Discover how to easily manage class jobs to help improve student engagement, responsibility, and classroom community. Incorporating classroom jobs can enhance the learning environment by helping foster a sense of responsibility and community among students. Class jobs are also an effective way to engage students actively in their education while teaching essential life skills. Do … Read more
Listening skills is probably one of the top skills teachers (and parents) wish their students and kids had more of. I’ve found that using books to teach the importance of listening helps students I really like using picture books to help students understand why there have to be rules in the first place, as well … Read more
Whether you or not you love morning work, it’s necessary for so many of us. It’s typically the very first activity students will do each day. So how can teachers make the first impression of each day one that students look forward to, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day? The … Read more
Having student work displayed is a HUGE piece of my classroom decor, and classroom community. But figuring out where and how to display student work, and changing out work samples can be tricky. Why is displaying student work important? Displaying student work is important for our classroom community, for visitors to our classroom, and sends … Read more
Meet the Teacher is equal parts excitement and chaos, but it can be the best event of the year with a little planning and organization. Keep reading to learn how to organize Meet the Teacher. Each year, I get so excited to meet my new students, and as usual, I am super nervous! I mean, … Read more
The first day of school for pretty much any grade is a whirlwind. It’s filled with excitement, wonder, and a little bit of chaos. So what actually happens on the first day? Goals for the First Day of School The goals for the first day, are the same goals I have for the entire year. … Read more
Sticker challenges are used as an individual student positive reinforcement system. Students earn stickers for good behavior, work completion, good manners, completed homework, raising hands, being kind, working quietly…the options are endless. It’s really all about what your students need reinforcement with. What are sticker challenges? Sticker challenges are used as an individual student positive … Read more
One of the most important jobs I have in my classroom is to teach my students to be themselves, to accept and respect themselves as well as each other. Promoting individuality in the classroom though, can be a difficult concept to teach. Picture books are the perfect way to help students understand, promote, and celebrate … Read more
In the last week or so, my students have been OFF.THE.WALLS! I’m not really sure what is going on, but I needed reinforcements, and FAST! My favorite strategy for these random WILD times throughout the year is a sticker challenge! Specifically, an April Sticker Challenge! What is a sticker challenge? A sticker challenge is used … Read more
Often, teachers find themselves contacting parents when something is wrong. Grades, behavior, you name it. However, I think it’s important to let parents know when something is right. That’s where happy notes for students come in. Happy notes for students are such an easy and effective way to encourage and motivate students, all while letting … Read more
While I don’t love what testing has become, the reality is that students will take tests for one reason or another for the rest of their lives. So how do we prepare students for testing? I’m not talking about things like bubbling in answers, or eliminating choices that don’t make sense, although, those are important … Read more
Classroom management is something I’ve worked really hard on since the first day I set foot into a classroom. Specifically, positive classroom management. I use a “layered” approach to classroom management. Well, I might have just made that up, but here’s what I mean. Layered Classroom Management There isn’t just one thing, rather, a combination … Read more
