Over 160 editable slides both as PowerPoint or Use the Digital Option with the Google Slides Link provided. Student behavior has never been better with these Desk Pet Activities!
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5 Awesome Classroom Management Strategies That Really Work
Going to school is very fun and exciting for the younger elementary students. They are experiencing new things and making new friends every day. It can be thrilling for them. However, it is important to set boundaries so that students know that while it is amazing for them to have new experiences, school is a place to learn. Their main job is to listen and learn, and the teacher’s job is to teach.
The best way to get your classroom running smoothly is by structuring it in a way that students know what is expected of them. To accomplish this, you can start by thinking about how you want your classroom to be run. Look around online or chat with other teachers for inspiration.
Here are some classroom management strategies you can incorporate into your classroom:
Build good relationships with your students
This one is the first and most basic management strategy. You want your students to trust you so that they turn to you when there is a problem. They are also more inclined to follow the rules with a teacher they are comfortable with.
Use a behavior chart for classroom management
This is a clear, visual way for students to understand the behavior that you expect of them. As the year goes on, they will grow to understand it better and strive to do well.
My editable behavior chart makes it easy for you to track your student’s behavior. It also comes with a data-collecting graph to chart data as well as a poster about Big Problems and Little Problems. 
Assign classroom jobs
I love assigning jobs to my students. (You can read all about it here.) Giving jobs gives your students a sense of purpose and responsibility in the classroom. It also helps you because it keeps your classroom running smoothly when everyone completes their jobs. Ideas for jobs include line leader, paper passer, book monitor, homework checker, etc.
These editable classroom jobs help make it easy for you! There are 25 pre-made jobs in two different styles to choose from. You can also use the editable PowerPoint to personalize your own job chart! The chalkboard makes it easy to fit into any classroom.
Designate a calm down corner
Younger students are still learning how to regulate their emotions. Sometimes they get a little too worked up or upset about something and just need a place to breathe deeply. Assigning a certain area in your classroom as the “Calm Down Corner” will give your students a designated place to go when they need a few minutes of quiet to calm down.
This calm down corner resource comes with visual cue cards, calm down corner ideas, posters, and printables to collect data, identify triggers and calm down actions.
Offer Praise
One of the best ways to get students to behave is to praise good behavior. Doing this instead of only correcting bad behavior is a way of using positive reinforcement. Students love to hear that they are doing a good job and praising them when they are will give them a strong incentive to continue that behavior.
When your classroom management strategies are working and everything is running smoothly, it is magic! When you and your students have found your groove, you can focus more on fun and learning instead of focusing on rules and bad behavior.
I hope these strategies and resources help you out! If you have a classroom management strategy that you love, I would love to hear about it in the comments!
Desk Pets for the Classroom: a Behavior Management Tool
I’m obsessed with how Desk Pets improve classroom behavior!
All over the internet, in the teacher’s lounge, on TikTok, and on educational blogs, the latest buzz is about Desk Pets! The original idea came from Marissa Begay. Buying cute erasers is nothing new for teachers regarding classroom rewards, but Desk Pets take it to a new level! I can’t stop creating new ideas for these mini erasers! Just like students, teachers love to be part of the fun! This is why I suggest teachers have their own Desk Pet Pal! Also, students see that even adults have rules to follow. Clearly, the principal would give you your Desk Pet Dollars. lol
What are Desk Pets?
Desk pets are adorable small erasers students can adopt in the classroom. Undoubtedly, I found mine on Amazon. Students keep their pets at their desks. If you don’t want them at their desks all day, you can have a designated time for them to be at their desk. Not only can they write with them, but they can also read to their Desk Pet. Students fill out classroom adoption papers. It reminds me of Build-a-Bear workshops. To turn these amazing pets into a reward system, students earn Desk Pet Dollars to purchase accessories or habitats for their pets. They can even adopt pet friends if they earn enough points. You decide on the points students have to earn to get a Desk Pet Dollar. Teachers track points with Class Dojo or a simple, portable tally chart.
How do Desk Pets work?
First, the rules need to be made clear. To make sure these Desk Pets don’t drive you crazy, set the ground rules, or better yet, have the students create the rules to help them take ownership. Honestly, I don’t think it’s a great idea to begin the year by introducing this classroom management system. I would wait until the classroom rules are being followed, and students have developed a respect for your classroom. Additionally, I begin with using them as math manipulatives rarely, so students get a little familiar with the erasers before teaching the expectations. Before the holidays is a perfect time to introduce this system.
After students fill out the adoption application and adopt their pet, send home information to families to get them to reinforce the excitement and responsibility of having a Desk Pet Pal. Definitely, encourage parents to ask about the pets, earning points, and dollars.
There’s more…
Set up a way that students can achieve a Permanent Home Adoption Certificate later in the year if they acquire a large number of points. Every time students earn maybe 10 points, they get a dollar. Furthermore, create a pet store where they can buy food, treats, toys, beds, bowls, or habitats. These can be felt pieces, simple construction paper, cotton balls for a bed, and bottle caps as bowls. Additionally, allow students each week to buy their pet something.
Every day you should set time aside, even if it’s 5 minutes of quiet reading time with their pet. This is “free time” that they don’t have to earn with points. Furthermore, have an Adoption Center where you display the pets in a safe area.
Desk Pets make great writing prompts! Students enjoy writing about their pets. If having them all day at their desk is a problem, decide on a place to store them until the appropriate designated Pet Playtime. Teachers have pet daycares, hotels, or simple plastic bins for this purpose. Another idea is to use the hotel to store the animals daily. It prevents lost pets. Even more, teachers create a class goal to have a pet party.
What are students most excited about?
Students get excited by spending dollars at the pet store and building new habitats for their pets. Furthermore, students are learning about science, math skills with counting dollars, responsibility, writing, and rules. My own kids who are past elementary age loved these little erasers, so use them at any age. Without a doubt, students will remember you for the fun, engaging way you helped them to stay on task. I know as a parent, I love the idea of Desk Pet Pals!
I teach virtual school. Can Desk Pets work for me?
YES! Google slides make it easy to use digital desk pets. Also, digital clipart can be sent to the students. And, have students use writing prompts with their pets. It should be noted that you can offer clipart of accessories, food, or toys in exchange for Virtual Pet Points.
What happens if they get lost or stolen?
Great question! Without a doubt, you will experience cute erasers going missing. I have a Pet Detective form students can fill out and reward posters for students to create for missing pets. Then, I tell the student their adoption contract is voided and they can adopt a new pet until the other one is found. Certainly, if someone gets caught stealing, remove points from their data log. I like to track behavior points for difficult behaviors and use the data charts in meetings.
I love that the mini erasers can be used for other educational purposes too! Here are some ideas:
- Math Manipulatives
- Creative Writing Prompts
- Opinion Writing
- Design Posters or Write a Book About the Pet
- Hide them in the room to play I Spy or Write the Room
- Sort by Colors
- Create a Report on the Animal
- Learn How to Care for a Pet
- Design a Pet Habitat
Check out these pre-made PowerPoints and Digital Google Slides that will save you time coming up with Desk Pet ideas and activities.
Try this FREE Sample to get started on your Desk Pet Journey!
3 Engaging Easter Activities for Your Classroom Easter Party
Easter is rapidly approaching and if you are looking for Easter activities for kids or Easter activities for elementary school, you’re in the right place!
How do you make Easter exciting for kids?
There are so many ways you can make Easter exciting for kids. With bunny or egg-themed Easter activities, Easter worksheets, Easter crafts, and Easter games for kids, the possibilities are endless.
Additionally, you can have a small Easter party for your elementary students! This gives your kiddos something eggcellent and fun to look forward to and adds a much-needed break for fun and celebration during the day.
How do you throw an Easter party for kids?
Simply! Your party doesn’t have to be elaborate to be a blast for your students. Here are some simple but impactful ways to have a fun classroom Easter party.
Include some Egg-citing Games:
Plan classic activities like an Easter egg hunt, bunny hop races, and “Pin the Tail on the Bunny.” These not only entertain but also promote teamwork and physical activity.
Create a Crafty Corner:
Set up a crafting station for decorating Easter eggs and making bunny masks. Let kids get creative, and display their masterpieces for everyone to enjoy.
Try some Tasty Treats:
Organize a cookie decorating station or a “Build Your Own Bunny Sandwich” corner. Make the preparation part of the fun, and consider healthier options like a fruit kabob station.
What activities do you do during Easter?
There are so many things you can do that your students will love and appreciate. If you’re looking for some easy Easter activities for kindergarten, first, second, or even third grade that are fun and educational, here are some spectacular ideas!
Bunny Rabbit Mask and Headband Set
Looking for a simple and easy craft for your party? Try these Bunny Rabbit Mask & Headband crafts. There are two writing papers included too. (intermediate lined and primary)
- 1 Bunny Mask
- 1 Bunny Headband
- 2 Spring Bunny Writing Papers
How to Catch the Easter Bunny Writing Activity
Need a good Easter writing activity? I have you covered with these interactive, editable Google Slides to easily have students copy and paste movable parts to design their own Easter Bunny trap. Then, they will write a narrative, persuasive, or opinion paper about how they plan to catch the bunny.
Bunny Craft Printables
Need some engaging bunny crafts and writing activities? Try these printables to easily create different bunny crafts! They make great centers and bulletin boards too!
- 5 Crafts with Photos
- 4 Spring Writing Papers (Primary and Intermediate Lined
- Make a Headband, Bunny Candy Bag, Writing Craftivity, or Letter Art
What are your favorite ways to celebrate Easter in elementary? Let me know in the comments! For more Easter fun, check out my post here.