Classroom Behavior Management Archives - Page 2 of 5

Classroom Organization Tips for the New School Year

May 31, 2024 teachersbrain Classroom Behavior Management, Classroom Decor

Summer is the perfect time for us teachers to relax and recharge, and we deserve it! However, it’s also a perfect time to get a head start on classroom organization for the upcoming school year.

I always say, a well-organized classroom not only creates a better learning environment, but it also sets a positive tone for teachers and students alike. An organized classroom is a happy one!

If you’re looking for some classroom organization hacks or classroom organization ideas, you’re in the right place! I’m sharing some practical and budget-friendly tips to help you get your classroom in tip-top shape before the new school year begins.

How can I organize my classroom better?

Declutter and Deep Clean

Start with a clean slate by decluttering your classroom. Go through all the materials, supplies, and decorations from the previous year. Decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to toss. But here’s the key: you have to be ruthless! If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. Once you’ve decluttered, give your classroom a good cleaning. A clean, fresh space will make you feel more motivated and ready for the new school year.

Plan Your Layout

Think about the flow of your classroom and how you want it to function. Consider different areas you need: a reading nook, a group work area, a quiet corner for individual work, and a teacher’s desk. Arrange your furniture in a way that makes these areas accessible and functional. Don’t be afraid to move things around until you find the perfect layout! Remember, the goal is to create a space that is conducive to learning and easy to navigate for both you and your kiddos.

Label Everything

Labels are your best friend when it comes to organization. Label shelves, bins, and drawers so that everything has a designated spot. This not only helps you stay organized but also makes it easier for students to find and put away materials. Use clear, easy-to-read labels, and consider adding pictures for younger students. You can even get your students involved in the labeling process once school starts, which helps them feel ownership over the classroom space.

Utilize Vertical Space

When classroom space is limited, think vertically. Use wall space for storage and organization. Install shelves, hooks, and bulletin boards to keep supplies and materials off desks and floors. Hanging file organizers can be a great way to keep papers and assignments organized and easily accessible. Pegboards are another versatile option for hanging supplies, tools, and decorations.

Create a Supply Station

Set up a supply station where students can easily access materials they need for daily activities. Stock it with pencils, markers, scissors, glue, and other essentials. Having a designated supply area reduces interruptions and keeps your classroom running smoothly. Make sure to establish clear expectations for how and when students can use the supply station to maintain order and minimize chaos.

Organize Your Teacher’s Desk

Keeping your desk organized is crucial. Use desk organizers, trays, and drawers to keep everything in its place. Only keep essential items on your desk to avoid clutter. Make it a habit to tidy up your desk at the end of each day to maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Prepare Your Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards are not only for displaying student work but also for organizing important information. Dedicate one bulletin board to classroom rules, schedules, and announcements. Another board can be used for showcasing student work and achievements. Change the displays regularly to keep the boards fresh and engaging. Using color-coded sections can also help make the information more accessible and visually appealing.

DIY Projects and Budget-Friendly Ideas for Classroom Organization

You don’t need to spend a fortune to organize your classroom, I promise! Get creative with DIY projects and repurpose items you already have. Use cereal boxes covered in colorful paper as magazine holders, or turn some shoeboxes into storage bins. Thrift stores and dollar stores can be goldmines for affordable organizing supplies.

After you have your classroom organization complete and ready to go, you get to have FUN decorating it!

This Black and White Classroom Decor Set has everything you need to get your classroom set up and ready to accept students in the fall. This classroom decor is a simple, yet classic Black and White-themed set! It goes with any decor you already have and you can edit it to add a pop of color or images!

classroom organization and decoration pack

What is in the download:

An Editable Calendar Set
Editable Daily Visual Schedule
Editable Classroom Jobs Set
An Alphabet Line (Print and Cursive)
Color Word Posters & Name Tags
Back to School Welcome Banners, Forms, Posters & Labels for Binders
Amazing Work POSTERS

Check it out now!

I hope these tips are helpful and that you have fun getting your classroom ready for the new school year!

If you want some more classroom ideas, check out my post here for some classroom decor tips!

4 Engaging Elementary Summer Activities and Resources

May 17, 2024 teachersbrain Classroom Behavior Management, Classroom Decor, Teaching Tips

Summer is almost here! Are you ready?

If you’re an elementary teacher looking for engaging and educational resources to keep your students learning over the summer, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re looking for summer packets to prevent the summer slide, needing creative writing prompts, planning out classroom jobs, or brainstorming a fun and summer-tastic bulletin board, these resources have you covered!

Each tool is designed to be user-friendly, interactive, and aligned with educational standards, ensuring a smooth and productive summer for your students- and you!

Check out these fantastic summer activities for kids to keep the summer slide at bay and make learning FUN all summer long!

Summer Packets

These comprehensive print and go summer packets are perfect for keeping students engaged and learning over the break. The bundle includes seven packets for Pre-K through 5th Grade, each designed to prepare students for the next grade level while reviewing key skills aligned with Common Core Standards. Activities include both written and physical tasks that parents can easily do with their children, making these packets ideal for summer school reviews to prevent the summer slide. Each packet includes standard numbers for additional online resources and supports a blend of oral and physical activities.

Get a free sample here!

Summer Would You Rather Writing Activity

Make writing fun and interactive with the Summer Would You Rather Writing Activity! This download includes 53 colorful, summer-themed Google Slides with prompts that serve as great conversation starters, ice breakers, or writing exercises. The interactive slides allow students to use a moveable highlighter to indicate their choices, making it suitable for both virtual and in-person teaching. The set also includes digital and printable writing prompt papers, and black-and-white slides for handwriting practice, ensuring that students remain engaged and enjoy writing throughout the summer.

Classroom Jobs

Streamline classroom job assignments and transitions with this editable PowerPoint tool. With 52 editable slides, this resource provides black-and-white cards, both with and without images, suitable for intermediate or primary classrooms. The cards cover a wide range of classroom jobs such as Line Leader, Greeter, Pet Care, and many more. It includes cursive and print options, blank cards for custom jobs, and suggested fonts for easy editing. This tool helps in organizing and rotating students’ jobs efficiently, making classroom management smoother.

Summer Bulletin Board

Create a vibrant and customizable summer bulletin board with this editable PowerPoint resource! The download includes 22 slides featuring various designs like a girl or boy with a beach ball, a person with a surfboard, and more. You can easily add students’ photos or let them design their own faces with crayons and yarn. The resource also includes premade letter sets with phrases like “Having a Ball This Summer” or “Surfing Into Summer,” and provides both color and black-and-white options. Additionally, there’s a bonus summer hat design and a van/surfboard image for display, complete with an example of how to assemble the board.

Looking for more summer fun? Check out my post here for the perfect summer PBL activity!

4 Engaging Brain Break Activities Your Students Will Love

December 8, 2023 teachersbrain Classroom Behavior Management, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips, Winter

Wondering if you should be adding in more brain breaks to your days with your students?

Think of brain breaks as super important timeouts for our little ones in elementary school. They’re not just about taking a break – they’re like power-ups for our students!

These short breaks do more than give a breather from lessons; they actually help our kids think better, feel happier, and make the whole classroom experience way more awesome.

In elementary, every day is a mix of excitement and learning, throwing in brain breaks is like adding a secret ingredient to help our little learners grow and have a blast.

What is a brain break?

Brain Breaks are short activities that help energize your students. They last about 1 to 5 minutes. They require no or little prep and help send oxygen to the brain to help students retain information.

Looking for brain break activities? I have you covered!

There are many things you can do like getting some physical activity, watching a short video on YouTube, taking a dance break, playing a game, or making a craft. One of my favorite brain break activities is coloring!

If you are looking for some high-quality coloring sheets that will keep your students occupied, these are perfect for you.

Dinosaur Coloring Pages

These dino coloring pages make great discussion starters and writing prompts!

Unicorn Coloring Pages

These unicorn coloring pages are the perfect magical break from learning.

Winter Coloring Pages

These help keep students and you calm and make great wall decorations!

For even more brain break fun, you can check out this brain break activity resource!

This is my favorite collection of 48 different Brain Breaks. These task cards can be used as transitions, breaks during an activity, something to raise or lower the energy of the group, team-building activities, and so much more!

What’s included?

• 48 Printable Task Cards in Black and White (4 per page) PDF

• 48 Printable Task Cards in Color (4 per page) PDF

• 48 Printable 8×10 Cards in Color (1 per page) PDF

• 48 Goofle Slides in Color for Digital Displays or Sharing at a Distance

• 2 Editable Slides to Create Your Own Brain Breaks (Google link digital option provided in the PDF)

Place them on a ring, on popsicle sticks, or in a crayon box for easy storage!

Use the Google Slides in presentation mode to randomly pick a brain break.
Looking for more classroom management tips, check out my post here!

5 Tangible Tips For Highly Effective Classroom Management

November 10, 2023 teachersbrain Classroom Behavior Management, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips

Dreaming of a classroom management plan or classroom management strategies that actually work? You’re not alone! There’s nothing that interrupts the flow of a good day like disruptive behaviors from your students.

The key to smoother, easier, more productive days in elementary, in my opinion, is effective behavior management in the classroom.

If you’re looking for classroom management ideas to help you get started on the path to a classroom that runs like a well oiled machine, you’re in the right place!

Here are 5 tangible tips for a highly effective classroom management:

Create a Visual Schedule

Develop a clear and visual daily schedule that is prominently displayed in the classroom. Use pictures, icons, or color-coding to help younger students understand the routine. A visual schedule helps students anticipate transitions and activities, reducing anxiety and minimizing disruptions.

Utilize Behavior Charts

Implement a behavior chart system (like the one linked below!) to track and reinforce positive behavior. Create a chart with different levels or categories, and move students’ names or markers based on their behavior throughout the day. Recognize and reward students who consistently demonstrate positive behavior. This visual representation provides students with a concrete understanding of their progress.

Implement a Signal System

Establish a set of signals or cues to communicate expectations and transitions. For example, you might use a bell, a hand signal, or a specific phrase to indicate when it’s time to begin an activity, wrap up, or refocus. Consistent signals help create a sense of order and make transitions smoother.

Designate Clear Learning Spaces

Organize your classroom into distinct learning spaces for different activities. Clearly define areas for group work, independent study, and whole-class instruction. This not only helps manage noise levels but also signals to students the type of behavior expected in each area. Consistent use of these spaces establishes a structured environment.

Establish a Classroom Jobs System

Assign specific responsibilities to students by implementing a classroom jobs system. This fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. Rotate jobs regularly to give students the opportunity to take on different roles. Jobs can include line leader, classroom helper, or materials manager. This not only contributes to classroom management but also instills a sense of community and cooperation.

Remember, building a positive and well-managed classroom takes time and ongoing effort. Be patient, be consistent, and be open to adjusting your strategies based on the needs of your students.

Looking for a classroom management resource that you can use to get your classroom on track? Check out my Daily Behavior Charts resource!

This pre-made editable behavior chart for your little ones will help easily manage their behavior goals. Included are editable behavior contracts, data-collecting graphs to chart progress, a poster about Big Problems & Little Problems, and more!

Here’s what’s included:

Chart for one Goal (All editable with text boxes)

Graph for one goal

Graph for second goal (You will use graphs 1 and 2)

Chart for Three Goals

Graph for Third Goal (You will use graphs 1, 2, and 3)

Two Types of Behavior Contracts to Use with the Charts.

Half Page Color the Smilie Face with Contract and “LIFT” Chart to Graph Data for Five Weeks

Big Problem Poster

Big Problem Half Page Chart (You can have them color each square or give stamps or stickers when they react appropriately to a problem.)

Sticker Chart and Graph

Stamp Chart and Graph

Daily Smiley Behavior Chart (pre-made and one editable)

Green, Yellow, and Red Lights (Student colors the type of day they had.)

Various Certificates for Good Work

For more classroom management tips, check out my post here!

What are your favorite classroom management tips? Share with me in the comments!