Importance of Working Smarter Not Harder for Back to School Season

Working smarter, not harder, is essential as we gear up for back-to-school season. The start of the school year can be overwhelming with so much to do and so many new faces to meet. By being strategic and thoughtful about our approach, we can save time, reduce stress, and create a positive environment for our students right from the get-go. When we plan ahead and streamline our tasks, we can focus more on building those crucial relationships and setting a strong foundation for a successful year.

One key aspect of working smarter is prioritizing our tasks. Not everything needs to be done at once, and some things can wait. As a serial to-do list maker, this is a lesson that I have had to learn throughout my career!

By identifying the most important tasks and tackling them first, we can ensure that we’re using our time efficiently. This not only helps us stay organized but also prevents us from feeling overwhelmed. By giving our energy to the tasks that make the most difference, we can be sure we are being mindful with our time. When we have a clear plan and a manageable to-do list, we can approach the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm.

Another important strategy is to utilize resources and tools that make our jobs easier. Whether it’s using a digital planner to keep track of important dates, collaborating with colleagues to share lesson plans, or incorporating technology into our classrooms to enhance learning, there are countless ways to streamline our work. By embracing these tools, we can work more efficiently and effectively, allowing us to spend more time focusing on what truly matters, which is teaching and connecting with our students. Remember, working smarter isn’t just about saving time. It’s about making the most of our time so we can create a meaningful and engaging learning experience for our students.

Activities for Back to School Season

Now, let’s get into the fun part – the how! I’ve discovered some fantastic strategies over the years that have made a world of difference for me. These six resources are designed to help us streamline our tasks, stay organized, and create a positive classroom environment from day one. Let’s dive into these six ways to make our back-to-school season smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

1. Newsletter Templates

One of my favorite ways to work smarter, not harder, is by preparing my editable newsletter templates ahead of time. Keeping parents up to date on what’s happening in our classroom is super important. Having a ready-to-go newsletter makes it so much easier. I like to include a “Read All About It” section for class announcements and upcoming events. This way, parents are always in the loop and know exactly what to expect.

Another section I always include is the academic focus. Here, I write out the main topics we’ll be covering for the core subjects. This helps parents understand what their kids are learning and how they can support them at home. Plus, it’s a great way to highlight any exciting projects or units we have planned.

The other half of the newsletter is dedicated to a calendar. I jot down important dates like field trips, tests, assemblies, and special days. This visual layout makes it easy for parents to keep track of everything. This also ensures that no one misses out on any important events. By setting up these templates in advance, I save myself so much time and stress during the school year. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay organized and keep everyone informed.

2. Meet the Teacher Forms

Another way to work smarter, not harder this back to school season is by having Meet The Teacher forms ready to go. These forms are a great way to start building that connection between you and your families. I have these out at seats during our supply drop-off day when families are dropping off supplies. I also make sure to send out a digital copy for the families who couldn’t make it to school. This way, I can ensure everyone gets the information they need.

Each Meet The Teacher template includes a spot for your picture and a short bio in the “About Me” section. This helps parents and students get to know you a little better and start building that rapport from day one. You also have space to include a warm welcome message to set a positive tone for the school year.

There’s a section for the best ways to contact us so parents know how to reach out if they have any questions or concerns. I make sure to set that boundary early in the year. There is also space to outline our educational goals for the year, giving parents a clear idea of what we’ll be focusing on. The form includes a space for specials and a fun “My Favorites” section where you can share a few of your personal likes. This not only helps break the ice but also makes the form more engaging.

3. Parent Teacher Forms

During the back to school season, I take time to prepare parent-teacher conference forms ahead of time. Parent-teacher conferences can cause us some nerves, but having these pages ready helps to make the experience easier. These forms are incredibly useful for gathering input from my parents, students, and other teachers to ensure everyone is on the same page. They cover multiple areas for assessment, making them an excellent guide for our parent-teacher conferences.

The forms include checklists for student work habits and behavior, which can be used for either student or teacher evaluation. Having both editable and non-editable versions allows for flexibility, depending on the situation. There are also conference reminder notices, parent pre-conference surveys, and teacher conference notes. This versatility helps me stay organized and prepared, no matter the circumstances.

The forms feature an academic summary, a conference sign-in sheet, and a conference schedule, which can also be customized. There are reflection sheets for your students to share what they like about school, what they want to learn, and areas they need to work on. There are also academic profiles and a “Say This, Not That” guide to help navigate conversations more effectively. To top it all off, there’s a welcome sign for the door and a thank-you note with editable contact information. By having these forms ready, I can ensure smooth, productive, and stress-free conferences. This makes the whole process more efficient and effective for everyone involved.

4. Fun First Week Activities

Now that we’ve covered the practical side of working smarter, let’s talk about something just as important. Having fun! The first week of school is a golden opportunity to help our students feel more comfortable. There’s also lots of time to start building those all-important connections between the teacher and the class. Creating a welcoming and engaging environment right from the start sets the tone for the rest of the year. Let’s explore some fun activities that can make those first few days not only productive but also enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

All About Me Presentation

One of my favorite resources to kick off the school year is the All About Me presentation. This activity is a fantastic way to get to know your students and help them share a bit about themselves. It allows them to open up about who they are, what they like, and what they’re excited about for the upcoming year. I love how it sets the stage for building those important connections right from the start.

The beauty of this presentation is its flexibility. You can simply pick and choose the slides you want to complete each day, making it easy to tailor the activity to fit your schedule and your students’ needs. The slides cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that you get a well-rounded view of each of your students.

For example, there’s the “All About Me” slide where your students share basic info about themselves. “My Hobbies” and “My Favorite Things” give insights into their interests, while “Summer Memories” helps them reflect on their break. “Describing Myself” and “Back to School Emotions” allow them to express their feelings and thoughts about returning to school. “What You Should Know” and “Friends & Family” help you understand their background and support system. The slides also include “My School Goals” and “What I Want to Learn,” which helps them start thinking about what they want to achieve this year.

Back to School Math and Writing Craft

One of my favorite ways to add some fun and learning to the first week is through a differentiated math craft activity. It’s perfect for back to school math centers and helps establish routines and procedures right from the start. Plus, it makes a beautiful academic bulletin board that showcases different levels of learning.

Each of our students gets to pick their craft, which instantly gets them engaged. As the teacher, I pass out the math problems tailored to each student’s level. These math problems focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. This differentiation ensures that every student is challenged appropriately. They work on the problems, and I check their work to make sure everything is correct. Once they’re done with the math, they get to color, cut, and paste the problems onto their chosen craft, which, in this case, is a school bus!

To extend the activity, I give students half-sheets of paper to write a word problem that matches one of their number sentences. For those who love to write, there are full writing pages where they can create a descriptive piece about their math craft or even create a story featuring their craft as the centerpiece of their story. This not only reinforces their math skills but also enhances their writing abilities.

Back to School Bingo

A back to school activity I love to use during the first week is a fun and interactive Bingo game. This activity gets my students up and moving around the classroom. By doing so, it helps them get to know one another in a lively and engaging way.

I have 20 unique Bingo cards, each filled with the same activities but arranged differently. This setup encourages students to find classmates with similar interests. As they walk around the room, they ask each other if they’ve done any of the activities listed on their cards. The catch is that they can only ask one student one question at a time to ensure they interact with as many classmates as possible.

This Bingo game is a wonderful icebreaker that not only helps our students learn about each other but also gets them out of their seats and moving around on the first day. It sets a positive and energetic tone for the rest of the year. It also makes everyone feel more comfortable and connected.

5. Plan Out Your Classroom Management Systems

Preparing your behavior management systems in advance is crucial for setting expectations and holding your students accountable. By setting these boundaries early on, you can create a structured environment where your students know what is expected of them while feeling motivated to meet those expectations.

I use a combination of reward systems and behavior management posters to achieve this. The reward coupons are a fun and effective way to acknowledge and encourage positive behavior. Whether it’s an individual reward or a class-wide celebration, these coupons help reinforce good habits and create a positive atmosphere. I make sure to have a variety of rewards available to cater to different interests and motivations to keep them engaged and excited about meeting their goals. A lot of them are free for us to provide to our students, so we win as well!

The behavior management posters are equally important. I use these more as a class behavior system but they can be used for individual students as well. When I catch my students meeting my expectations, or I receive a compliment from another teacher about their behavior, we add a piece to the picture. As they collect pieces for the picture on the board, it reveals a teacher. When the picture is fully complete, they earn a class reward! This proactive approach not only helps in managing behavior but also promotes a sense of responsibility and accountability among them. By preparing these systems in advance, I ensure that the classroom runs smoothly from day one.

6. Refresh the Classroom Decor

Taking the time to prepare or refresh classroom decor is another essential way to work smarter, not harder during back to school season. A well-decorated classroom can make a huge difference in creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment. When our students walk into a room that feels inviting and thoughtfully arranged, it sets a positive tone for the entire year.

Whether you’re looking to create a cohesive theme or just want to add a few new elements to brighten up the space, there is classroom decor out there to match your aesthetic. Refreshing your decor doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes, just updating a few bulletin boards, adding some colorful posters, or rearranging the seating can breathe new life into your classroom.

One of my favorite things to do is to incorporate student work into the decor. This not only saves time but also makes students feel proud and valued. Plus, it’s a great way to show off their hard work to parents and visitors. By taking the time to prepare or refresh your classroom decor, you’re creating an environment that supports learning. This makes both you and your students excited to be there every day.

Back to School Season Made Easy

As we prepare for the back to school season, remember that working smarter, not harder, can make all the difference. By setting up effective behavior management systems, refreshing our classroom decor, and incorporating fun, engaging activities, we create a positive and organized environment for both ourselves and our students. With these strategies, we can start the school year on the right foot, feeling confident and ready to tackle whatever comes our way. Here’s to a fantastic, productive, and enjoyable school year ahead! Let’s make it our best one yet.

For more ideas on teacher prep, make sure to check out 7 Teacher Prep Summer Activities to Make Back to School Easier.

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The post 6 Ways to Work Smarter Not Harder this Back to School Season appeared first on Elementary Island.

Importance of Strong Classroom Management

Strong classroom management is the backbone of a successful school year. When we talk about classroom management tips, we’re not just aiming for a quiet and orderly classroom, we’re striving for an environment where our students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Effective classroom management fosters a positive learning atmosphere where students can thrive academically and socially.

One of the key benefits of strong classroom management is that it minimizes disruptive behavior. With clear expectations and consistent routines, our students know what is expected of them and can focus on their learning. This predictability helps to reduce anxiety and allows them to feel more secure.

Strong classroom management also helps build positive relationships between teachers and our students. When our students feel that their teacher is in control and has their best interests at heart, they are more likely to trust and respect them. This trust is essential in creating a classroom community where our students are willing to take risks and engage fully in their learning.

Good classroom management also involves effective communication with families. By keeping parents informed and involved, we create a support system that extends beyond the classroom. This partnership ensures that our students receive consistent messages about expectations and behavior, reinforcing what they learn at school.

Celebrating successes and achievements, no matter how small, is a key part of classroom management. Recognizing our students’ efforts and accomplishments boosts their confidence and motivation. When they feel seen, they feel encouraged and want to keep striving for excellence.

10 Classroom Management Tips to Use in Your Classroom

Creating a smoothly running classroom environment involves using effective strategies that promote positive behaviors and a productive learning atmosphere. Here are ten classroom management tips to help you achieve just that!

1. Reward Puzzles

I love using reward puzzles for both whole-class and individual positive reinforcement. These classroom management behavior posters are perfect for creating a fun way to reward your class for their positive behavior. Your students will be excited to figure out the mystery reward as the puzzle pieces are added to the poster for each positive behavior they show.

These Classroom Behavior Management Reward Posters are teacher and student-friendly! Before introducing them to your students, you need to decide how often you want to reward them. Then, you choose a puzzle poster with the number of pieces you prefer: 12, 16, or 25. When first starting out with these posters, I select the reward, but I do let my students choose the reward they want to collectively work on earning at other times.

As your students display the behaviors you want to celebrate, you add a piece to the puzzle poster. When the poster is filled with all the pieces, your students have earned their award! This method is not only exciting for your students but also reinforces positive behavior in a visually rewarding way.

2. Brain Break Cards

Brain break cards are lifesavers! These quick, fun activities give our kiddos a much-needed mental break. Incorporating brain breaks into our routine ensures our students stay focused and energized throughout the school day.

Brain breaks are fantastic for getting the jitters out of our students. I created 16 activities that can be completed right in the space by your kiddos’ chairs, making it easy to manage, even in a busy classroom. To help with setup, I made posters in a few different formats. One set of posters comes with text explanations of how to do the brain break. The second set of posters only has images. The third set of posters comes with a space to write the number of repetitions you want your students to do! Just choose the set that works best for you and your students.

These cards are super flexible and allow you the ability to pull out one activity at a time, randomly. Plus, the added dice templates are a fun twist! Place the dice templates above six of the activities of your choosing, roll a die in the classroom, and whatever it lands on, that’s the activity everyone completes.

For a more structured approach, use the posters with empty boxes, laminate them, and write the number of repetitions you’d like them to do for each activity. You can even create a circuit, giving students a fun and dynamic way to burn off some energy and refocus. It’s a great indoor recess activity too!

3. Be Consistent

One of my top classroom management tips is maintaining consistency. When our students know what to expect and what’s expected of them, it creates a predictable environment. By being consistent with rules, routines, and responses to behaviors, we build trust and respect in our classrooms.

When I set clear expectations and follow through with them, my students feel more secure and understand their boundaries. This not only helps in maintaining order but also fosters a sense of fairness and predictability. For example, whether it’s sticking to our daily schedule or consistently applying classroom rules, my students learn that they can rely on me to be dependable.

Consistency also includes how we communicate with our students and their families. Regular updates and clear communication help build strong relationships with families. This makes them partners in the education of their children. This partnership further strengthens the classroom environment. Our students will hear the same message at home and at school.

4. Teach Procedures

Teaching procedures is important for a well-organized classroom. At the beginning of the year and throughout, we need to ensure our students understand the routines for various activities and transitions. Clear procedures minimize confusion and maximize our instructional time.

One of my favorite classroom management tips is to make sure every student knows exactly what to do during different parts of the day. Whether it’s how we line up for lunch, transition between subjects, or handle materials, having clear and consistent procedures helps everything run smoothly. I like to spend time at the start of the school year practicing these routines with my students. We go over each procedure step-by-step, role-play scenarios, and even create visual aids to serve as reminders.

It’s also important to revisit these procedures regularly. Throughout the school year, I make sure to reinforce the routines to keep them fresh in my kiddos’ minds. This is especially helpful after breaks or whenever I notice a bit of confusion creeping in. By maintaining this consistency, students feel more confident and less anxious because they know what’s expected of them.

Involve students in creating some of these procedures when you can. For example, we might brainstorm together the best way to transition between activities or how to organize our classroom supplies. This not only makes them feel valued but also gives them a sense of ownership over the classroom environment.

Teaching procedures effectively help us manage our classroom efficiently. It allows more time for learning and less time for dealing with disruptions. It’s one of those teacher hacks that truly pays off throughout the school year!

5. Build Relationships with Students

One of the most impactful classroom management tips I can share is the importance of truly connecting with our students. When we take the time to learn about their interests, hobbies, and even their challenges, we show them that we care about them as individuals. This genuine interest helps build a strong foundation of trust and respect.

I start building these relationships from day one. During the school year, I make it a point to have one-on-one conversations with each student, listen actively, and remember details about their lives. Whether it’s chatting about their favorite sports, asking about their weekend, or discussing their latest book, these small interactions make a big difference.

Creating a supportive and inclusive classroom community is the other key. I like to plan activities that promote teamwork and cooperation, such as group projects and peer mentoring. These activities help students feel connected to each other and to the classroom as a whole. Celebrating successes, big or small, also contributes to a positive classroom environment. Recognizing students’ efforts and achievements boosts their confidence and motivation.

I also believe in the power of being present. Showing up consistently and being approachable lets my students know that I’m there for them. This consistency helps them feel secure and valued. It reinforces the idea that the classroom is a safe space for them to express themselves and take risks in their learning.

By prioritizing relationships with our students, we create a nurturing environment where they feel supported and respected. This improves their academic engagement and their overall well-being. Building strong relationships truly transforms the classroom into a place where everyone thrives.

6. Use Visual Schedules

Another one of the classroom management tips I’ve found extremely helpful is bringing visual schedules into our daily routine. These schedules provide a clear and consistent structure that students can rely on. At the beginning of each school year, I create a visual schedule that outlines our daily activities, from arrival to dismissal. This not only helps my students know what to expect but also makes transitions smoother and less stressful.

Visual schedules are particularly beneficial for students who might feel anxious about changes or unexpected events. By seeing what’s coming next, they can mentally prepare and adjust more easily. I like to use a variety of formats for these schedules—laminated cards with magnets on the back, digital slides, or even individual charts for students who need extra support. This flexibility ensures that the schedules meet the diverse needs of my students.

Visual schedules can also be a fantastic tool for reinforcing time management skills. By breaking the day into manageable chunks, our students learn to manage their time better and stay on task. It’s especially helpful for younger students who are still developing these skills.

Another great aspect of visual schedules is their ability to support students with special needs. For our students who require additional structure, having a clear, visual reminder of their day can make a positive impact on their learning experience.

7. Classroom Management Tips for Clear and Timely Communication

One of my most used classroom management tips is maintaining clear and timely communication with families. Involving families in the classroom is a powerful strategy that strengthens the home-school connection. It enhances the overall educational experience for our students. Regular updates about their child’s progress and inviting them to school events foster a supportive and inclusive classroom community.

To keep parents up-to-date, I use a Classroom Newsletter and Monthly Calendar. This simple tool is incredibly effective for sharing important information. The newsletter includes sections for upcoming events, projects, or assessments, ensuring my parents are well-informed about what’s happening in the classroom. There’s also a section for academic focus where I share the main concepts we’re covering, giving parents insight into what we are currently working on. The calendar highlights important dates, helping everyone stay on the same page and be aware of key events throughout the school year.

Parent-Teacher Conference Forms are another essential part of my communication toolkit. These forms involve input from parents, students, and teachers, making sure we all work together to support the student’s growth. I include resources to communicate student work habits, reflections, and a pre-meeting survey for parents. This approach ensures that our conferences are productive and that we address the needs and concerns of both students and parents effectively. For more information on how I run parent conferences, make sure to check out this blog post.

Regular communication builds a strong partnership between home and school. When parents feel involved and informed, they can better support their child’s learning and development. By using tools like newsletters, calendars, and conference forms, we create a transparent and collaborative environment that benefits everyone.

8. Morning Meetings

Morning meetings are my favorite way to start the day on a positive note. They are a wonderful classroom management tip that helps set a respectful and cooperative tone for the entire day. Each morning, we gather to greet each other, review the day’s schedule, and engage in community-building activities.

Starting the day with a morning meeting creates a sense of routine and predictability, which is especially important for students who thrive on structure. During our meetings, we often share news, discuss upcoming events, and celebrate any achievements from the previous day. This practice keeps everyone informed and grows a strong sense of community within the classroom.

One key component of our morning meetings is the social-emotional learning activities. We might engage in a quick mindfulness exercise, discuss a character trait for the week, or do a fun team-building activity. These activities help my students develop important social skills and build relationships with their peers.

I also use morning meetings to reinforce classroom procedures and expectations. By reviewing the day’s schedule and any special instructions, my students know exactly what to expect. This helps minimize anxiety and confusion. This is a great time to remind students of any classroom rules or goals we are working on.

Bringing academic elements into morning meetings can also be beneficial. We might do a quick math warm-up, a vocabulary game, or a short reading activity to get students’ attention ready for the day. This not only makes learning fun but also helps our students transition smoothly into their academic work.

9. Classroom Management Tips for Flexible Seating

Another of my favorite classroom management tips is using flexible seating in our learning environment. This approach gives students the ability to select the seating arrangement that suits their individual needs and learning styles. Whether they prefer sitting at a traditional desk, lounging on a cushion, or even standing, having the freedom to choose their workspace can enhance their focus and productivity.

Flexible seating is especially beneficial for our students who might struggle with traditional seating arrangements. By providing a variety of options, we can accommodate different students and their learning preferences. This flexibility increases student engagement and reduces restlessness and behavioral issues.

It’s important to set clear expectations and guidelines to make flexible seating work effectively. At the beginning of the school year, I introduce the different seating options and discuss how to use them responsibly. We establish boundaries for when and how students can switch seats. This helps to ensure that the classroom remains orderly and that everyone has a fair opportunity to choose their preferred spot.

Another great aspect of flexible seating is that it fosters a sense of community and collaboration. My students often work together in different seating arrangements. This setup can make group activities more engaging and enjoyable, improving the overall learning experience.

10. Classroom Rewards

One of the most effective classroom management tips I’ve discovered is using classroom rewards to motivate and acknowledge my students. Positive reinforcement through communication is incredibly powerful. I love sharing positive feedback through phone calls or sending cheerful emails to parents, sharing their child’s successes and positive behaviors. This delights the parents and makes the students feel proud and appreciated. It also helps build a strong home-school connection, ensuring parents are involved and supportive of their child’s progress.

Classroom Reward Coupons are a fantastic tool I use for positive reinforcement. These coupons can be used when you catch your students doing the right thing, incentives for behavior plans, or any other achievements you want to celebrate. They offer a simple, yet effective, way to build a positive classroom management system. In this resource, I’ve created 54 different tickets, ranging from being first in line, to getting a phone call home, to skipping morning work. This variety keeps things exciting and engaging for the students.

I like to hand out these reward coupons as I observe positive behaviors throughout the day. Students can then “cash in” their tickets whenever they like, choosing from a range of motivating rewards. This system encourages good behavior and adds an element of fun and anticipation to our classroom environment.

Kick Off Your School Year With These Classroom Management Tips

Embracing these classroom management tips can transform your teaching experience and your students’ learning journey. From the excitement of reward puzzles and the brain break cards to the importance of consistency and clear procedures, each tip plays a role in building a harmonious classroom. Building strong relationships with students, using visual schedules, and maintaining clear communication with families further enhance the classroom dynamics. Incorporating flexible seating and effective reward systems adds layers of motivation and engagement, making your classroom a place where both teaching and learning thrive.

As we navigate through the school year, let’s remember that strong classroom management is the foundation for success. By implementing these tips, we can create an environment where students feel valued, supported, and ready to learn every day. Here’s to a smooth, successful, and enjoyable school year filled with positive experiences and growth for both teachers and students!

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What is Differentiation? 

Differentiation is all about tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of each of your students. That means using specific content, processes, products, or learning environments to help meet the needs of the individual students in your classroom. 

For helpful ways to get started with the basics of differentiation in your classroom, be sure to check out the previous post in this differentiation series, Practical Steps to Effectively Differentiate in Your Classroom. 

Even though differentiation has been around for a while now, it doesn’t mean everyone does it. But, I can tell you from lots of experience that it’s one of the most helpful “tools” I’ve used in my classroom over the years. And, differentiation doesn’t have to be overly complicated or include tons of lesson plans that take hours to write. Differentiation is all about finding out where your students are currently and meeting the m there. 

For example, you may have a group of students who you see need a little more help with addition facts. So, to help them, put them in a small group and give them differentiated instruction with a fun center activity, worksheet, Boom Card activity, or anything else that would help give them the extra skills practice they need. At the same time, you may have a group of kiddos who have mastered simple addition and are ready for two or even three-digit addition. You can do exactly the same thing and put them together in a group with worksheets, Boom Cards, etc. for more advanced skills practice to keep them engaged. 

See what I mean? It’s all about meeting your kiddos where they are, identifying their needs, and moving on from that point. Easy-peasy!

GRAB THIS FREE DIFFERENTIATION GUIDE TO HELP YOU GET STARTED WITH ALL THINGS DIFFERENTIATION!

1. How to Differentiate Instruction by Product

So, now that we have a basic understanding of what differentiation is, let’s talk about the different ways you can differentiate in your classroom. The first way is by product. 

Differentiating by product for elementary students involves offering a range of options for students to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Some practical strategies to implement differentiation by product could include:

Tiered Assignments

Using assignments with different levels of complexity for your students is a great way to effectively differentiate instruction. You are still teaching the same skill to all of your students, but you are able to create tiered assignments for students at different levels of the particular skill mastery. For example, in your math lesson, you can create three sets of problems: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Then, it’s as easy as assigning the tier based on each student’s ability. 

Learning Stations

Whether you call these learning stations or centers is up to you. Basically, they are the same with one difference. Learning stations allow you to set up different activities or tasks related to the targeted skill you want your students to practice. As your students rotate through the stations, they will have several different tasks to choose from. Each task helps them practice the same skill, but your students will be able to choose the task that appeals most to them. This means you will have more buy in and your students will stay more engaged and essentially get the most out of their learning experience. 

Choice Boards or Menus

You can design a choice board or menu with various assignment options for your students to select from. Include activities that would appeal to the various learning styles and interests of your students. For example, a choice board for a project may include an option to write a story, create a comic strip, make a diorama, or record a video presentation. Not only does this give you the ability to meet your students where they are skill-wise, but it also gives them a sense of independence. 

2. How to Differentiate Instruction by Process

Differentiating by process means providing a variety of approaches, resources, and opportunities for your students. By providing a variety of ways for your students to learn, practice, and master key skills and concepts you can be sure each of your students can thrive and achieve their full potential in your classroom. Differentiation by process not only enhances academic achievement but also fosters a love for learning and empowers students to take an active role in their education. How cool is that? 

Some easy ways to differentiate by process include:

Individualized Learning Paths

Develop individualized learning paths for students. This means you are creating a specialized learning goal for your students and giving them the opportunity to reach those goals in ways that work best for their learning styles. These paths can be based on pre-assessments or ongoing formative assessments and guide each student’s progress through the curriculum at their own pace. 

Cooperative Learning Opportunities

I can’t stress enough how valuable it is to give your students the opportunity to learn from and teach one another. When you are able to incorporate cooperative learning activities in your classroom, your students will feel empowered and excited about learning. For example, for a novel study, it would be helpful to group students with different learning styles together. If you have a student who is fantastic at researching but doesn’t love drawing, putting them together in a group with another student who LOVES any opportunity to be creative means they can work together to find the information they need and creatively show their learning. Not only does collaborative learning enhance understanding of key concepts, but it also fosters an environment of problem solving.

Scaffolded Instruction

Use scaffolding techniques to support your students as they learn new concepts or skills. This is a great “sister” process to the individualized learning paths because you are able to make your scaffolded instruction unique for each student. As your students progress through the skill you are able to gradually reduce support as they become more proficient which allows them to take ownership of their learning. It’s an amazing experience for teachers and students alike!

3. How to Differentiate Instruction by Content

To differentiate by content means you are tailoring your instruction or curriculum to meet the diverse learning needs, abilities, interests, and readiness levels of each of your students. It’s important to remember that each of our students has different prior knowledge, learning styles, and individual strengths. 

Ways to effectively differentiate by content could include:

Curriculum Compacting

Curriculum compacting is basically identifying students who have already mastered certain aspects of the content you are teaching and providing them the opportunity to explore them more in-depth. I like to think of these as enrichment activities my students can do that will help them stay engaged in the learning, but also choose something that feels fun for them. Curriculum compacting pairs perfectly with tiered assignments because it gives your students the opportunity to have more voice and choice in their learning. 

Use of Technology

We all know how much our students love any opportunity to use technology in the classroom. So, if we can use technology to our advantage when differentiating by content it’s a win-win situation! You can use technology to deliver personalized content or adaptive learning experiences based on the skill level of your individual students. Boom Cards are a perfect resource for differentiating because you can assign decks to students based on the specific skills you want them to be practicing. 

Varied Learning Resources

Providing a range of learning materials like textbooks, articles, videos, interactive websites, and hands-on manipulatives helps your students feel more comfortable with how they are learning. When your kiddos are feeling excited about what they are learning because of how the information is presented, you will find them more engaged and actually learning MORE! 

You know your students better than anyone and you can probably identify several students who would be more engaged in what they are learning by watching a video. On the flip side, you know there are also several students who wouldn’t have the focus for a video but would excel with an interactive website. Just because your kiddos are learning the content in different ways doesn’t mean one is better than the other. This is where your differentiation is such a success. You are giving every one of your students the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them!

4. How to Differentiate Instruction by Environment

You may not immediately think of your classroom environment as a tool for differentiation, but it absolutely can be! Differentiation by environment involves adapting the classroom setting, routines, and atmosphere to accommodate the diverse needs of students. By creating a supportive and flexible environment, teachers can optimize learning experiences and ensure that every child feels valued, safe, and motivated to learn. Differentiating by environment recognizes that students respond differently to their surroundings, and it aims to create a space that nurtures their strengths and addresses their challenges. 

Some examples of differentiating by environment include:

Classroom Layout

Arranging your classroom to provide multiple learning spaces, such as quiet corners for independent work, collaborative areas for group activities, and designated spaces for hands-on projects is a great way to naturally foster an environment of differentiated learning. You can even create flexible seating options to cater to different learning preferences. These could include standing desks, bean bags, traditional desks, group tables, and more. 

Choice and Autonomy

This one might sound a little “out there”, but believe me when I say this can work! At the beginning of the year, quarterly, monthly, or how often you feel is acceptable, offer your students the ability to choose where they sit within the classroom. This might be flexible seating, but it could also be sitting with a specific group. 

You can also work together with your class to design the layout of your classroom. This could include a more home-like feel with floor lamps, window coverings, or even a couch. Giving your class (and individual students) the opportunity to have a differentiated learning environment will go a long way in the overall success of your school year. 

Calm Corners and Active Areas

Within your class, you are going to have some students who prefer a lot of space to move around when learning. But, you will also probably have several students who do better learning in a snug, cozy and quiet environment. Creating a safe space for both types of learners within your classroom environment can seem impossible, but I promise it’s doable. 

Create a designated calm corner workspace for students who need some quiet to focus while working on school work. This can be an area with a special table, comfortable beanbag chairs, etc. But, work together with your class to discuss what this area should look and sound like so the expectations are clear at the beginning of the year. For your active areas, the same concept applies. Working collaboratively with your students, talk about what sort of activities will be appropriate for the active area and what it should look and sound like. 

This will help your students take ownership of their learning and give you differentiated areas of your classroom environment for learning to take place in the way that works best for your students. 

Differentiation is the Key to Success in Your Classroom

By embracing differentiation by product, process, content, and environment in our classrooms we can create a nurturing and empowering learning environment for our students. This will help each and every one of our students thrive and reach their full potential. 

Whether this is your first or 40th year in the classroom, you are sure to find that differentiating instruction is an incredible way to help each of your students feel successful in your classroom. 

Differentiation Resources for You

If you are ready to jump into differentiation, I have some amazing resources for you! Check out the Math Differentiation Bundle in the Elementary Island TPT store today! From skip counting and fractions to money and learning about time, I’ve got your differentiated instruction covered!

Don’t Forget this FREE Differentiation Guide

Grab this FREE guide that includes specific instructional strategies for each of the core subjects, a student interest form, and more! It’s the perfect resource to keep in your teacher binder or with your lesson planning supplies so you always have practical tips and ideas right at your fingertips. 

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Be sure to save these 4 main ways to differentiate instruction in the elementary classroom to your favorite education Pinterest board today!

The post 4 Ways to Differentiate Instruction in the Elementary Classroom appeared first on Elementary Island.

What is Morning Work?

First, let me explain what morning work is in an elementary classroom. Morning work, also known as bellwork or bellringers, is an activity that students start first thing in the morning. As soon as they enter the classroom, students complete their morning tasks, such as lunch choice, attendance, and turning in notes. Afterward, they immediately begin their classroom work without any initial teacher instruction.

1. Morning Work Promotes a Smooth Start to the Day

Using morning work every single day helps to set the stage for a smooth and structured start to the day for your students. Depending on grade level, morning work may look different. Some teachers may utilize morning tubs for hands-on activities and social skills practice while other teachers will use morning work worksheets to focus on spiral review of academic skills. Students thrive on consistency and predictability so it is important to establish this routine at the beginning of the year. There is a sense of safety that comes when they know what to expect. Creating a consistent morning routine helps this happen in your classroom.  And. . . it also helps to reduce anxiety in students while also promoting independence.

A well-planned morning routine, which includes engaging morning work, will also help your students make the mental transition from home to school. This will allow your kiddos to settle in and mentally prepare for the rest of the day.

2. Morning Work Encourages Independence and Responsibility

Right from the start of the day, morning work encourages your students to take ownership of their learning. By using age-appropriate tasks such as warm-up activities, review of key skills and concepts, and more, you will help foster a sense of responsibility and independence in your kiddos.

For example, using number of the day activities, like the Number of the Day 2 and 3 Digit Numbers Place Value Activities Bundle, I can be sure my students are getting the opportunity to practice what we are currently learning in a fun way that doesn’t feel high stakes to them. This means it will be more fun for them to complete and will give me a good idea of how well they are grasping the concepts I am teaching. 

2 DIGIT & 3 DIGIT NUMBER OF THE DAY PRACTICE

Get started practicing number sense today with these 10 practice mats focusing on 2 and 3-digit numbers. These number of the day mats will make spiral review easy and fun for the students!  Check them out today!

GRAB THIS FREE SET NOW!

3. Morning Work Promotes Time Management and Focus

Helping our students learn the skill of time management is so important. By giving my students a specific timeframe for completing morning work, I teach my students the importance of prioritizing responsibilities.  They also learn how to manage the time available to complete a task.

My kiddos know to come in, get their bags and belongings put away, make their lunch choices on the whiteboard, then grab their bellwork from their desk.  After the first week or two of school, this will become a simple routine for my kiddos. For us, I allow students 15 minutes to complete their bellwork from the start of the bell. If students get in before the bell, they will have longer to complete the work.

I know in some schools kiddos line up together in the morning then the teacher takes them to the classroom in one big group. But, more often than not, mornings in elementary school have more of a “rolling start” feel with bus kids arriving all at once and walkers and drop-offs arriving sporadically before the tardy bell rings. That’s a whole lot going on before the bell even rings to start the school day. Setting a morning work routine means each of these kiddos, no matter when they roll in, will be able to easily and independently get organized and ready for the day ahead. 

In addition to fostering a sense of independence, setting a morning routine, which includes morning work, helps your students get into the school mindset. Morning work helps them get ready to concentrate and recall what they are currently learning in your classroom.

4. Morning Work Reinforces Prior Learning

In addition to encouraging independence and responsibility, morning work also reinforces prior learning. Whether that prior learning is from days or weeks prior, we all know how important it is to continue to give students the opportunity to practice key skills and concepts learned throughout the entire school year.

In my own classroom, I like to use these themed morning work throughout the school year to allow my students to practice previously taught important skills in a fun way they will love. It helps keep my lessons out of that dreaded one-and-done category!  

Allowing students to practice previously learned concepts also gives YOU the opportunity to do a quick check of understanding. You can quickly review your students’ morning work and easily identify areas where students may need additional support or intervention. Then, you can differentiate lessons for students individually or in small groups as needed. 

What I love about my monthly Number of the Day Bellwork? (pictured above)

1. Precopied – every month is photocopied and kept in a folder in the child’s desk. As a teacher, I only need to think about this one time per month.
2. Students get to work at their own pace. This is NOT taken for a grade. The purpose is for spiral review, anecdotal records, and to build confidence
3. We go over the answers together as a class. Students will raise their hands to give the answer. The rule is, if the student did not finish the worksheet, then he/she MUST fill in the correct answer as we give it. This way the child will have a worksheet that they can look back on the next day as an example. 
4. Repetitive Practice – The entire month is the same questions, just with different numbers. Those students who struggled in the beginning to understand and/or finish are now completing the work at the end of the month. This is a great opportunity to call on those students to build their confidence!
5. Anecdotal Notes – Easy to jot down notes on who needs some more practice and who has it! 

5. Morning Work Helps You Create a Positive Classroom Community

We all know how important it is to create a positive classroom environment right from the get-go at the beginning of the school year. But, how do we keep that momentum going throughout the year? Surprisingly, this classroom morning routine is a great way to establish a positive classroom environment.

By giving your students tasks they can accomplish independently, you can set the tone for a productive and fun learning environment each and every day. Engaging morning work sends a message to your kiddos that they are learning and retaining important information.

I also love going over morning work with my entire class before we actually jump into our daily schedule. I even call on students who would like to share out their answers giving them the opportunity to show off their knowledge with the class. Nothing is better than seeing a kiddo glowing with pride at the start of the school day. It’s a great way to foster a positive, supportive, and collaborative classroom culture at the beginning of each and every day. 

6. Morning Work Encourages Reflection and Goal Setting

Morning work gives your students an excellent opportunity to engage in self-reflection and goal-setting.

I like to ask my students to look over their morning work as we go over it together as a class. If they see a question they didn’t get quite right, they can go back and look at how they answered the question and see where the mistake was made. This is an easy way for kiddos to learn from their mistakes and encourages a growth mindset. 

When students have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes instead of being judged by them, it helps them embrace challenges without the fear of negative consequences. They learn that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and that taking risks can lead to valuable learning experiences. And, that’s the goal of a growth mindset, right? 

Encouraging a growth mindset is something I focus on heavily in my classroom. So, when I have the opportunity to give my students a daily reminder of the importance of this skill, I know it will be something they remember every day. 

The Power of Morning Work

Using morning work as part of your morning classroom routine will have a positive impact on your students throughout the school year. By providing structure, promoting independence, and reinforcing prior learning, morning work sets the tone for a productive and successful day of learning! 

Be sure to check out the Elementary Island TPT store for awesome morning work resources including:

• 2 and 3 Digit Bundle – PERFECT for differentiation!
• Yearly Bundle – Increases in difficulty and will spiral through MANY 2nd grade math skills each month
• And much more!

FREE 2 and 3 Digit Number of the Day Mats Morning Work 

Get started practicing number sense today with these  FREE 2 and 3 Digit Number of the Day Mats which include TWO weeks of practice for 2 and 3 digit numbers. These Number of the Day Mats will make spiral review easy and fun for your students!

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Be sure to save these morning work ideas to your favorite classroom Pinterest board today! That way you can quickly come back when you are planning your perfect morning routine.

The post 6 Benefits of Using Morning Work in Your Classroom appeared first on Elementary Island.

Organize Your Substitute Materials

In my experience, using a binder works well for planned absences. You can use tabs to separate sections of information from the work you leave. It also makes it easy to further categorize the work by subject or class. 

• how to take attendance
• making lunch choices
• expectations for lining up
• how to take bathroom breaks
• how to ask questions during class
• snack time expectations
• how to handle dismissal

and anything else your sub needs to know to get through the day.  Think about all those procedures you teach at the beginning of the year and jot them down for the sub.  

3. Classroom Rules / Behavior Plan

4. Class List and Seating Chart

5. Schedule 

7. Important Safety Procedures

8. The names of students who may need extra support

9. Directions for using classroom technology

10. Lesson Plans (planned absence)

2. No Prep Skills Review

3. Spelling Practice for Any List

4. Journal Writing

5. Math Mystery

6. Word Search

7. Craftivities

8. Games

Games such as bingo, Scoot, or game boards with task cards are a great way for your students to have a break from worksheets!  Grab a bingo set or task card set that reviews a skill and let students have some gamified learning time.  Games are great for small groups or the whole class!  Time Frame: 30-45 min 

Free Resources for Planning for Your Sub

Planning for a sub does take some time, but by getting this set up and ready before you need it, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress.  Grab this free Substitute Information pack! This resource is exactly what you need to get your Sub Binder or Box in tip-top shape!

Pin this Substitute Prep Plan!

I hope this Blog Post was super helpful in getting you prepared for a Substitute Teacher- whether you planned to be out or your absence was an unwelcome surprise! There is a lot of information to retain, so be sure to Pin this post to your favorite Teacher Pinterest Board so that you can come back when you’re ready to prep!

The post 10 Immediate Actions to do NOW to Prepare for a Substitute Teacher appeared first on Elementary Island.

1. Sign In Area

Also, having a sign-in area will help you keep track of who wasn’t able to make it to back to school night. I always like to reach out to those families and make sure they receive copies of anything I hand out and fill them in on anything they missed. 

2. Supply Drop Off Area

3. Student Activities 

4. “Catch-All” Folder

5. Welcome Gift 

This doesn’t have to be anything big, just something that shows families you are excited to work with them this year! In the past, I have given out lots of different things including:

6. Scavenger Hunt 

8. Classroom Wishlist

9. Teacher Contact Info Magnet 

I like to make magnets for parents to put on the fridge will all of my contact information on them. For this, you can either order custom magnets from a company like Vista Print, or go the DIY route! 

10. Photo Area 

Last but not least, I love to include an area in the classroom for families to snap a quick photo to commemorate back to school night! 

I always set up a simple backdrop that matches our classroom theme for students and parents to pose in front of. Amazon has a ton of fun, plastic backgrounds like the one I used that are simple and easy to hang!

I hope you found some fun, new ideas to incorporate into your back-to-school night routine this year! 

These tips and tricks have served me well over the years and helped me make a great impression with new families on this special night! 

Save These Ideas for Later!

The post Help! 10 Tips for a Successful Back to School Night! appeared first on Elementary Island.

1. Post-It Notes

Can you ever have enough post-it notes? I think not! I buy these in all sizes and lots of colors. There’s always SO much floating around in my head and I love having these on hand to jot things down quickly.  They are also perfect for collecting data on students, sending a quick note home, or using with interactive lessons.  Giving each student a sticky note to answer a question and then stick to the board or an anchor chart is a fun and engaging way to get every student involved in a lesson at the same time.

2. BIC 1.6 mm Pens

These BIC 1.6mm Pens are my all-time favorite pens! They are super cheap, which is great because I always seem to lose them and they write nice and smoothly on the thin pages of a grade book. I love that I can get them in a variety of colors too!

3. Crayola Markers

Crayola is one of those brands that I love and trust.  When it comes to markers I love these Crayola markers because the colors are always bright and vivid.  I buy 4 sets of these when they are priced super low at back-to-school time for myself. This allows me a fresh new set each quarter for grading papers and writing anchor charts. 

4. Personal Laminator

5.  Hand Sanitizer

Surely, you understand the absolute need for this as a teacher. . . I mean, are they really washing their hands in the bathroom? I buy this in big jugs at Walmart right before school starts to stock up for the year.  Even if hand sanitizer is on your school supply list, it never seems to last until the end of the year.  Stocking up never hurts! 

6. Black Sharpies

Sharpies are my go to permanent markers.  I’ve been known to label ALL the things and I love these for the job.  I like to buy both the regular and chisel tip so that I have just the right one for the job.  You can even get them in a variety of colors which makes them great for color coding and labeling.

And . . . did you know that you can even use Sharpie on a dry erase board without ruining it? It’s perfect for posting things on the board that you don’t want to be erased like focus wall headers.  When you are ready to remove it, simply color over the Sharpie with a dry erase marker, then erase.  The ink in the dry erase marker connects to the permanent ink too!  Please don’t ask me to explain the science behind it – I just know it works!

7. Page Protectors

I love using plastic page protectors because they cut down on the need for laminating everything. By sliding a page into the page protector students can complete the page using a dry-erase marker.  It makes a really quick and easy way to add practice pages to centers.  It saves on copies and laminating and the students love using dry-erase markers!  That’s a win for sure.

8. Mailing Labels

These Avery Address Labels go right along with my need to label everything.  You can get Avery labels in a variety of sizes which makes them perfect for just about anything.  I use them to label everything from stored center activities to student notebooks.  If you need to remove them later, just use some rubbing alcohol.

Teacher Tip: At the beginning of the year I print up a sheet of labels with each student’s name on them.  Then I have name labels I can easily grab throughout the year to label book bags, folders, water bottles, and pencils. 

9. Expo Markers

I buy 4 sets of multicolored Expo markers every year!  I always go with the name brand because not only are their colors bright and vivid, but they erase well.  Not all dry erase markers are created equal! This is one of those situations where the cheap knock-offs just don’t compare. 

10. Comfortable Shoes

This is a major requirement for me! I fell in love with Rothys for teaching.  I love the look of these shoes, but even more important is how comfortable they are.  As a teacher you are on your feet all.day.long!  It’s really important to have shoes that comfortable and supportive. Check them out if you are looking for something that falls in the category of cute and comfortable! Use this link to get $20 off! 

They have lots of different styles and colors to choose from.  

11. Band-Aids

Second maybe only to stickers, band-aids are a lifesaver in the classroom.  There are many nurse requests that can be quickly and easily solved with a band-aid.  Since we don’t want a student to miss out on 5-10 minutes of instruction for a boo-boo that’s NOT bleeding, having a supply of band-aids in the classroom is key! Whether it’s actually “needed” or not, a band-aid fixes any minor injury!

Bonus Idea: Another great boo-boo fix is a cold sponge.  If you have a refrigerator in your classroom, simply cut a kitchen sponge into four pieces.  Add water and wring them out so they are just damp.  Then put it inside a small zip-lock bag and throw it in the freezer.  It’s the perfect solution for bumps and aches that aren’t quite nurse-worthy.

12. Yearly Calendar

13. Stickers

Elementary students love these at any age! I use them for their papers as well as on their hands at the beginning of the year as a reward for following procedures. I always grab a few sticker books at my dollar store when I am there. I have even added strips of stickers or small sticker packs to my treasure chest.  They are an inexpensive option for encouraging or rewarding students.

14. Cardstock

Use cardstock to print charts, activities, and game pieces you plan to use more than once. While it is more expensive than regular copy paper, it can really add life to your classroom resources.  Your materials will last SO much longer, so you won’t have to reinvent the wheel every year. 

15. Plastic Utensils

Random, I know, but trust me you will need them at some point or another! Paper plates don’t hurt either. Whether it saves you a trip to the cafeteria to grab a fork or an impromptu project you will find that some utensils can come in quite handy.

16. Astrobrights Paper

I LOVE Astrobrights!  This colorful paper is the perfect way to add some pizazz to your copies. Whenever I have an important note to send home, I use these so that it doesn’t get lost in a sea of white copy paper.  These are also a great way to save color ink.  Print in black and white on colored paper to make the activity or cards pop! 

17. Clear View Binders

When it comes to keeping myself organized this is my go-to resource.  I use the 1/2 inch and 1-inch notebooks for everything. I love that I can keep everything I need in one place. I can stay organized while also using the clear covers to keep everything labeled.  At any given time, you can find my lesson plans, small group reading plans, data binders, and more on my shelves.  These are always the best price at Walmart during their back-to-school sale. 

18. Wall Timer

If there’s one tool that is not only practical but also helps students to learn independence it is a large wall timer.  This larger timer is perfect to display at the front of the room and use any time students have a time limit.  They are perfect for reminding students how much time they have left to complete an activity.   It is great for writer’s workshop, independent reading time, and center rotations. The kids love being able to see how many minutes are left and it really helps keep everyone on task!

19. Zip-lock bags

You can’t go wrong by stocking your classroom with ALL sizes of zip-lock bags! Trust me, I seriously use these all the time. They come in handy for manipulatives, art supplies, books, broken necklaces, and even the occasional lost tooth!  

The gallon-size bags are the perfect way to store center supplies when not in use.  They are big enough to add in a master copy of the student response sheet too!  This way everything you need stays together in one place.

20. Wireless Doorbell

A wireless doorbell is the BEST classroom management hack I have found.  I think we can all agree that gone are the days of silent classrooms.  That means, getting students’ attention is a little more difficult.  But raising your voice doesn’t have to be the answer.  Instead, use a wireless doorbell chime as your signal.  Starting on day 1 I teach my students what it means when they hear the chime.  In my classroom, students stop what they are doing and look at me.  Then I can give an instruction without having to spend 30-60 seconds getting everyone’s attention.   

21. Insulated Water Cup

Yeti makes these, but there are lots of cheaper brands that work just as well!  After all, I don’t need to keep my drink cold for days on end.  But I do love having a cup that will keep my water cold all day long.  This Teacher Life cup is perfect for just that!

22. Cute Teacher Bag

I would love to get to the point where school stuff stays at school, but I’m just not there yet.  Sigh!  So having a large tote bag (aka teacher bag) is a must.  It becomes my version of a student’s backpack.  Anything that needs to go to school gets put in there.  It is much easier than trying to grab a stack of papers or multiple items and get them from the classroom to the car and then to the house. 

23. Fun Teacher Shirts

I don’t know about you, but sometimes just wearing a cute shirt helps perk up my morning! Plus, they are great for those days that you have “nothing” to wear! I’ve also had administrators that will allow a teacher shirt or school shirt with jeans.  You can find lots of amazing teacher-themed shirts on Etsy. 

24. Nice Lunch Box

Just as my students do, I get SO excited to pick a new lunch box for the school year! I like to find one like this with separate compartments to keep my cold food away from other items. An insulated lunch box is also a great thing to have if you don’t have easy access to a refrigerator. As an added bonus, having one of these really helps me stay on track with eating healthy on a budget! 

25. Emergency Sub Tub

There’s nothing worse than waking up sick and not having something for a substitute teacher to do.  In fact, I truly believe that many teachers go to work not feeling well because sub plans can be just too time-consuming to put together in a pinch.  I highly recommend taking some time before the year begins to put together a sub tub. I like to think of a sub day as a great review day.  By including activities that my students already know how to do, they can work more independently.  And . . . some time reviewing previously learned skills never hurt anyone!  I like to update it each quarter based on their skill level. You will thank yourself by taking a few minutes every couple of months to update the activities.  It’s so much easier to do when you healthy and feeling good. 

26. Student Certificates

In my classroom, I love celebrating my students.  I don’t think there is a better way to encourage good habits, taking risks, and hard work.  Letting students know that you recognize all they are doing goes a long way to building relationships too!  Using certificates is a great way to do this.  I love having these on hand to recognize my students for a job well done. Check out my Superhero and Rockstar theme editable certificates!

27. Electric Pencil Sharpener

I know your classroom wall probably already comes complete with a pencil sharpener, but let’s be honest.  They don’t always work well, can make a mess, can be loud and students can’t sharpen a pencil very quickly.  Instead, grab one of these electric pencil sharpeners and solve all those problems!  And . . . to help them last longer don’t use them sharpen colored pencils or “fancy” pencils that have the plastic decorative coating on the outside.  There’s something about colored pencils and the plastic coating that will send an electric pencil sharpener to an early grave. 

28. Wax Warmer or Diffuser

Kids play pretty hard at recess! This means that sometimes your classroom can need a little “freshening up.” I love using non-toxic essential oils in this diffuser as a way to refresh my room. Wax warmers are also great if you like heavier scents.  Just make sure to keep anything that warms up high and out of reach of little hands.  You might also need to check with your local fire marshall to see if there are any rules or regulations about using them in the classroom.

29. Clorox Wipes

Whenever you have multiple people in one place you get lots and lots of germs!  Consistently using disinfecting wipes is a great way to cut down on the germs and do your part towards keeping everyone healthy.  Clorox wipes are great for wiping down desks, shelves, and doorknobs at the end of the week.

30. Chocolate Stash

Trust me, if you get nothing else from this list of teacher must-haves. . . you absolutely NEED some emergency treats!  Enough said!   

Have the BEST Year Ever!

I hope you enjoyed my list of classroom must-haves! These items help my days run more smoothly, the classroom more efficiently, and really do help me be a better teacher! 

Did you see anything new you might try in your classroom? I know there are a lot of ideas on my list.  You don’t need to use them all.  Instead, think about one or two areas where your classroom needs a little tweaking.  Then find something to help solve those problem areas. I hope some of these items help streamline your teaching and routine or at the very least bring you some calm during the more chaotic days! 

Save These Classroom Must Haves!

The post 30 Classroom Must Haves for an Awesome Year! appeared first on Elementary Island.

1. Teacher Toolbox

2. View Binders

3. Rolling Teacher Cart

4. Shoe Organizer

5. Storage Trays

6. Paper Sorter

7. Circular Magnets

At the beginning of the year, I assign each student a number. The students will use their numbers to keep track of their own materials, cubby, drawers, etc. I number these magnets with a permanent marker and will then use them on a magnetic board to have students make their lunch choice for the day upon entering the classroom. I love giving my students this responsibility and as a bonus, this system doubles for taking attendance super quickly as well!

8. Tower Drawer Unit

  

9. Library Book Bins

10. Colorful Book Bins

11. Dry Erase Pockets & Dry Erase Boards

12. Student Mailboxes 

13. Giant Post-Its

These are so useful in the elementary classroom! I love using these for anchor charts, brainstorming, quick visuals for a lesson, or really anything I want the children to be able to reference later. Having a large whiteboard is great, but eventually, you have to erase the info you put up there. This solves that problem and allows you to revisit the chart anytime your kiddos need it!  Since they are sticky you can quickly and easily move them to a new wall.

14. Wireless Doorbell 

15. Velcro Carpet Dots 

The post Top 15 Teacher Must Haves from Amazon appeared first on Elementary Island.

The first week back to school is so exciting!  You are looking forward to getting your classroom ready and seeing those smiling faces that you’ve missed all summer.  And while it may be tempting to dive into the curriculum that first week, it is so important to set up and teach your classroom procedures to your students! Elementary procedures and routines are the keys to a well-behaved and structured classroom. Not having these in place will make teaching the curriculum so much harder if you don’t have a well-managed classroom FIRST.

I know that back to school is such a busy time for us as teachers and there are about a million things you are trying to get ready and prepare for. That’s why I have compiled this list of elementary procedures and routines you must do for your classroom to make it a little easier for you.  This checklist will help you make sure there is a procedure set in place for each of these concerns.  Because we as teachers know that they will come up! Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran looking to strengthen your system, this list is for you. 

Plan for these important Procedures and Routines

1. When should students use the restroom?

2. What should a student do if he/she has a question?

3. What do students do when they are done with their work?

4. Conversly, what will students do if they are not done with their work when you need to move on?

5. Where do students turn in their work?

6. What to do if a student is absent?

7. What hallway procedures will you have? 

8. How will you get students’ attention?

9. How will you have students line up?

10. What will your end-of-the-day procedures look like?

11. How will students enter the classroom in the morning?

12. How will you convey your routine for a substitute?

13. What should students do if they need a new pencil?  

14. Where should students line up after recess and lunch?

15. What will the procedures be for taking a test?

16. What are your classroom rules?

This is an entire subject unto itself   Think carefully about these.  Will you introduce them to the students or will you make them up together?  Will you implement them on the first day?  Where can students find the rules?  It doesn’t matter what they look like, just make sure they are posted and reviewed by the minute.

17.  What is your classroom behavior plan?

18. What are your classroom jobs?

19. What are the classroom library procedures?

20. How should students sit on the carpet for learning?

21. What if a student is going to get sick in your classroom?

22. How and where do students get the materials they need?

23. What are the expectations for independent work?

24. Where should students put their backpacks?  

25. What is your homework policy?

26. When can students get a tissue?

27. What is appropriate playground/recess behavior?

28. What are the procedures for fire, tornado and other drills?

29. When can students get a drink?

30. What technology procedures will you have in place?  

31. What are the expectations for group work and partner work?

32. What are the expectations for students to keep their desks and areas clean?

33. What if a student needs to work with another teacher?

34. Will you allow a snack time in class? 

The post 34 Important Procedures and Routines for a Successful Elementary Classroom appeared first on Elementary Island.

Teaching the Hamburger Model for Writing Using a Guided Approach

Over the years I have taught paragraph writing in many different ways.  Some worked and some, well… not so much.  One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the years is that teaching the paragraph as a whole and then sending my students off to write a paragraph is not the best approach. I now use a guided approach to teaching paragraph writing with much more success.

A guided approach involves breaking the task down into its parts and teaching each part individually.  Once students have learned and practiced each part, then, and only then, do we put it all together to develop a full understanding of the topic.  Here’s what it looks like in my classroom.

Introducing Hamburger Paragraph Writing for Elementary Students

On the first day, I love to engage my students with the hamburger.  I mean, who doesn’t love a good, juicy hamburger?  We will spend some time talking about hamburgers and what makes them so special, inviting their favorite restaurants into the discussion.  We chat about our favorite hamburger toppings.  And then, just about the time our mouths are watering, I let them know that hamburgers can teach us something too!

This is when I introduce the learning topic of paragraph writing.  Depending on the grade level, the paragraph writing process might be something new or might be something they were introduced to the year before.  Either way, our focus becomes learning to write a cohesive paragraph using the hamburger paragraph method.

Then, I begin by showing the students the hamburger paragraph graphic organizers.  As we look at the model we identify the different types of sentences that make up a paragraph.  Our focus will be the main idea (introduction sentence), supporting details, and the closing or concluding sentence.

One of the first learning tools we use are these anchor chart pieces or posters for each sentence type.  I have found this to be really helpful so that as we continue all students have been exposed to the same terms and language.  We use these posters throughout the paragraph writing unit.  They hang in the classroom as a reminder and learning tool for the students.

Focusing on the Main Idea

We begin with the topic sentence or the main idea of the paragraph.  The main objective here is for students to understand that a paragraph is a group of sentences about one topic.  The main idea sentence describes the topic of the paragraph.   We go back to the full hamburger graphic to reinforce what the main idea does.

To help my students understand this concept we play a little game.  I read or say complete sentences and my students tell me whether it would be a good main idea sentence.  Some examples might be:

• Elephants are amazing animals. {Yes – this is a main idea sentence}
• An elephant has four legs. {No – not a main idea sentence}
• Percy Jackson has an adventurous life. {Yes}
• Percy Jackson went to Olympus and met Zeus. {No}

Once my students are doing a great job identifying main idea sentences, we then take our game to the next level. I give my students a general topic, like ‘animals’, and they brainstorm a different main idea or topic sentence that could be used.

Students then practice doing this on their own or with a partner.  It’s always fun to read some of their independent answers aloud for the class.  This is a great way to show that there are many ways you can reword the same main idea.

A quick review of student answers gives me a really good idea of whether the class is ready to move on. If students need more practice, you should pause here and try other ways to teach the main idea to your students. Main idea is such an important concept in reading and writing that you want to make sure your students fully understand the topic.

We finish our lesson on main idea or a topic sentence with students practicing.  We use the topic sentence worksheet to have student practice writing their own topic sentences for a provided paragraph.

Finally, we work on listening to a paragraph that doesn’t have an opening sentence.   After hearing the paragraph we work on writing a good topic sentence for the paragraph.  Not only does this help students work on writing the main idea in the form of a sentence, but it also helps them see how the different types of sentences in a paragraph work together.

Supporting Details

After a quick review of the main idea, we will next cover supporting details.  The goal is for students to understand that supporting details give more information to explain and support the main idea.  Before jumping in with sentences, we start with a hamburger.  I start by holding up the top of a bun (real or a picture – both work).  Then I ask my students if this is a hamburger?  Obviously, the answer is a resounding NO!  Then, I ask the students a simple question, “How do you build a hamburger?”  The answers are pretty straightforward: bun, meat, cheese, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, etc.

Next, I ask the question that will connect building a hamburger to supporting details.  I might say something like “What about the mashed potatoes?”  To which my students usually stare at me like I’m crazy.  Inevitably, someone will say something like ‘Mashed potatoes don’t go on a hamburger!’  And that is what I’m waiting for!  I explain that they are absolutely right.  And just like we build a hamburger with hamburger ingredients, we have to choose supporting details that support our main idea.

We again start by practicing this skill as a class.  We start with a main idea sentence like “I had a horrible sick day.”  I used this sentence, typed it out on a top bun, and displayed it on the board.  Then I read a variety of other sentences and the students decide if the sentence supports the main idea.

For each sentence that does support the main idea, I display it on the board under the main idea.  As we do this, students can see the progression of building the hamburger with a main idea and supporting details. Sometimes I may print these out and place them in centers for students to manipulate. I’m a fan of hands-on student engagement.

We do this a few times with different main ideas to give the students practice with identifying good supporting “juicy” details.

Another way to do this is to provide two main ideas, that are similar in context but different.  For example, you could use “Riding a horse was a great experience.” and “Riding a horse is very scary.”  Then as you read supporting detail sentences, students can choose which main idea the sentence best supports.  This is really great if your students have experience with multi-paragraph writing.  This activity shows them how they can break down different aspects of their topic to have multiple main ideas through multiple paragraphs.

The next day we tackle supporting details again.  But this time our focus is on making sure that the supporting details are relevant to the main idea.  I remind the students of the mashed potatoes from the day before.  We talk about how mashed potatoes with a fried chicken dinner are great.  They are relevant to completing that meal.  But mashed potatoes on a hamburger just don’t work.  They are not relevant even though they are a food and we could put a spoonful on the burger.

Like the mashed potatoes, even though it is possible to add them to a hamburger – we don’t.  The same goes with supporting detail sentences.  There may be sentences that relate to the main idea but that are not relevant.  To help students understand this better we do some examples together.

I give students a topic sentence and a few supporting detail sentences.  They then choose which sentences are relevant and which are not.  We talk about what makes them relevant and why some sentences just don’t belong with this main idea.

After our group practice, students worked on this worksheet to practice taking out the sentences that were not relevant to the paragraph.  Students can do this independently or with a partner.  If they work with someone I have them explain the reason why they don’t feel a specific sentence is relevant.

After a few days of working on the main idea and supporting details, the students usually have a good understanding.  If, however, your students are struggling with the concept, again, I would encourage you to not move on.  There are amazing main idea and details worksheets to help assist with this progress.

MAIN IDEA & DETAILS SAMPLE FREEBIE

These main idea and details worksheets offer a perfect combination of practice for students from identifying the main idea and details from a set to writing them in on their own!

TRY A SAMPLE SET TODAY!

Concluding Sentences

Once students have a good grasp on the main idea and supporting details, it’s time to add the final bun to our hamburger.  The bottom bun represents our closing or conclusion sentence.  As I introduce the concluding sentence we talk about how the buns of a hamburger are what make it easy to eat.  They hold together all the ‘messy’ stuff in the middle.  While you could eat a hamburger with just one bun, it’s not quite as neat or convenient as with two buns.  Just like the buns of a burger, the first and last sentences of a paragraph really hold the paragraph together for the reader.

Students usually pick up the concept of concluding sentences quickly because they are similar to the main idea sentence.  We talk about how rewording the main idea into a concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph.

We practice doing this with some simple paragraphs that are missing the closing or concluding sentence.  After reading the paragraph we first identify the main idea sentence.  Then we talk about ways we can reword the main idea into a conclusion.

That leads us right into our final lesson on closing sentences.  We talk about different ways to make our closing sentences really good.  I do this by introducing students to . . . the clincher!

The clincher is a way to make the closing sentence interesting – and not just a repeat of the main idea sentence.  Students learn that there are a variety of ways to write a good clincher.  These are the ones that I teach my students:

• asking a question;
• humor;
• excitement; and
• reflection.

We dig into each of these types of clinchers by writing different sentences for the same paragraph.  The students love using their creativity to come up with good clinchers!

Applying the Hamburger Structure to Writing

After learning about all the parts, it’s time to put the pieces together and start working on writing a good paragraph.  So many times in the past, this is where I would start.  As I look back now I see how much important learning my students were missing.  It’s just one of the many things that makes me remember the value of learning in baby steps.

We finish up by going through the entire process again, together. But, we do this in steps too.  I give students a very general writing topic just so that we all have a place to start.  Then using the hamburger writing templates, we write out one sentence at a time using the hamburger model as a guide.  Once students have completed the hamburger paragraph template they write their final paragraph.

Students also use a rubric to guide them through writing their paragraph.  This helps them to remember the details and what to include. Before you know it,  students will be writing their own paragraphs with very little guidance!

This hamburger essay guided paragraph approach has been very effective for my students and I know it will be with yours too! Keep the finished product in a writer’s notebook to show growth throughout the year!

Hamburger Paragraph Writing Unit

As a teacher, you are more than qualified to put together an amazing paragraph writing unit using these or other ideas.  But if you are looking for some time-saving resources to help students in mastering the hamburger paragraph, this Paragraph Writing Lessons Resource  may be what you’re looking for. This resource is perfect for 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and any remedial students.

This ready-to-use resource includes everything you need to teach an entire paragraph unit using the paragraph hamburger model.  You receive anchor charts and posters for the different types of sentences, the hamburger model, example paragraphs for guided practice, no prep worksheets for independent practice, the hamburger writing organizer, the coordinating paper for the final draft, and the grading rubric.  All of this for the price of a Starbucks drink!  You can find this Hamburger Paragraph resource in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Save these Hamburger Paragraph Writing Ideas

Not quite ready to add these ideas to your lesson plans?  Just pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can quickly come back when it is time to teach paragraph writing to your students.

The post How to Teach Paragraph Writing with a Hamburger! appeared first on Elementary Island.

Before we dive in to some methods, in order to run a smooth classroom with effective behavior management, you need to have a procedure for everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING. The first few weeks should be spent sharing procedures, practicing procedures and informing students of what is expected for each procedure (ex. how to turn in work, how to line up, what to do when they are done with their work, what is the pencil procedure, how to walk down a hall, classroom jobs and more!) When you think they’ve got it, do more!

Grab my free checklist of routines and procedures for you to review with your students the first few weeks of school and after long breaks!

You will also need to remember that the key to whatever procedure you are trying to instill, you must be consistent. If you are not consistent in your rewards and consequences, students will try to test the limits to see how far you will go.

ClassDojo for Behavior Management

If you haven’t jumped on this bandwagon, you should check it out!  I LOVE to use this as my main motivator. I like it because it keeps parents in the loop about behaviors and you can assign whatever point amount you want to each behavior that you choose.   I leave the screen up all day in my room so the students can check their points at any time.  

Here are some of my positive and negative points.  When a student has a “Bad Choice” I usually attach a note to the parent to explain what had happened.

Classroom Store

Too Noisy App

Classroom Reward Posters

Blurt Cards

The post How to Have Effective Behavior Management appeared first on Elementary Island.

Routines

           

                       

Getting to Know Each Other

Play

You probably noticed one thing I did NOT put in this list was going over our rules.  I have the luxury of working with students who have done this before.  For the most part, they know what is expected of them.  Even if they didn’t, I don’t think I would have students sit down and listen while I lectured them about the rules and regulations.  That seems like a great way to lose students from day one.  Instead I work these expectations into our games, play and routine practice.  They learn the rules whether they realize it or not!  Hopefully, these 4 Important Focuses for the First Week of School struck a chord with you!  What do you plan to prioritize in your first week?

The post 4 of the Most Important Focuses for the First Week of School appeared first on Elementary Island.

So…. pencil pouches are really nothing new. Students have always kept their pencils in a pouch, right?  Or maybe a pencil box?  Have you ever added a reward to entice students to keep track of their pencils? 

That’s what I did! Nothing fancy!  I use Dojo points in the classroom and they literally received 5 points at the end of the week.   Let me explain…

How to Set Up and Explain:

Here’s what I like best about this: 

1.  There’s ZERO sharpening throughout the school day.  Win-win for the teacher!  No complaining and no loud noise disruptions!

2.  Students keep the same pencils pretty much every week which keeps them from chewing on them and eating off the erasers.  OR, if they do do this, they are stuck with them.  When they don’t get new pencils, you’ll be surprised how well they take care of the ones they have.

3.  Students are scrambling on the floors at the end of the day to find any pencils to make sure they have their seven.  Let’s face it, students WILL lose pencils.  BUT…when this happens, students will look on the floor at the end of the day to see if there are any pencils unclaimed. If so, they add them to their bag so they are sure to have seven for the reward.  Makes clean-up a bit easier!

On Fridays the students turn in their pouches to a table.  I go through them, count them up and sharpen any pencils that need to be sharpened.  If all seven are there, I give them their reward.  If they are missing some pencils, they get any additional pencils sharpened to make seven again and the pouch goes back on their desk with no reward.

I PROMISE you this will work for you!  Whatever reward system you use in your class, tie it into this method.  Share below how you will incorporate this.  I’d love to hear from you!

The post How to Make Pencils Last ALL YEAR in the Classroom! appeared first on Elementary Island.