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Tag: visual schedule

5 Ways to Create a Calm Classroom Environment

Classroom Behavior Management

A calm classroom can make a huge difference in how your students feel and how smoothly your day runs. When kids feel safe, focused, and settled, learning just happens more naturally. 

Here are five simple ways to create a calm, supportive classroom, plus a few resources to make it even easier.

calm classroom environment

1. Have a Predictable Daily Routine

Kids love knowing what’s coming next. A clear daily routine helps them feel secure and makes transitions much smoother. A visual schedule is a lifesaver, especially for younger learners who aren’t reading fluently yet. With an editable daily visual schedule, you can customize it to fit your class, use fun icons, and let students see exactly what’s coming up during the day. No more guessing or mid-morning meltdowns!

Check out this visual schedule resource! 

calm classroom visual schedule

2. Keep Your Decor Calm and Simple

Your classroom environment sets the tone for the whole day. Soft colors, nature-inspired visuals, and organized spaces help kids feel relaxed. Even little touches, like a small plant or color-coded centers, can make a big difference. Calm decor isn’t just pretty, it actually helps students focus and feel ready to learn.

3. Add Mindfulness Moments

Mindfulness isn’t just for adults! Short deep-breathing exercises, guided visualizations, or even a quick quiet moment between activities can help students reset. Consider creating a “calm corner” with soft seating, sensory tools, or calming visuals. It’s a cozy spot where students can pause, take a breath, and come back ready to engage.

4. Give Students Classroom Jobs

When students have roles in the classroom, they feel important and responsible, and the class runs more smoothly too! Using an editable classroom jobs chart (with or without pictures) makes it easy to assign and rotate roles. Students can help line up, pass out supplies, or tidy up. It’s a simple way to build ownership and keep your classroom organized.

Check out this classroom jobs resource! 

calm classroom jobs

5. Display Positive Affirmations

We all need reminders that we’re capable and valued, especially kids! Positive affirmation mirror cards are perfect for daily encouragement. They help students start the day with a positive mindset, reinforce confidence, and create a classroom culture where everyone feels supported.

Check out this positive affirmation station resource! 

positive affirmation station for a calm classroom

Creating a calm classroom doesn’t happen overnight, but little changes can have a big impact. With predictable routines, thoughtful decor, mindfulness moments, classroom jobs, and positive affirmations, you’ll notice calmer, happier students, and a more enjoyable day for yourself too!

Looking for more classroom management tips? Check out this post where I share 10 classroom management tips that actually work in k-2.

10 Classroom Management Tips That Actually Work in K–2

Classroom Behavior Management

Let’s be real, classroom management in kindergarten and first grade is a skill all its own. Between the wiggles, blurting, and constant questions, you need strategies that are simple, consistent, and actually work with young learners.

classroom management

Whether you’re a brand new teacher or just looking to refresh your approach, here are 10 tried-and-true tips for managing a K–2 classroom with less stress and more smiles:

1. Keep Expectations Clear and Simple

Use kid-friendly language and visuals to teach rules. Model them, practice them, and review them often, especially during transitions or after breaks.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement Often

Catch them being good! A quick “I love how you’re sitting criss-cross!” can go a long way in setting the tone.

3. Try a Whole-Class Reward System

Encourage teamwork with a system like the Marble Jar. Add a marble for great behavior, completed routines, or compliments from specials teachers. Once the jar is full—celebrate!

classroom management marble jar

4. Give Students a Visual Reminder for Blurting

Talking out of turn is super common in early grades. Try using Blurt Beans as a gentle, visual way to help students become more aware of how often they’re talking without raising their hand.

blurt bean jar classroom management

5. Create a Calm-Down Corner

A cozy space with calming tools can help students regulate big emotions. Teach how and when to use it so it becomes a tool, not a time-out.

6. Build Classroom Community Early On

Morning meetings, team-building games, and kindness read-alouds help students feel safe and supported, essential for good behavior.

7. Use Visual Schedules

Knowing what’s coming next helps students feel secure and reduces anxiety that often leads to acting out. Check out this one! 

visual schedule for classroom management

8. Try Desk Pets for Individual Incentives

Kids LOVE these! Desk Pets are a fun way to reward responsibility and kindness. Students “earn” accessories or habitats for their pets through positive behavior.

desk pets for kids classroom management

9. Practice Transitions Like You Practice Routines

Play music, use a timer, or challenge students to transition before the song ends. Make it fun and consistent!

10. Be Consistent (Even When You’re Tired)

The real magic of classroom management? Following through. Consistency helps students feel safe, and know that your words have meaning.

✨ Want ready-to-use tools to support your classroom management? Click here to check out these favorites! 

For more classroom tips, check out my post here! 

10 Must-Haves for a Smooth First Week of Kindergarten

kindergarten survival, Teacher's Pay Teachers

The first week of kindergarten is exciting, busy, and—let’s be honest—a little chaotic. Between managing emotions (theirs and yours!), setting routines, and building classroom community, there’s a lot to juggle.

But with the right tools and mindset, that first week can be smooth, successful, and even fun.

kindergarten activities

Here are 10 must-haves to help you and your kinders start the year off right:

1. A Visual Schedule

Young learners thrive on routine. Having a simple visual schedule helps ease anxiety and allows students to anticipate what’s coming next, even if they can’t read yet.

Try this one!

2. Name Activities

Start the year with engaging name practice! Use name puzzles, tracing activities, or art projects that help students recognize and spell their own names.

Check out this option!

3. Plenty of Brain Breaks

The first week is not the time to expect long attention spans. Plan short, movement-based brain breaks every 15–20 minutes to help reset and refocus.

Check out these fun brain breaks!

4. Books That Build Classroom Community

Read-alouds like The Kissing Hand or Our Class is a Family are perfect for starting conversations about emotions, friendship, and working together.

5. Simple Routines Taught Step-by-Step

Whether it’s lining up, using glue sticks, or putting away backpacks, model, practice, and praise routines clearly and often.

6. Hands-On Centers

Introduce your center rotation system with low-pressure, hands-on activities like building blocks, puzzles, or playdough. Focus on getting the routine down before adding academic tasks.

7. Interactive Songs and Transitions

Use music to teach transitions, clean-up time, and circle time routines. Songs can turn chaos into calm when used consistently!

8. Kindness Activities

Kick off your classroom culture with lessons on being a kind friend. Anchor charts, role-play, and simple art projects help set the tone for the year.

9. Introductory Science Lessons

Yes, you can teach science the first week, and your students will love it! Try a simple, hands-on lesson from this Yearlong Kindergarten and First Grade Science Curriculum Bundle. It’s packed with easy-to-follow units that integrate literacy, vocabulary, and critical thinking, which is perfect for starting strong!

kindergarten science activities

10. A Whole Lot of Patience (and Snacks!)

Remember: this week is all about building trust, making connections, and learning how to be part of a classroom. Keep expectations clear but flexible and give yourself grace. You’re doing amazing work.

With a little planning and the right tools in your teacher toolbox, the first week of kindergarten can be a joyful beginning to an amazing year.🎉 Ready to make science part of your weekly routine? Grab the full year of K–1 science lessons here »

For more kindergarten success ideas, check out my post here!

5 Benefits of Using a Visual Schedule in Kindergarten and First Grade

Classroom Behavior Management, Classroom Decor


As a kindergarten and first-grade teacher, I’ve discovered that a visual schedule is incredibly helpful in my classroom! These colorful, picture-based timelines provide the structure that young learners thrive on. 

visual schedule

What are the benefits of using a visual schedule in the classroom? 

Here are some of the key benefits of using it in early elementary grades:

1. Promotes Independence and Responsibility

Little ones often struggle with transitions and understanding the flow of the day. A visual schedule helps them take control of their daily activities. By seeing what comes next, they can prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for each transition. This autonomy helps them feel more responsible and confident in following the class routine.

2. Reduces Anxiety and Uncertainty

Kindergarten and first grade can be overwhelming for kids who are still getting used to the structure of a school day. A visual schedule provides a predictable routine that reduces anxiety and uncertainty. When students know what to expect, they feel more secure and can focus better on learning.

3. Enhances Communication Skills

For students who are non-verbal or have limited language skills, visual schedules are a game-changer. They bridge the gap between teachers and students, ensuring everyone is on the same page. They are especially helpful for students with special needs, like those on the autism spectrum, who rely heavily on visual cues.

4. Supports Behavioral Management

Classroom management becomes easier with a visual schedule. Kids are less likely to act out when they know what is expected of them. By having a clear visual guide, students are reminded of the day’s activities and can transition smoothly, reducing behavioral issues that come from confusion or frustration.

5. Encourages Active Participation

When kids can see what activities are planned, they are more likely to engage actively. Visual schedules highlight the fun and exciting parts of the day, motivating students to participate fully. This increased engagement leads to better learning outcomes and a more dynamic classroom environment.

Want a simple and aesthetic visual schedule template that will match any classroom theme? I have you covered with this black-and-white Visual Schedule resource that is perfect for any classroom!

visual schedule resource for kids

Use these cards on a pocket chart, wall, or magnetic board to easily edit and move your schedule around. Allow students to take a card to the next task if they have trouble transitioning.

What’s in this download?

  • 44 Editable PowerPoint Slides (Make sure you have PowerPoint)
  • Black and White with Clocks (moveable hands and text boxes provided)
  • Cursive and Print for intermediate or primary classrooms
  • Blank Cards
  • Directions with Suggested Fonts

Picture Cards include:

A+, apple, backpack, chalkboard, books, bell, lunch, milk, glue, globe, clock, crayons, owl, grad hat, paint pallet, paintbrush, bookworm, bus, pencil, pen, check, bell, stars, scissors, beaker, music, paper airplane, protractor, data journal, music, magnets, locker, glasses, light bulb, ruler, flask, heart, sun, tent, music notes, tie, flashlight, plant, tie, test tube, computer, laptop, world, STEM items.

What are your favorite classroom management resources? Let me know in the comments! 

For more classroom management tips, check out these 5 effective classroom management strategies!