowledgement of the routines and procedures, student understanding of rules, procedures, and routines, the creation of a student-managed classroom, time segments from start to finish, and student involvement in developing procedures.

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Jon Konen
District Superintendent

How can Finland students, touted as one of the highest-ranking OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries in education, score as high as they do on the PISA (Programming for International Student Assessment) data when they are in school 400 hours less than students in America? This is answered with a multitude of retorts, but easily stated Finland educators believe, "Less is more!" American students spend roughly 1,080 hours a year with a teacher "doing school." Much of America's educational philosophy has been "More is better." In fact, there are many schools adding hours and days into their current school calendars. What can we learn from the Finnish education system? A lot!

Classroom routines and procedures are the backbone of a classroom. Without it, chaos reigns and increased student behaviors are visible, as well as decreasing or stagnant academic scores. When effective routines and procedures are put in place, students are more successful in all areas, specifically academic and socio/emotional learning.

Charlotte Danielson's teacher evaluation model does not necessarily state we need to overhaul our American educational approach. What she does create is a need to use the already delineated time in a more purposeful and productive manner. The following six questions will support the transition of a teacher going from "proficient" to "exemplary."

#1 - What Routines and Procedures Are in the Classroom?

Effective classroom teachers think of the smallest procedures and routines to make their students successful, and yet they teach their students to take initiative and be problem solvers. They understand there is a fine balance between over-teaching an abundance of routines and procedures, as well as teaching enough of them to save time, ensure safety, and expect academic progress by all students. When these students continue having problems with a specific area of the classroom, they propose a new routine or procedure to their teacher and peers. They are constantly striving for a more effective and efficient learning environment.

Exemplary teachers have routines and procedures in the classroom that have been taught much the same way as the academic content. These teachers continue to teach them to mastery throughout the school year. They even use a clock to determine efficiency as well as effectiveness. If they see a bottleneck procedure or traffic-jam routine, they empower students to make suggestions to change it. Exemplary teachers understand that when they empower, they are gradually releasing responsibility and ownership back to the students. They believe that independent problem-solvers are in charge of their own education and teachers are merely there to facilitate this transfer of responsibility and ownership.

Here is a list of common routines and procedures from the Scholastic article that is 15 years old, but still quite relevant, " 30 Classroom Procedures to Head Off Behavior Problems" by Bonnie P. Murray (2002©)

#2 - How Well Do the Students Know the Routines and Procedures in the Classroom?

After a procedure or routine has been taught, it must be reviewed, modeled, and revisited routinely. Exemplary teachers empower the students to support in making the decisions when these need to be reviewed. Students police themselves but do so respectfully and with kindness. When a student chooses to not follow a routine or procedure and another student has tried to support, a procedure is in place to inform the classroom teacher, "Mr. Johnson, we were working on lining up, but we are still not as efficient as we could be. Can you support us?" Tattling can be eliminated and replaced with reporting. A tattling student would have stated, "I asked Jimmy to get in line, but he said 'No,' Mr. Johnson." This form of tattling sets a student up to be defensive and pits students against each other, which could create a toxic environment.

The exemplary teacher understands it is them ultimately that determines the success of routines, procedures, and solving any issue of student reporting failures. Rules should not be confused with routines and procedures. Rules carry out the spirit of the classroom, while routines and procedures create the structure of the learning environment pertaining to management of materials, learning structures, and safety measures.

A classroom that "runs itself" is touted as one that knows the classroom routines to the point that they are automatic and can be taught to other students and even guest teachers (substitutes). Observation of such a class is fun to watch as students work seamlessly at the job or task assigned. Students know how to support each other in making sure every student gets what they need. When a problem arises, other students support in "going to solution," rather than spending time on the problem or solely letting the teacher deal with the situation. Exemplary teachers do not place blame on students who cannot handle this learning environment, they merely think with a growth mindset, "They are not ready....yet!"

Exemplary teachers spend a lot of time up front teaching, modeling language and actions, using students to role-play, and making visual posters or charts when teaching procedures or routines. These teachers know that these may change as a need arises. They allow students to support the editing of the routines and procedures. Master teachers understand that the better these are taught the more time students will get in the end.

Teachers who score at the unsatisfactory or basic levels on Charlotte Danielson's model may feel spending time on teaching procedures and routines is a waste of instructional time or even deem it is not important. Many of these low scoring teachers feel they should have been taught these procedures and routines in the past grades or classrooms. They also blur the lines between routine, procedures, and rules. This is confusing for students. Teachers in these classrooms will not get as much curriculum covered or have students score as high as they could if they had well established procedures and routines.

If you love observing great instruction by stepping into a classroom where students have mastered a set of procedures and routines you know it is pure art! Observing what the teacher is doing while students manage their own learning environment can be revealing. Many of us wonder how a teacher can have so much time to support students individually, work on classroom projects, celebrate students, and more. It starts with students mastering procedures and routines.

#3 - Do Students Know the Difference Between Rules, Procedures and Routines?

One of the most indistinct educational practices we see across classrooms is the belief that rules, procedures, and routines are all the same. Students are confused and break more "rules" when they do not follow a procedure or routine. Rules should be devised to carry out the spirit of the classroom or school. Procedures and routines are created for students to use to access learning or to get a specific need met.

Here are some examples of rules that carry out the spirit of the classroom:

The biggest difference between rules, procedures, and routines is what educators do when one of these are not followed by students. A student that does not follow a procedure or routine must be re-taught, not punished, nor have consequences. They simply must do it again, and again, and again. A teacher must be creative with a student that continues to struggle with a routine or procedure. If it becomes a pattern over time, then they may be breaking one of the rules of the classroom purposely. All behavior is a chance for us to teach and reteach. Exemplary teachers understand that there are two celebrations coming whenever a routine or procedure is re-taught: 1) student ownership of his or her actions, and 2) the student doing the correct thing. For example, a student running down the hallway. They must go back and do it again for safety. They should not be punished for breaking a procedure.

When a rule is broken an educator has a chance to reteach what the spirit of the classroom looks like, feels like, and sounds like. Many teachers will argue what consequences should come next. This is where teaching philosophy and the school's philosophy play a role in determining what happens next. From Lee Cantor's Assertive Discipline, to the new push for restorative justice, educators must be on the same page. When consequences are given, it is best to track if the duration, frequency, or intensity decrease. If at least one of these facets are not decreased, educators must review their effectiveness with teaching the rules of the classroom and school.

#4 - How Can an Educator Transition from a Teacher-Managed Classroom to An "Empowered" Student-Managed Classroom?

"Don't sweat the small stuff," is a famous line referring to people being able to see the big picture. Unfortunately, what can be argued as the small stuff in an education environment, such as routines and procedures, is quite possibly the most important aspect of a teacher's classroom. Teachers who do not put effort into the smallest of details within a classroom find that all this "small stuff" will eat them and the students a live. The small stuff mounts up and becomes the "big stuff" tearing down the classroom culture and learning environment.

Agency can be arguably the latest educational jargon that has the most meaning in what educators are trying to accomplish in the classrooms. Agency is the ability for students to take over their own learning progress by advocating for themselves.

Master teachers create the sense of agency in their students in several different ways. One way to create a strong sense of agency is to empower students. You have to ask yourself, "What can be turned over to the students to manage?" The more educational processes educators can turn over to students, the stronger the learning. These teachers have verbal cues for students who know exactly what to do. For example, a teacher states that students will be doing a 5-minute quick write. A multitude of procedures and routines go into place and students are ready to start in less than 30 seconds. One student from each group gets out of their desk pod. They walk across the room to get a notecard for the rest of their group members. All students pull out their pencil and put a heading on the notecard. When they are done with that, they put their eyes on the teacher who is ready to read the prompt for the 5-minute quick write. The teacher knows when he or she can start the five minutes when all eyes are on the teacher.

All of this has been practiced for this specific assessment. Within 5:30, all students have completed a formative five-minute writing assessment. An observer does not even realize all the procedures and routines that just occurred. An exemplary teacher understands that all this has to be modeled, practiced, reviewed, and celebrated!

Another educational term that has become prominent is the "gradual release of responsibility." This is the concept that teachers transfer the responsible of a task, assignment, procedure, or routine over to the students. When students are able to do something independently, and do it well, than the task is considered to have been mastered. Teachers then raise the level of complexity, whether this is a routine, procedure, or even an education goal. Here is a diagram that visually describes this gradual release of responsibility from the Daily 5 learning structure. It can be used as a philosophical structure across the school and it closely matches Charlotte Danielson's scoring rubric for Domain 2:

#5 - How Can a Teacher Maximize Starts, Transitions, and Ending Time Segments?

In a Prussian and Horace Mann educational system, which entailed many starts and stops, students were treated much as if they were in a factory in the Industrial Age. Grade levels are accompanied by an age level, and not what a student is ready for in their learning progression. Personalized learning is breaking the walls down of this constraint. While educators must still teach in this 19 th century educational system, they have to become masters at transitions. From the time students enter the school building, until they are dismissed at the end of the day, there are at least 50 transitions that students and adults manage.

Exemplary teachers understand how students enter the school in the morning can determine their success for the rest of the day. An exemplary teacher stands, watches students as they enter, and talks with them in the hallways. They are continually "taking the temperature" of difficult students before they even enter the classroom. They understand that the first words said to these students can make or break the student's day. The teacher is always thinking about proactive words that match routines for all students as they enter. These teachers have something for all students to do as they enter the classroom, they maximize the time as soon as the first bell rings until the last bell.

There are many transitions in a well-planned lesson or activity, as well as a change between different subjects of study. How a teacher starts instruction sets the tone for the entire instructional time segment. The teacher may change the learning structure, the type of task, or materials, and the transition between these changes has already been planned. The teacher understands what procedures need to be practiced or taught.

The exemplary teacher understands that all transitions take time and they are always striving for them to be quick and efficient. They time these changes and decide how long each type of change should take. It if does not meet a given goal, they teach, model, practice, and celebrate when it is achieved. A change within a lesson might take less time when the students stay at their desk. There is a difference in time as compared to a change where students must get out of their desk to get materials. Exemplary teachers take into account the different types of transitions and students support each other to make sure it happens successfully.

Recess transitions are essential. What a teacher does before the students leave the classroom determines how they exit, how they enter the hallway, and how they exit to the playground. Exemplary teachers understand these small procedures, when practiced, save more time for instruction, as well as more time for students at recess. In the same manner, the exemplary teacher understands that instructional time begins when the bell rings. The teacher times how fast students line up outside, enter the school, and enter the classroom. They know how long it should take to go from playing at recess to learning in the classroom. The exemplary teacher takes action when the goal is not met by practicing, modeling, and providing motivation. Students know these procedures and support each other in making it happen each day.

Much like recess transitions, students each day attend a special period (PE, Library, Counseling, Music, Art, etc...). The exemplary teacher understands how long each of these transitions should take and set goals with students at the beginning of the year to ascertain these goals. They practice when these goals are not met. Students understand and help determine these goals for the classroom. They give advice on how best to meet these goals. These transitions are practiced in much the same manner, even when going to or coming from lunch.

Lastly, master teachers are efficient at transitions to end a lesson, task, or dismissal. These teachers understand that every learning segment must have some type of closure, and sets students up for the transition to the next thing. Students are part of the closure procedures and understand the teacher may collect some type of formative data to determine the success of the prior learning segment. They know that when a task ends, they are proactive to think ahead about what they want the students to do next. Students understand that their personal feedback will help determine the success of the previous task. They know they will either completing a quantitative self-assessment pertaining to the task, or offering qualitative feedback. These master teachers understand that how students leave the classroom at the end of the day is vital to communication they have with their parents or guardians. Master teachers communicate important information before students leave. They understand that the best time for students to remember something is at the beginning of a lesson, and the second best time is at the very end, according to Denny McLaughlin of the High Trust Philosophy.

#6 - How Can Student Self-Assessment Play a Role in the Exemplary Teacher's Classroom Procedures?

Setting goals for routines and procedures may seem ridiculous, but master teachers understand that they are the backbone of the classroom. The stronger they are the more time teachers have for content, as well as the level of respect and kindness among the students. Goal setting and self-assessment can occur with individual, groups, or even the whole class. These goals can be visually displayed for all students. Much like classrooms tracking the number of minutes of sustained stamina of reading in the Daily 5 reading structure, teachers can use this strategy to strengthen other procedures and routines. There is a balance between how many of these routines and procedures are practiced specifically at any one time.

Master teachers develop rubrics, checklists, and scoring guides for students to track their own role in meeting high expectations when participating in routines and procedures. Here is an example of a teacher-student created rubric for transitioning between subjects in an elementary classroom:

3 points = I was able to transition before the allotted time, all materials were put away/taken out, and I did it on my own

2 points = I was able to transition before the allotted time, but I needed student support

1 point = I was able to transition after the allotted time, and I needed teacher support

0 point = I was not able to transition in the allotted time, and I would not let the teacher nor other students support me

By setting these type of rubrics or scoring guides up with students, teachers give them the power to take control of their own responsibilities. If they score below a specific number, maybe a "2" above, you can have a one-on-one meeting with the student to support them in getting to the coveted "3" level. This data can be collected quickly and used in conferences with students and parents. The ability for a student to take ownership in helping create the procedures and routines, as well as scoring themselves accordingly against a rubric is a powerful tool. Students are then empowered to make the correct decisions.
(Charlotte Danielson Model: Domain 2 Component C)
MORE ROCK MY EVALUATION RELATED READINGS:

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Managing Classroom Procedures | Teacher.org

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When effective routines and procedures are put in place, students are more successful in all areas.

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https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-culture-learning

The Edutopia website provides three vital steps that need to be taken to ensure that teachers are implementing a culture of learning. The steps include planning and examining routines that are based around the students, incorporating student assets with learning, and decreasing unnecessary conversations that could effect learning. Each step provides information about the importance of using these steps and thorough directions on how to complete these steps and create a successful learning culture.

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A look at three steps schools can take this year to ensure that students are deeply engaged in their learning.

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https://thehighlyeffectiveteacher.com/6-ways-to-build-a-positive-classroom-culture/

The HighlyEffectiveTeacher website mainly focuses on the students and how their demeanor can determine the classroom/learning culture. The website suggests six steps that need to be taken in order to create this type of culture of learning; they include maintaining high expectations from students, developing behavior management processes, building positive rapports with the students, implementing effective teaching and learning practices, developing positive rapports with the students' parents/guardians, and encouraging positive relationships between students. Each category is followed by strategies and resources/tools that could potentially create the culture of learning that teachers have been looking for.

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Having a positive classroom culture is one of the most important elements of a successful learning environment and thus teachers should actively work towards creating a classroom culture that encourages participation and student success.

The Wingspread Declaration on school connections states that students have more likelihood of success when they feel connected to school. When students feel that adults in the school care about them as people as well as their learning they are more likely to feel connected.

The Declaration, based on a review of research and extensive discussion, found that for this to occur, a school must provide high expectations combined with high levels of support, a focus on positive teacher-student relationships and physical and emotional safety.

When students are connected, academic performance improves, violent and destructive incidents reduce, school attendance improves and more students complete their schooling.

There is strong scientific evidence to show that feeling connected to school is a protective factor for students against disruptive and violent behaviour, mental health issues, disengagement from school, drug use and early sexual experiences.
Prefer to watch a video? Click below
Here Are 6 Ways To Build A Positive Classroom Climate So Your Students Feel Connected To School

1. Have High Expectations For Your Students

Have high expectations for your students, for their work and their behaviour. Expect that your students will do well and encourage them by letting them know that you believe in them. Provide appropriate learning support for all students.

Take a closer look at high expectations with What Does It Mean To Have High Expectations

2. Set Up Behaviour Management Processes

Behaviour management processes in your classroom should be fair and consistent, which means they are agreed upon and understood by the students. Teach students the behaviour you expect, give them opportunities to practice and use positive reinforcement.

For practical ways to do this take a look at our post, Set Up To Win The Game.

3. Focus On Building Positive Relationships

Relationships with students is a major key to positive learning outcomes for students and school culture.

Allocate time and energy to listening to your students, getting to know them and letting them get to know you. The magic ratio for positive relationships according to John Gottman the relationship expert is 5 positive interactions: 1 negative. Not sure how to do this?

Check out one of our teaching resources on Building Positive Relationships

4. Use Effective, Evidence-Based Teaching And Learning Practices

Be prepared for your classes by considering your students and how they best learn. Provide relevant and engaging curriculum, presented in interesting and student-centred ways.

The literature review Building Resilience in Children and Young People from Helen Cahill et al, states that school connectedness contributes to positive mental health outcomes for students. The pedagogical characteristics of schools that demonstrate effective connectedness are the use of cooperative learning strategies, hands-on activities and variety of instruction.

Another popular resource of interest is How To Promote Resilience In Your Students

5. Foster Positive Relationships With Parents

Postive relationships with parents is important for many reasons. However, here I refer specifically to encourage them to share your high expectations for their children, so you can work as a team to educate. Remember, parents are their children's first teachers.

Learn more here about How To Build Relationships Wit h Parents.

6. Encourage Positive Relationships Between Students

Model the behaviour you want to see in the way students treat each other. Use respectful language and demand a high standard of relating to one another in the classroom. Explicitly teach students social skills and give them plenty of opportunities to practice.

Read how to do this effectively; How To Run Successful Group Work

And read here for 3 steps to create a positive class culture.
Ask us about how we can help you build a positive culture in your school.

What are your favourite ways to foster a positive classroom culture?

This post is featured by Twinkl in their ' Behaviour Management in the Classroom ' blog

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6 ways to build a positive classroom culture

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6 Ways To Build A Positive Classroom Culture

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Having a positive classroom culture is one of the most important elements of a successful learning environment and thus teachers should actively work towards creating a classroom culture that encourages participation and student success.

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https://www.theedadvocate.org/create-a-culture-of-learning-in-your-classroom/

The Advocate website provides four tips ("Explain the plan", "Inspire your students", "Sustain the culture", and "Behind the scenes"), which all involve students input to help the teacher create the culture of learning environment. The website encourages teachers to let students do most of the creating because they are the ones who need to feel appreciated and willing to learn. Each tip provides a brief explanation about its purpose and is followed by questions and conversation starters that teachers can use when discussing with students about the classroom/learning culture.

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Maybe you’ve witnessed a classroom where the focus on learning is intense.

A hum of excitement resonates in the air, and everyone, the teacher and students alike, goes about their work with a focused purpose. Everyone is engaged. The workflow is fluid. Routines are seamless. The students help each other succeed.

Maybe that classroom is yours.

If it’s not, it can be.

Explain the plan

A culture of learning consists of specific thinking habits.

What your students think about themselves and what they believe they are capable of are part of their thinking habits. Some of these habits have been formed in their home environments. Your thinking habits are part of your classroom, as well.

The key to creating your classroom learning culture lies in showing your students the high expectations you have for them. Talk with them about:

What does engaged learning look like?

What would the student be doing in this environment?

What would the teacher be doing?

How okay is it to make mistakes?

What kinds of things should be celebrated?

When you establish the model you have in mind for a culture of learning, it’s time to inspire your students.

Inspire your students

Your next step is to inspire your student to create a learning culture in the classroom. The word “inspire” means to breathe life into,” and that’s what you’re doing at this stage.

You can inspire your students in these ways:

Allow for student voice. Let your students express their opinions, even if they are different from yours or their peers.

Embrace failure. Failure is learning. As Thomas Edison observed, he learned many ways not to make a light bulb before coming up with one that worked.

Provide ongoing feedback. Your students need to know how they’re doing.

You’re breathing life into your classroom culture.

Sustain the culture

Once you’ve set a culture of learning in place, you’ll want to sustain it.

Encourage curiosity in your students by asking them questions that make them eager for discovery.

Invite students to problem solve so they can experience success, even if they fail first.

Find the positive and show that you value it. Especially reinforce the positive behaviors you agreed at the onset of your transformation.

Behind the scenes

What happens when you get a new student in the middle of the year?

Go back to step one and explain the plan. It’s how you “do business” in the classroom. A new student might not recognize the learning culture and the parameters you’ve set.

You must also plan for the times when you might not be in the classroom.

If you have to take a sick day, or you’re required to attend professional development, will your students be able to sustain the culture while you’re gone? Leave a plan in place for the substitute, and explain what the learning culture should look like, even to an outsider.

Once the workflow is in place, and the routines have become seamless, you are on your way. You and your students will travel an amazing path toward creating a sustainable classroom culture of learning.

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Create a culture of learning in your classroom

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Spread the loveMaybe you've witnessed a classroom where the focus on learning is intense. A hum of excitement resonates in the air, and everyone, the teacher and students alike, goes about their work with a focused purpose. Everyone is engaged. The workflow is fluid. Routines are seamless. The students help each other succeed.

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http://www.thehappyteacher.co/2018/07/12-books-to-build-classroom-community.html

The HappyTeacher blog provides 12 children's books to guide students into building a classroom community. These books teach students about being a kind friend, lending a helping hand, expressing their identity/being themselves, and accepting others. These books would work great in lessons or in a classroom library to help students achieve social and emotional goals/skills.

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These are my favorite read aloud picture books to build classroom community.

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https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/community-building

The GoodReads website offers Professional Development texts for teachers. These texts provide detailed information on the importance of building a welcoming and positive classroom community and tips/strategies that can be implemented in the classroom. Although each text focuses on different aspects of building a classroom community, they all promote the same goal of students feeling a part of the learning environment.

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"We imagine ourselves in complex ways, but oftentimes that can be distilled down into some core identities. And we imagine these identities as part of a story, and that that story is some intrinsically positive thing. It might be being part of a tradition, or breaking free of one. It might be your race or height or hair color. Your status as a child or a parent. Being a job creator or a Star Wars fan or a snowboarder. We create positive narratives around these things, and when we fit in them, we feel like we matter."
― Hank Green, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor

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"We imagine ourselves in complex ways, but oftentimes that can be distilled down into some core identities. And we imagine these identities as part of a story, and that that story is some intrinsically positive thing. It might be being part of a tradition, or breaking free of one.

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https://www.teachersfirst.com/hangups.cfm

The TeacherFirst website provides inspirational quotes to motivate students and encourage them to perform their best. These quotes are located in the "Bulletin Board 'Hang Ups'" section, which are categorized by topic, making it easier to also decorate that bulletin board, so it is more visually appealing. In addition to displaying quotes on a bulletin board, I would even post some around the classroom that way students are being constantly reminded that they are intelligent, hardworking, and important.

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TeachersFirst offers 4 sets of Bulletin Board Hangups - each designed to inspire students and make them think a little harder.

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https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/philosophy-of-education.html

The AZ Quotes website provides inspirational/motivational quotes for teachers. Majority of the quotes discuss about a teacher's purpose for teaching and the positive impacts they have on their students' lives. These quotes would be perfect to display on the teacher's desk, inside of a personal journal, or bookmarked on their computer. These quotes are also great to have on hand daily, especially on a difficult day, to remind teachers why they were guided into this profession.

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TOP 25 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION QUOTES | A-Z Quotes

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Enjoy our philosophy of education quotes collection. Best philosophy of education quotes selected by thousands of our users!

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https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/13-inspiring-educational-quotes-for-students-to-help-them-thrive/

This blog offers 13 motivating educational quotes for students. Most of these quotes remind students why education is important, and they are capable to learn and achieve anything as long as they have the correct mindset to do so. These quotes would also be great to display on a bulletin board and posted around the room to help students become successful learners.

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Educational Quotes for Students - University of the People

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Check out these 13 educational quotes aimed to inspire. They are from a variety of notable sources and may be able to give you the motivational boost you seek.

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https://www.differentiatedteaching.com/back-to-school-books-to-teach-routines-build-classroom-community/

The DifferentiatedTeaching website provides a variety of Back to School books that teach about building a classroom community. The books teach about importance, teamwork, problem solving, active-listening, kindness, acceptance of self and others, making good-choices, and more. The website also provides teachers with tips, strategies, and resources when developing a classroom community and the positive outcomes these tools can have on students and learning.

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The first few weeks of school are overwhelming. There is so much to teach in terms of classroom procedures, classroom community, routines, and expectations! Connecting a read aloud to these activities can make them more memorable and engaging for students. Using lessons based on books for back to school can also help create a bridge between the fictional situations and real scenarios in your classroom. This can facilitate great discussion and help students buy into your classroom management plan. These back to school picture books are perfect for teaching routines and building community during the first weeks of school.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. While purchasing through my links won't cost you any more, it will help fund the ongoing costs of maintaining this website. Thanks for your support.

26 Great Back to School Books for Elementary Students to Start the New School Year Off Right

1. You're Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman

This is a beautiful book by the same author who wrote On the Night You Were Born, the popular book for new parents.

The book tells children about their value and importance. It instills the idea that each child has individual gifts that are an important part of their home or school community.

The words talk about how small actions have bigger reactions but the illustrations really demonstrate that everything you do has an effect on others around you, whether you realize it or not.

It is a wonderful way to teach about the value of small acts of kindness! And you can follow it up by starting a classroom shout out or kindness board. I've shared more details about how to get started here: How to build classroom community the first days of school.

Get the book here: You're Here for a Reason

2. What Do You Do with a Problem? by Kobi Yamada

Looking for a back to school book to help your students feel confident taking challenges and work through problems in your classroom? This story is PERFECT!

In this story, a child is dealing with an unexpected problem. It talks about the anxiety the child feels in regards to the problem. This is a great book to teach problem-solving and the emotions and fears that come with daily struggles.

Many teachers teach problem-solving but do not touch on the emotional component that tends to weigh on children's minds and hearts. This is a great book to have a dialogue about problems students face at home and at school and how to solve the problems bravely!

Get the book here: What Do You Do with a Problem?

3. Wordy Birdy by Tammi Sauer

This is a cute story that lends itself to lots of giggling and interacting with your students. Wordy Birdy talks and talks and talks and rarely listens! It's a fun story to teach students the importance of active listening-both to the teacher and classmates.

Through Wordy Birdy's missteps, students can learn about appropriate times in the classroom for talking and asking questions and times when listening is more important.

Get the book here: Wordy Birdy

4. What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada

This book follows a similar format to What Do You Do With A Problem? but focuses on a child who has an idea and doesn't know how to embrace it and put it into action! It talks about being nervous about sharing your ideas with others and what happens when others don't value your ideas.

Students at any age struggle with this concept and students can be critical of one another. This book shows the importance of being proud of your own ideas and respecting the ideas of others.

It encourages students to take their ideas and run with them!

Get the book here: What Do You Do with an Idea?

5. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

This book is realistic fiction and it talks about spreading kindness in simple terms for children. It gives practical examples of things that kids can do daily and talks about how being kind can sometimes be challenging.

The main character struggles with wanting to be kind but not knowing the best way to do it.

Because this book starts with a dilemma that can happen in any school, the conversation about problem-solving and being a kind friend can begin.

The main character's internal struggle and the sadness that the other character feels, allows for students to feel empathy and compassion.

6. The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill

This is a very cute rhyming story that talks about bullying on the playground.

It is so important to explicitly teach appropriate recess behavior because it is a time where students are not as easily supervised. Free play can lead to mischief and hurt feelings unless clear rules and expectations are set from the beginning.

This book is a great introduction for a conversation on how to approach those playground conflicts and what to do if they see or experience bullying.

Through this story, you can teach about identifying a bully, what the role of bystanders is and how to use kindness to overcome adversity.

Get it here:The Recess Queen

7. The Bad Seed by Jory John & Pete Oswald

This story is narrated by a bad sunflower seed who explains all the reasons he is so bad, and it is perfect for discussing rules and behavior.

The bad seed tells you the rules that he breaks. You can talk about why the rules are important and what kind of disruptions he causes by breaking these rules.

However, this story is so much more than just an opportunity to discuss rules. As it continues, the bad seed goes on to explain what made him so bad. This can lead to a discussion on kindness and empathy.

The bad seed tries to change by the end of the story but he's not perfect! It's a great back to school book to get started talking about goal setting and trying your best.

Grab the book:The Bad Seed

8. I Am Enough by Grace Byers

This is a great back to school to remind students to be proud of who they are. It can be easy for some students to get sucked into trying to keep up and be popular, but this book is a great reminder that each of your students is unique and has something amazing to offer the classroom.

The story itself is full of metaphors about reaching goals, being proud, and trying your best. It celebrates individuality and opens the conversation about differences within the classroom.

Many students struggle internally with insecurities with their looks and abilities. This book breaks down some of the barriers and tells students that their worth is important and valued! They are enough and should be proud to be who they are!

9. We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

This is a story for the first day of school! While I love First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, many students have already heard the story multiple times by the time they make their way to upper elementary. This book is a great alternative.

Penelope Rex is a dinosaur that is very nervous about her first day of school. She is surprised to find out that her classmates aren't dinosaurs like her but...children!

You can use this story to talk about how students feel on the first day and different ways to make new friends. No one wants to be friends with a dinosaur who eats her classmates!

This book made me laugh out loud a few times, and it is great for facilitating discussions about sharing and kindness for younger students. Older students can use the story to foster a discussion about empathy and feeling left out .

Get the book: We Don't Eat Our Classmates

10. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

This award-winning book is another great story about overcoming fear and having the courage to make connections in a new situation.

Many students feel alone during the first few days of school. Whether they've been separated from friends, are brand new to the school, or just don't feel like they fit in, your students are looking to you to help them find the courage to connect with one another.

This story reminds us that we all feel like we don't quite fit in sometimes. It focuses on teaching students to push forward and be courageous anyway because they never know who might make the perfect friend.

Grab the book:The Day You Begin

11. The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray

This fast-paced book is great for preparing for a "field trip" around the school to make connections with the important staff members that students should know.

The Gingerbread Man is left behind when his class leaves for recess, but he is determined to find his class. On his quest, he meets the school nurse, the gym teacher, and even the principal.

I love that this story has some humor and a happy ending, and it leads to great conversations about school safety, as well.

Check it out here: The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School

12. Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can't Go to School by Christina Geist

This is a funny story about a day when all the grown-ups beg to join their kids at school...but school is just for kids & teachers.

The story is funny and fast-paced and students love the illustrations. It makes a great opportunity to discuss personal responsibility.

I love making the connections that their parent isn't in our class so it isn't their responsibility to remember homework or lunches. Instead, I remind my students that THEY can take this on themselves this year.

The book is also great for showing school as a desirable and fun place to be, which is great for nervous or reluctant students.

Get the book: Sorry, Grown-ups, You Can't Go to School

13. My Creature Teacher by Laura Leuck

If you're looking for a book that discusses rules and procedures without being a total snoozefest, this is it! My students love the fun, colorful illustrations of the monsters' classroom. There are so many small details that the kids notice.

However, I love that this book goes through classroom, lunchroom, and playground scenarios to help start a discussion about how students should act in those different settings.

Whether you use it at the beginning of the year or as a rules refresher closer to Halloween, I definitely recommend you pick up this book!

Check it out here: My Creature Teacher

14. Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus by John Grandits

This story is perfect for those students who have older siblings that have taught them the ropes of what's to come in your grade level.

The main character, Kyle, is nervous about his first day riding the bus. His older brother explains the 10 unbreakable rules he must follow.

However, during the ride Kyle is faced with scenarios that go in the face of each rule his brother has taught him.

By the end, he realizes that the bus isn't that all bad, and that he might even have a few tricks to teach his big brother.

Get it: Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus

15. The Exceptionally Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School by Albert Lorenz

If you are looking for an engaging and funny back to school book, look no further than this one!

The story revolves around John, who is new to his school. When asked if this school is different than his old school, his reply creates a wacky and wild tale that thrills his new classmates and leaves them riveted.

This book is truly hilarious, and it is great for helping new students feel a little more comfortable in their new classroom.

Get it: The Exceptionally Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School

16. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett

This book is great for getting started with growth mindset, and the idea that your classroom is a safe space for making mistakes.

The perfectionists in your classroom will relate to Beatrice, the main character. She never forgets homework, always does everything she is supposed to, and even wins the talent show EVERY YEAR.

This book is truly hilarious, and it is great for helping new students feel a little more comfortable in their new classroom.

Grab the book: The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

17. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

This book perfectly captures those first day worries that can come with a new school year. So many students can relate to Sarah Hartwell's worries as she faces the first day of school in a new place.

With Mr. Hartwell's help, Sarah pulls herself together for the ride to school and faces her fears head-on with the help of the school principal.

This is such a good story for the first day, and the kids love the plot twist at the end. It is a great way to get kids talking about what they are nervous about for the new school year. It can help you answer pressing questions and assuage any lingering fears.

Get it here: First Day Jitters

18. Back-to-School Rules by Laurie B. Friedman

This is another great book for brainstorming and discussing classroom rules.

Percy, the narrator, explains the rules for surviving school. If you follow his rules, he guarantees doing well will be easy as pie and school will be a blast. However, there's way more involved than just showing up and staying awake. The great news is Percy shows you exactly what NOT to do.

Students love hearing about the trouble Percy gets himself into and the tips he has for a new school year, and the story really lends itself to a discussion about what the rules and expectations are for your classroom.

This is a great opportunity to transition into building your classroom social contract.

Grab the book: Back-to-School Rules

19. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

This book is such a great opportunity to build classroom community and help students see that they belong.

The story revolves around Unhei, who has just arrived in the United States from Korea. As she begins the school year, she wonders if she should choose an American name and struggles with how she will choose.

The story is great for helping students empathize with the struggles of being new, and it is a great opportunity to brainstorm how the class can be a welcoming and inclusive place for all students.

Get the book: The Name Jar

20. Dear Teacher by Amy Husband

I love funny books at the beginning of the year. When students laugh together, it starts to form that classroom bond with a shared experience.

This story is a perfect opportunity to get your students giggling. Written in the form of letters from a student named Michael, this book is packed with zany adventures. Michael writes his new teacher to tell her tales that include pirates, space adventures, and more...but none of it can save him from the first day of school. Or can it?

A great follow-up activity is to have students write you a letter about themselves or the important things they want you to know about them. Just briefly review the parts of a friendly letter as you read the text, and you're ready to go!

Get the book: Dear Teacher

21. Adventures to School: Real-Life Journeys of Students from Around the World by Miranda Paul & Baptiste Paul

One important procedure to review the first day of school is transportation - both arrival and dismissal procedures. However, it can be a challenge to make this process engaging. It's truly just one of those must-do activities.

Try shaking things up by reading Adventures to School with your students. It shares how thirteen different students from around the globe get to school each day. While all the journeys are different, each ends with the same goal.

While you are reading, you can plot each child's home on a map for added learning. Then have a discussion about the various ways your students arrive and depart school before reviewing dismissal procedures on the first day.

Get the book: Adventures to School: Real-Life Journeys of Students from Around the World

22. How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan

We love How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan around our house, so when I saw this book on the shelf at Target, I had to pick it up and take a peek.

In this version, the students explain how to make your teacher feel welcome during the school year. It is quite funny and it really would lend itself to a number of great conversations about procedures and building community at the beginning of a new school year.

Get the book: How to Get Your Teacher Ready

23. This School Year Will Be the Best by Kay Winters

The beginning of the new school year is the perfect time to get students talking about expectations for the new year, and this is the perfect back to school read-aloud to get started.

The book revolves around a new class discussing what they'd like to happen during the school year. From the familiar to the zany, each student shares his or her hopes.

With engaging and hilarious illustrations, your students are sure to love this story and it lends itself perfectly to a discussion of what the new year might hold.

Grab the book: This School Year Will Be the Best

24. I Didn't Do My Homework Because... by Davide Cali

Looking to create a no excuses classroom when it comes to homework? This is the perfect back to school read-aloud for introducing homework expectations. If you're looking for a book with giant lizard invasions, sneaky elves, and meat-eating plants...this is the book for you!

With all kinds of crazy excuses about why the students' homework isn't complete, this story gets wilder with each page turn. Your students will love the illustrations, and you'll love that you get to discuss homework without getting glazed over expressions from your students.

Grab it here:I Didn't Do My Homework Because...

25. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

This story is about Brian, a kiddo who no one seems to notice and is always left out. However, when a new student comes to class, Brian is the first to welcome and befriend him. When the pair team up on a class project, Brian finally gets his chance to shine.

This story is perfect for discussing being inclusive and welcoming all students. Nearly all classrooms have students who are quiet or more reserved, and this book is a change to introduce how you can help these students find your place within the classroom community without making them feel uncomfortable.

Get the book: The Invisible Boy

26. The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah

Speaking of books that are all about accepting differences, this one is a real back-to-school read-aloud winner.

The story is about best friends who love doing things together, especially eating lunch. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus. No big deal, right? Until it is...

As students watch the story unfold, Salma and Lily find a way to put aside their differences and learn that we are all unique and that our differences shouldn't get in the way of friendship.

You can follow up this book with a "Find Someone Who" activity that helps students focus on their similarities with peers they may not have known before.

Get the book: The Sandwich Swap

Back-to-School Read Aloud Freebie Activity

Building classroom community is about focusing on finding ways your students can connect. Many of the titles listed above focus on that concept, but it is always great to add a post-reading activity to get your students actively engaged in the process.

I've created this free "Find a Friend" activity that focuses on helping your students find what they have in common with one another.

This free back-to-school activity would be perfect to complete after reading a book like The Sandwich Swap or The Day You Begin from the back-to-school book list in this article, but it could also be used any time during the first week of school.

Grab my FREE FIND A FRIEND ACTIVITY now!

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The 15 Best Back to School Books to Teach Routines & Build Classroom

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The first few weeks of school are overwhelming. There is so much to teach in terms of classroom procedures, classroom community, routines, and expectations! Connecting a read aloud to these activities can make them more memorable and engaging for students.