Classroom Management Tips and Tricks

STUDENT NUMBER STICKS

I love using classroom numbers to help with organization! This seems to be a very controversial topic among educators, however they are a life saver for me. I do not call on my students by number. They do not write their number on papers. The numbering system is solely used for organization. It allows me to number students cubbies, so I don't have to relabel everything at the start of the school year, or when a new student enters our class. You can read all about how I use student number sticks HERE.

VOICE LEVEL CHART

Have you ever had the most chatty class in the world? I did one year and it made me implement a classroom voice level chart immediately! The kids love the chart with the tap lights. I usually pick one student to be in charge of the lights so I don't have to monitor it as much. It provides a great visual for my students and serves as an excellent reminder. You can read all the details on how to make your own voice level chart HERE. 

TAKE HOME FOLDERS

Connecting the learning in the classroom to the learning that continues at home is critical. I LOVE using learning folders that have all the important learning information at students' fingertips. On the front side of the folder, I also include user names and passwords for regularly used sites. I love the folders with plastic covers, so I can insert learning resources they will need throughout the year. The folders can be found on Amazon or Target.

HAND SIGNALS

One of my biggest pet peeves is being interrupted during direct instruction time or small group time for something as simple as:

• getting a tissue 
• sharpening pencil
• going to the bathroom
• getting a drink of water etc. 

I implemented hand signals into my classroom routines several years ago and it has cut down on interruptions, dramatically! I keep it simple with only 4 different choices. I have used Keeping It Captivating Editable Hand Signals for years and love them!

REWARD TAGS

Reward tags provide such an easy way to recognize great student behavior and accomplishments. Each of my students has a ring in the front of that classroom to keep their reward tags on, as they collect them throughout the year. The best thing about reward tags is they are versatile, inexpensive, and can be given for any reason! I am obsessed with ALL the reward tags from Aimee at Primarily Speaking! 

I hope these ideas inspire you and help you stay organized, so you can spend the most time teaching your amazing students!

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Assessment Tips for Distance Learning

As a new school year begins with distance learning, there are so many questions to be answered about assessment logistics and more importantly, accuracy of the results. We are going to be starting our beginning of the year assessments in the coming weeks and I am still unsure of what it looks like. One thing I do know, I need my data to be as accurate as possible. 

TIPS FOR GIVING ASSESSMENTS DURING DISTANCE LEARNING

ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DO THEIR BEST: Let students know these assessments are to help you teach them this school year. All they need to do is their best work. Scores don't matter. This will lower their anxiety levels too. 

A QUIET PLACE TO WORK FREE OF DISTRACTIONS: This may be easier for some students than others. However, whenever possible, a test taking environment free of siblings, pets, toys, etc. will  help a child focus on the test they are taking online and therefore give more accurate results.

CHECK YOUR TECH: It is important for students, parents, and teachers to make sure they know how to use their technology, especially during assessments. Can multiple windows be opened at once? Do your students know how to click between the different windows? Do teachers know how to share their screen so students only see the test and not where they are marking assessment results? This takes time and practice to set up.

GET PARENTS ON BOARD: Parents need to understand the importance of these assessments. The results need to be accurate, so we can guide our instruction. If parents are prompting, reading, and giving their child answers during the tests, the effort will all be for nothing. Our students have basically missed five months of school. It's pretty safe to say, it should not be the norm to move up five reading levels in that time! In order for there to be a chance for accurate testing results, we need the parents help! I created a list of guidelines to help parents understand the DOs and DON'Ts of how they can help their child during assessments!

I am emailing these guidelines out to my parents just before we start testing. The intention is to inform parents the best way to "help" their children in order to get the most accurate assessment results.

You can gain access to this FREE resource by putting your email into the pop up form that is on your screen when you first come to my blog. You will be emailed a password and gain access to this resource, as well as, many more distance learning resources, which you can download for FREE! Already a subscriber? Just enter the password into the SUBSCRIBER RESOURCE LIBRARY link at the top of the page.

How are you preparing for distance learning assessments? I would love to hear from you!

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Distance Learning: 4 Great Ways To Start the School Year

Many of us are just weeks away from starting a new school year. This year is going to be drastically different for most of us, though. Many of us will be starting the school year virtually. This is something most of us did not imagine happening. But, here we are trying to prepare ourselves as we embark on this new way of teaching and learning.

We all have so many unanswered questions about everything from logistics, online platforms to use, hours online, funding, supplies, making emotional connections with our students and families. The list goes on and on. Everyone is experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. Most things, about this situation, are out of our control, so it is important to focus on what we CAN control. 

4  POSITIVE WAYS TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR 

1. Have students record a video about what they are excited about for the upcoming year. This is a great way for students to share their personalities in a safe environment, while allowing them to express their wonders, excitements and/or concerns for the year. FlipGrid is a great way for students to share and respond to each other's videos.

2. Create digital portfolios with Google Sites. This is a school year not to be forgotten. With Google Sites, students can create a digital portfolio and post work they are proud of during the year and reflect on it. They can use video or audio recordings to post and comment on their work. This option provides students a more natural and comfortable way to communicate, opposed to the traditional form of writing. As a teacher, it will give better insight to how students feel about their work, and allow room to adjust teaching strategies and support students where they need it most.

3. Build routines to lower anxiety levels of students and parents. When environments are predictable, brains will be calmer. Just like in the classroom, students like routines. The same applies to the online classroom. Students need to know what to expect, where to get their lessons and how to submit them. Parents need to know class expectations, so they can help their child while learning at home too. Start to build these routines on day one!

4. Take first day of school pictures to document this unprecedented time. Email first day of school signs for students to hold and have parents take their picture. Parents can email the pictures and then teachers can create an online board with the pictures to build classroom community. 

You can get access to this FREE resource by putting your email into the pop up form that is on your screen when you first come to my blog. You will be emailed a password and gain access to this resource, as well as, many more distance learning resources, which you can download for FREE!

Tips & Freebies for Distance Learning At Home

Considering all that is going on in the world right now with COVID-19, I know most schools have started to implement a digital distance learning platform for awhile. I thought I would put together some online resources I am using with my students and share some strategies I am using with them. 

I have also included some freebies at the end, as well!

It is important to keep in mind that we all have very different student populations. I work at a Title 1 school, but I have many students that have access to technology at home, as well as many students who do not. During this time, our school has made devices accessible for all students by lending them out if parents came to sign for them and pick them up. Also, I know many internet companies, are providing free internet access to students for distance learning. 

 AMAZING ONLINE TOOLS:

PODCASTS

Podcasts are a great learning tool for students to use at home. Choose a podcast for your students to listen to (or have them choose from a variety you give them) and have them fill out a quick podcast brochure to document what they learned. Podcasts are high interest and engaging. They allow students to practice and hone in on those listening skills, while creating independent choice and  allowing them to reflect on their learning. Some favorite podcasts are:

• But Why? A Podcast for Curious Kids
• Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids
• KiDNuZ
• What If World
• Story Time

KHAN ACADEMY

Khan Academy is a free site I use to help supplement math curriculum for my students. There are short videos which teach lessons and can be followed up with practice exercises and quizzes. It can be tailored to individual student needs and provides extra practice with concepts taught in class.

NEWSELA

Newsela is a subscription program that is currently FREE during distance learning! It offers meaningful, high-interest non-fiction articles that meet students at their reading level. At the same time, it combines real-time formative assessments with the differentiation your students need to be successful!

VOOKS

Vooks is an amazing online site which brings storybooks to life for children ages 2-8! The library is ever growing and helps students with their pacing of reading, connections between words and text and most importantly, life lessons. Use the link to sign up for your FREE subscription TODAY!

MYSTERY SCIENCE

My students LOVE Mystery Science. Right now, they are offering several free lessons and mini lessons to teachers and parents for use at home during the time of coronavirus. Click HERE to access them.

BRAINPOP

Brainpop is currently offering FREE use during this time. It has engaging videos on various subjects to help teach different topics and skills. You can attach a link to Google Classroom, your district online system, a message or even to an email.

SCHOLASTIC

Scholastic has made many of their resources free for teachers to use during school closures. Make sure to check them out at Scholastic Learn At Home: Free Resources.

Here are 3 FREE resources to help you get started with Podcasts and Distance Learning Norms and Lesson Planning. You can get access to these resources by putting your email into the pop up form that is on your screen when you first come to my blog. You will be emailed a password and gain access to these resources and many more, which you can download for FREE!

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10 Amazon Classroom Favorites

If you're a teacher, you are probably somewhat obsessed with Amazon...if not completely obsessed with it, like I am! Pretty much everything you could need or want is just a click away and delivered within hours or a day (if you have Prime). I wanted to share some of my favorite Amazon finds because who knows, maybe there will be something you can't live without for your classroom too!

his post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. By purchasing an item using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. For more information about my Disclosure Policy, please visit this link.

1. Magnetic Pockets

These magnetic pockets are great for vocabulary words, picture cards, sound cards, or items you don't want to forget to use throughout the day. I have one that holds the brag tags I want to pass out to my students throughout the day. 

2. Magnetic Adhesive Circles

I love using magnetic dots! I put them on anchor charts, our classroom jobs, posters etc. Anything I want to move around, magnetic adhesives go on the back. 

3. Amazon Basics "Flair" Pens

I love me some Flair pens! BUT, they dry out so quickly. These Amazon Basics flair-like pens are awesome! I think they write better than regular Flair pens. They are WAY cheaper! And they last longer! Give them a try! They come in tons of different colors too!

4. Magnetic Numbers

I used to write the date on the board with dry erase marker each day. By the end of the day, half of it had been worn off or erased. Super annoying. Then I started using magnetic numbers and letters. Game changer! I don't have to worry about it disappearing throughout the day. It takes two seconds to change at the end of the day and I am ready to go. 

5. Magnetic Borders

I simply love my magnetic borders! I wish I had purchased them sooner. It adds some warmth to a drab white board that the kids have to look at all day. It's like adding curtains to a window. It changes the whole feel of the room. 

6. Electric Pencil Sharpener

This pencil sharpener is a game changer! I simply LOVE it! It is the only one that has held up for me. Most only last a school year. This bad boy has lasted 3 years so far! I did put this special reminder on the front of it. YELLOW PENCILS ONLY! Those adorable painted or wrapped pencils, colored pencils and crayons are NOT allowed. They ruin the sharpener quickly and then you are off to buy a new one. Trust me. I have lived it. Invest in a great sharpener and take care of it!

7. Self Adhesive Labels

I use labels for EVERYTHING! From student folders, to art projects, to composition books, you name it, I label it! It's just a time saver! I used to write out the students' names on everything. Now I print a page of 30 labels with each student's name on it at the beginning of the year. They are always ready and I just slap them on and go! 

8. Personal Laminator and Pouches

This is a no brainer. Having your own personal laminator is a MUST! This is something I double up on.... one for home and one for the classroom. I have had my Scotch laminator for years. It gets a crazy amount of use. It's still going strong. 

Having your own lamiator gives you flexibility. You don't have to wait for the school laminator to warm up or be free to use. If your school is anything like mine, it is usually out of lamination film and can't be used. Trust me, this is a life changing purchase. You will love it!

9. Dry Erase Pockets

These dry erase pockets are the best! They save on copies and the kids love using them. I put them out in centers. This way I don't have to make a class set of papers and the kids can answer and check their work. 

10. Paper Trimmer

Investing in a quality paper trimmer will just save you time. I have one in my classroom and one at home. You can cut through a stack of paper at one time. And...you can even cut through lamination if you purchase a quality paper trimmer. 

To see all my classroom MUST HAVES, click HERE.

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