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Category: Teacher’s Pay Teachers

Behavior Management Strategies That Actually Work in K-2

Teacher's Pay Teachers

Managing classroom behavior can feel overwhelming, especially in the early elementary grades! Trust me, I have been there. It can feel like a never-ending battle. However, with the right tools and strategies, creating a positive, well-managed learning environment is entirely achievable. If you are looking for behavior management ideas or classroom management tips for elementary, you’re in the right place. 

Here are three proven behavior management strategies that K-2 teachers love—and some fun, engaging tools to make them even more effective!  

1. Use Positive Reinforcement with a Marble Jar 

A marble jar is a classic method for encouraging positive behavior in a group setting. When the class meets a specific goal, such as staying on task or working quietly, add a marble to the jar. Once the jar is full, the students earn a group reward like extra recess or a class party!

This Marble Jar Classroom Management Tool makes this approach even better. This resource includes editable labels and tracking sheets, so you can easily customize the system to fit your classroom goals.  

behavior management marble jar

2. Manage Interruptions with Blurt Beans 

As you know, our little learners often struggle with self-control, leading to interruptions during lessons. Enter Blurt Beans—a simple but effective way to help students learn when to speak and when to listen! Each student starts the day with a set number of “beans.” If they interrupt, they lose a bean. Students with beans left at the end of the day or week can earn small rewards.  

My Blurt Beans Classroom Management Tool provides everything you need to implement this strategy, including editable visuals and tracking tools!

behavior management blurt bean jar

3. Motivate with Desk Pets 

Desk pets are tiny erasers or figurines that students can “adopt” and care for. This strategy turns behavior management into a fun game that your students are guaranteed to love. Students earn accessories or privileges for their desk pets by meeting behavior goals like following directions or completing work on time.  

My Desk Pets Classroom Management Tool includes adorable adoption certificates, pet care sheets, and other editable materials to bring this idea to life! 

behavior management desk pets

These strategies are simple, engaging, and effective for young learners! Whether you’re managing blurting, promoting teamwork, or incentivizing good behavior, these tools will help you create a classroom environment where everyone thrives. Ready to get started? Check out these resources today and transform your classroom management system!  

What are your favorite behavior management strategies? Let me know in the comments! For more classroom management ideas, check out my post here! 

5 Fun New Year’s Activities to Start the Semester Strong

education, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips, Winter

The New Year is the perfect time to reset and inspire excitement for the semester ahead. As our elementary students return to the classroom, creating a mix of engaging and reflective activities can set a positive tone for learning. If you’re looking for New Year’s activities for kids or New Year’s crafts, you’re in the right place!

new year's activities

Here are five fun New Year’s activities for your K-2 students:  

1. Resolution Writing Craftivity

Kick off the year by helping students reflect on their goals with this fun and interactive craft! The New Year’s 2024 Activities Resolution Writing Craftivity is a hit with young learners. Students can write their resolutions, practice handwriting, and create a festive craft to display in the classroom. I love this activity because it encourages goal-setting while giving students a sense of accomplishment.  

New year's activity

2. Create a Time Capsule

Help students capture memories by creating a New Year’s time capsule! Include drawings of favorite moments from the previous year, current handwriting samples, or a small item that represents them. Seal the capsules to open at the end of the school year—it’s a great way to reflect on personal growth!  

3. Countdown Math Challenges 

Turn New Year’s into a math opportunity with fun countdown-themed challenges. For example, practice counting backward from 10, work on simple addition or subtraction problems, or create a math game where students solve problems to reach midnight on a classroom clock.  

4. Make “All About Me in the New Year” Posters  

Let students express their hopes and dreams for the upcoming year. Provide templates with prompts like “This year I want to learn…” or “My favorite thing about school is…” This creative project can double as a classroom decoration.  

5. New Year’s Movement Break

Shake off the winter break energy with a New Year’s-themed movement activity! Play music, and have students perform actions like “jump like fireworks” or “freeze like a snowflake.” Incorporating movement helps students transition back into the classroom routine.  

Each of these activities creates opportunities for fun, reflection, and growth. If you’re looking for another easy, engaging way to jump into the new semester, don’t miss this New Year pennant activity! It’s a fantastic way to start the year on a positive note!  

new years activity

What are your favorite ways to bring in the new year with your students? Let me know in the comments! 

If you want more holiday fun, check out my post here! 

5 Ways to Make Writing Fun in Elementary

Writing

Writing can be a challenging subject to teach, especially when young students feel stuck or unmotivated! Trust me, I have been there. It can be so discouraging for everyone. However, with a few creative strategies, you can turn this skill into an activity your students look forward to! 

writing

If you’re looking for ways to make writing fun for kids in school or writing activities for kids that are simple and easy to do in the classroom, you’re in the right place. Here are five simple ways to make writing fun in your elementary classroom! 

1. Incorporate Writing Prompts with a Twist

Sometimes, all students need is a little spark of inspiration! Fun and imaginative writing prompts can transform writing into an exciting adventure. Try prompts like:

  • “If I could shrink to the size of an ant, I would…”
  • “Imagine you are a snowflake. What is your journey like?”
    You can also align prompts with seasonal or holiday themes to keep things fresh and engaging. Students love the chance to use their creativity and write about topics they find exciting.

Need some help? Check out this year-long writing prompt bundle with prompts for every day of the year! 

2. Use Creative Writing Tools

Writing doesn’t have to be limited to paper and pencil! Tools like story dice, word jars, or picture prompts are excellent for getting the ideas flowing. For example, roll the dice to determine characters, settings, or conflicts for their stories. Picture prompts can also inspire descriptive writing and spark discussions before students begin. These tools help remove the intimidation factor and turn writing into an interactive experience.

Need some help? Check out this Writing Would You Rather activity to inspire students to write about their opinions in a fun way! 

3. Turn It into a Game

Bring play into the writing process by turning it into a game. Here are a few ideas:

  • Writing relay: Students work in teams, adding sentences to a shared story.
  • Spin-the-wheel storytelling: Use a wheel to select random story elements like characters, settings, and problems.
  • Pass-the-paper stories: Students start a story, then pass it to a peer to continue.
    These activities not only encourage collaboration but also make writing feel more dynamic and fun.

Need some help? Check out this fun sentence-building activity!

4. Incorporate Technology

Embrace the tools of the digital age to make writing more engaging! Apps and websites that allow students to type, illustrate, and even animate their stories bring their ideas to life in a new way. Programs like Book Creator or Google Slides can be used to create digital storybooks. Adding a tech element can especially appeal to students who love using tablets or computers. 

Need some help? Check out this writing escape room activity! 

5. Celebrate Their Work

Nothing motivates our young writers more than knowing their work will be appreciated! Create opportunities to celebrate their work, like:

  • Hosting a “writer’s gallery” where students can display their stories.
  • Compiling their work into a class “book” to send home or keep in the classroom library.
  • Letting them read their stories aloud to their peers.

Need some help? Have your students write something and then celebrate by displaying it on your bulletin board with this set! 

I hope your students love these activities! With a little creativity in your lessons,  it’s amazing how much engagement you can get from your students. What are your favorite activities that get your students excited to write? Let me know in the comments! 

Looking for more? Check out my post here!

Festive and Fun Activities for a Classroom Christmas Party 🎄

Teacher's Pay Teachers
classroom Christmas party

Christmas is just around the corner, and the excitement is building in our classrooms! Planning a classroom Christmas party that’s both fun and educational can make the day extra special. Here are some festive, engaging, and creative activities to make your classroom celebration unforgettable!

1. Classroom Christmas Party Math & Literacy Stations 🎅

Make learning part of the celebration with Christmas-themed math and literacy worksheets. These festive worksheets are designed specifically for kindergarten and first-grade students, blending holiday fun with valuable skills practice. You can set up a few stations around the room, each focusing on different skills like counting, phonics, and simple reading exercises. This is a great way to keep students engaged and reinforce concepts they’ve been learning all year.

👉 Grab these Christmas Math and Literacy Worksheets for Kindergarten and First Grade here.

2. Gingerbread House for Sale Craft & Writing Activity 🏠

Let your students’ creativity shine with a Gingerbread House for Sale craft activity. This project combines art and writing, allowing students to decorate a gingerbread house and then use their imaginations to write a fun “for sale” description. Not only does this activity bring a bit of Christmas cheer, but it also helps students practice their writing skills in a unique way.

👉 Get the Gingerbread House for Sale Craft with Writing here.

3. Gingerbread Man Hat and Girl Headband Craft 👒

This adorable gingerbread-themed hat and headband craft will be a hit! Students can color, cut, and wear their own gingerbread man or girl headband. Once they’re all dressed up, consider having a gingerbread parade around the room or a gingerbread-themed story time. These wearable crafts are perfect for photo ops, too, giving students a memorable keepsake to take home.

👉 Find the Gingerbread Man Hat Girl Headband Craft with Writing here.

4. “Gone to the Beach” Christmas Door Decoration 🏖️

If you want a unique way to decorate the classroom, try a tropical Christmas theme with the “Gone to the Beach” door decoration kit. It’s a fun twist that will delight students and brighten up the classroom for the season. This project encourages teamwork as the class decorates their door together, and it provides a warm, tropical escape from winter weather!

👉 Check out the Christmas Door Decorations “Gone to the Beach” here.

Wrap-Up Your Party with Fun and Learning 🎉

These Christmas activities provide both holiday cheer and educational value, making your classroom celebration one students will always remember. Try out these resources to bring joy, creativity, and learning into your holiday festivities. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful classroom celebration!