Why March Activity Packets for Elementary Classrooms Are a Great Way to Stay on Track

March activity packets for elementary classrooms are a great way to keep routines steady during a month full of special days and schedule changes. Our students often have extra energy this time of year. These packets offer a fun way for them to stay engaged while practicing important grade-level skills. Instead of scrambling for lesson plans at the last minute, you can rely on ready-made activities that feel purposeful and manageable.

These March activities work well for morning work. When your students walk into the classroom and know exactly what to do, it sets a positive tone for the day. They are also great to use for independent practice to help your students practice and review key reading, writing, and math skills.

And. . . don’t forget about saving the day when it comes to those early finishers. These March Activity packets are the perfect activity for students who finish their other assignments. They help reduce downtime, keep your kiddos focused, and provide consistency all month long.

Whether you’re teaching first grade, second grade, or third grade, these packets give you different ways to meet your learners where they are while keeping it fun. Let’s take a look at the many ways you can use these March activity packs in your elementary classroom.

Importance of Predictable Activity Packets During the Busy Month of March

March can be a great time in the classroom, but it is also one of the most mentally demanding. Between shifting schedules, test prep, special days, and the anticipation of spring break, a lot is going on.

This is where predictable March activity packets for elementary classrooms help to keep the days “normal” while also adding in a little fun of the season. When your students recognize the format, they know what to expect and do. That familiarity helps keep the routine smooth and transitions calm.

Make Managing Morning Work and Early Finishers Easy

Morning work sets the tone for the entire day, especially in March when our students come in buzzing with energy. Having March activity packets for elementary classrooms ready allows you to start the day with calm, predictable routines. When your students know exactly what to do as soon as they arrive, transitions feel smoother, and behavior issues are less likely to pop up.

These packets also take the guesswork out of planning for your early finishers. Instead of your students wandering the room or asking what to do next, fast finisher activities are already available and meaningful. Whether your students are completing a St. Patrick’s Day crossword, word scramble, or finishing a coloring page, they stay engaged and productive without needing constant direction.

Consistency is the best part. Using the same type of packet throughout the month helps your kiddos build independence and confidence. They understand expectations, can manage their time, and feel successful completing work on their own. That predictability is a great way to keep March running smoothly, even on days when the schedule feels anything but normal.

March Activity Packets for Elementary Skills Practice

One of the best parts of St. Patrick’s Day activity packets for elementary classrooms is how many different subjects they support. These packets include math pages on skills such as telling time, addition and subtraction, and other key math skills. This makes them a great resource for reinforcing concepts your students are already learning in class.

ELA skills are also woven throughout the activities. Writing activities, creative writing prompts, word banks, parts of speech practice, and short stories give your kiddos plenty of chances to build literacy skills. These activities work well for reading practice or as an extension after your whole group lessons.

These math and ELA skills practice activities are the perfect way to add a seasonal twist on practice. Instead of a traditional worksheet or answering math problems from a textbook, your students will love completing a color by number page. Same great skills practice with an extra element of fun. You will find fun and engaging activities for a variety of key skills. These practice activities make a great follow-up to a lesson, or an easy addition to center.

Most importantly. . . you can confidently add these pages into your day knowing that students will be getting the quality skills practice they need to master grade level skills.

A Fun Way to Bring St. Patrick’s Day Into Your Classroom

St. Patrick’s Day brings a lot of excitement into the classroom, but it is also a great way to connect those social studies standards related to holidays, customs, and cultures. This activity pack offers a simple way to lean into the excitement while still keeping learning expectations clear. Students will have multiple opportunities to learn vocabulary related to St. Patrick’s Day as they connect to this holiday and its history through these no prep activities and puzzles.

What makes these St. Patrick’s Day activities especially helpful is that they feel festive without becoming distracting. Your students will love the leprechauns, rainbows, and pot of gold holiday symbols while they’re practicing reading, writing, and problem-solving skills.

These packets also help maintain classroom flow on high-energy days. When routines stay consistent, even on special days like St. Patrick’s Day or during March Madness week, your students know what’s expected. That structure helps lessons run more smoothly and keeps behavior in check. It also allows you to enjoy the day right along with your students instead of feeling stressed or rushed.

Supporting Independent Work and Small Group Instruction

One of the biggest benefits of March activity packets is how they support independent work without requiring constant teacher direction. By this point in the school year, our students thrive when they feel capable and confident handling tasks on their own. These packets give them that opportunity.

Since the activities follow consistent patterns, your students can quickly get started. A word bank helps them feel successful during writing activities. Crossword puzzles and word searches provide structure while still encouraging critical thinking. Coloring pages and graphic organizers allow your students to show understanding in different ways. This makes them a great way to support independent practice during the school day.

The great opportunity here is fewer interruptions. When your students know what to do and feel confident doing it, you gain uninterrupted time for small groups or individual support. That makes these March activity packets a great resource for maintaining focus during a busy month.

These packets are also ideal to use with your small group instruction. Just grab a page that focuses on the math, reading, or writing skills that your group is working on. These pages make the perfect starting point for reteaching a skill or supporting struggling learners. You can complete the entire page together in your small group or work together on part of the page and have the students finish it independently.

Why March Activity Packets Are a Perfect Time Saver for You

During such a busy month, it’s essential to have no prep worksheets at your fingertips. Whether you are planning your week or have a few minutes to fill, these no prep activities keep the learning going and focused. And. . . they will save you so much time. When activities are already organized, skill-based, and ready to go, planning becomes much simpler. You can feel confident knowing your learners have meaningful options on hand without spending extra time creating materials from scratch.

I firmly believe the biggest benefit is the time it gives back. With less prep and fewer adjustments, you can focus more on teaching and supporting your students and their individual needs. That extra breathing room makes a real difference during a busy time of the year. It also helps you to end the day feeling more prepared and less overwhelmed.

Make March Learning Fun Without Adding More to Your Plate

If you’re looking for a simple way to bring seasonal activities into your classroom while still supporting important skills, these March Activity Fun Packets are a great resource to have on hand. In my TPT store, you can find a No Prep March Activity Pack for 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade. Just choose the version that best aligns with your grade level or the skills your students need to work on.

Add Even More Activity Fun Packets to Your Collection

One of the best parts about using these activity packets is seeing how well the format works throughout the year. Once your students understand the routine, Activity Fun Packets become a go-to for meaningful, independent activities that still feel engaging. That consistency saves time and helps your students feel confident jumping right in.

I offer a whole collection of Activity Fun Packets with different themes for every season and special time of year. These resources will make it simple to keep learning fresh without reinventing the wheel each month. You’ll love having a familiar structure paired with new themes that keep your students interested. Explore the full collection of Activity Fun Packets in my TPT store.

Save for Later

Be sure to save this post to your March classroom ideas or seasonal activities board on Pinterest. Then you can easily come back when planning for March. Including these March activity packets for elementary classrooms in your lesson plans will make the month fly by!

The post March Activity Packets for Elementary Classrooms That Make Learning Fun appeared first on Elementary Island.

Certificates & Awards to Highlight Student Achievement

One of the best ways to celebrate student progress in elementary school is with certificates and awards. Whether it’s an end of the year celebration or a monthly check-in, giving our students something tangible to honor their academic achievements is always a big deal. I love using award ceremonies to spotlight everything from academic excellence to personal growth, making sure every student has a moment to shine.

You can make this extra special by matching the certificates to your classroom theme or adding a playful touch, like a craft or small treat to go along with the awards. For example, you might use certificates to recognize academic achievements, kindness, effort, or other milestones. Certificates are a meaningful way to provide positive reinforcement and give your students something they can proudly bring home to share with their family members. It’s truly heartwarming to see your students light up with pride as they show off their awards to classmates, teachers, and even visiting community members.

Including a math memory book or science classroom achievements in these awards can cover a range of subjects and encourage critical thinking. For those in special education, celebrating even small steps forward can have a lasting impact. It reminds our individual students that they’re moving in the right direction.

Positive Notes Home: Phone Call or Handwritten Note

Another one of my favorite ways to celebrate student progress in elementary is by sending positive notes home. A quick phone call or a handwritten note can mean the world to a struggling student or their family members. It’s a wonderful classroom management tool that boosts student motivation and helps create a sense of community.

Positive feedback can highlight a student’s specific positive trait or hard work during the learning process. Whether it’s on sticky notes or beautifully designed note cards, the message of “good job” or “great work” sticks with your students. It motivates them to keep going. It’s also an opportunity to engage your families and let them be part of their child’s progress.

This kind of communication supports student success, not just academically but emotionally. It strengthens the bridge between school and home, showing that you notice and appreciate individual students’ own goals and personal growth.

Displaying Student Work on the Bulletin Board

A simple way to celebrate student progress in elementary is to display student work on a classroom bulletin board. This turns the classroom into a living gallery of student learning and achievement. Showcasing student work publicly gives your kiddos a sense of pride and shows that their efforts are valued.

Whether it’s creative writing, artwork, or a math project, putting it up for everyone to see reinforces the idea that hard work matters. It’s also a fun activity for your students to walk by and admire not only their own work but the work of their peers. This fosters a sense of community. Plus, visitors, family members, and even other grade level classes can admire your students’ successes.

For an added boost, have students fill out personal goal-setting sheets and display those somewhere in your classroom as well. This will demonstrate how students have progressed and enable them to check in on the goals they are achieving. It’s a motivating full look at their academic journey and helps highlight both the product and the learning process.

Class Rewards to Build a Positive Classroom Culture

Class rewards are another favorite way for celebrating student progress in elementary because they bring the whole class together. Things like reward coupons or even a class goal party offer positive reinforcement for group achievements. They help your students work toward a common goal and give everyone something exciting to look forward to.

Class rewards also provide an opportunity to encourage teamwork. For example, completing reward posters shows that the whole class’s efforts matter. As pieces are added to the poster, you’ll boost engagement and excitement to work hard! It’s a visual reminder that motivates and encourages positive behavior and teamwork.

Including student input in choosing rewards can further build a sense of community. It’s one of the best ways to promote inclusion and respect in your classroom, no matter the grade level.

Show and Tell: Sharing Best Work of the Quarter

Show and tell isn’t just for the beginning of the year. It’s a fantastic celebration tool throughout the entire year! Letting your students share their best work of the quarter helps them reflect on their own goals and achievements. It’s also a great way to help your kids practice verbal praise and speaking skills in front of their peers as they share all about themselves.

Whether it’s sharing a project from the science classroom or a personal piece from a writing portfolio, your students will love the spotlight. This also gives you a chance to highlight critical thinking and creativity, which boosts student learning across subjects. Add a pep talk from you before the session. You’ll watch even your most reserved kiddos step out of their comfort zone.

This type of student achievement celebration creates role models in your classroom. It shows peers what’s possible when they put in the effort. It’s the perfect blend of positive reinforcement and student motivation.

Student Folders to Track Growth Over Time

Student folders are one of the most practical and meaningful ways to celebrate student progress in elementary. These folders, sometimes called portfolios, allow your kids to track their own growth throughout the school year and beyond. They can include goal sheets, samples of student work, and even notes about personal goals.

These folders are an excellent tool for goal setting. They help your students see where they started, where they are now, and what’s next. It’s a reflection of their learning process. It shows both academic achievements and moments of personal growth. Plus, at the end of the year, these folders become a wonderful keepsake to share with family members.

Including a reflection piece can round out the picture of student progress. It’s all about giving our students a full look at their accomplishments across subjects and settings.

Celebration Tunnels for Big Milestones

A “celebration tunnel” is such a fun activity for celebrating student progress in elementary school

Gather the whole class or small groups to form a tunnel with their arms. Then, have your kids walk through as everyone cheers them on. It’s a simple but powerful way to celebrate academic excellence or a big personal win.

This kind of celebration creates a sense of pride, encourages a growth mindset, and reinforces that hard work pays off. It’s especially powerful for your struggling students who’ve made big strides. It shows them that their efforts are recognized and valued.

You can even invite community members or family members to join in on a special day. This makes it an end-of-year or end-of-quarter celebration they’ll never forget. It’s moments like these that leave a lasting impact on our students’ mental health and motivation.

Goal Setting and Reflection Activities

Goal setting is a cornerstone of student learning and one of the best ways to celebrate student progress in elementary school. You can help your students reflect on their own goals, set new ones, and track their progress. Whether you use goal tracking sheets, charts, or reflection pages, you’re giving your students ownership over their academic journey.

Reflection activities encourage your kids to think critically about their progress, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for improvement. It’s a great way to build a positive classroom culture that values personal growth as much as academic achievements.

These activities work beautifully in small groups or with individual students. Reflecting gives everyone the chance to celebrate their progress in a way that’s meaningful to them. Plus, it sets the stage for lifelong skills like resilience and perseverance.

Peer Shout-Outs and Kind Words

Sometimes the best celebration comes from classmates! Incorporating peer shout-outs or kind words sessions is a wonderful way to celebrate student progress in elementary school. Give your students time to share verbal praise and positive feedback about their classmates’ good work or specific positive traits.

You can make this a regular part of your routine. Maybe at the end of the day or the end of the week, you take a few minutes to build a sense of community and boost student motivation. Using sticky notes or a class bulletin board to post these shout-outs adds a visual layer of encouragement.

This simple celebration has a long way in creating a positive classroom culture where your students cheer each other on. It’s a beautiful reminder that learning is a team effort, and everyone’s achievements matter.

Celebrating Student Progress Quarterly

Each quarter is the perfect time for celebrating student progress in elementary school. You can host a mini awards ceremony, display recent student work, share favorite moments from the past months, and maybe even have a classroom dance party or fun-themed event!

A quarterly celebration gives your students a fresh look at their ongoing growth and achievements. It reinforces the idea that their hard work is noticed and appreciated. It’s also a great way to invite family members and community members to join in, creating an even stronger sense of community.

Remember, celebrating students’ progress isn’t just about the academic side. It’s about personal growth, relationships, and the confidence they’ll carry with them into middle school, high school, and beyond. It’s about making them feel like a big deal, because they truly are!

Get Your Free Reward Coupons Sampler

Ready to make your classroom celebrations even more exciting? Grab a free reward coupon sampler that has fun, ready-to-use reward coupons your students will love. It’s a quick, simple way to add extra joy and positive reinforcement to your classroom routine.

To be sure your freebie lands safely in your inbox (and not in spam), I recommend signing up with a non-school email account. By signing up, you’re saying yes to occasional emails from me with fresh ideas, resources, and tips to keep your classroom thriving!

Have Fun Celebrating Student Progress!

Celebrating student progress in elementary is one of the best gifts you can give your students. By recognizing their achievements, both big and small, you help build their confidence, strengthen your classroom community, and leave a lasting impact they’ll remember for years to come. Let’s keep lifting up our students and showing them just how amazing their hard work really is!

Pin These Ideas for Celebrating Student Progress in Elementary

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The post Celebrating Student Progress in Elementary Made Easy appeared first on Elementary Island.

Why is Classroom Organization Important at the End of the Year?

There is a lot to do at the end of the school year. We’re all itching to head out the door when the last few weeks of school arrive. The thought of prepping for the next school year can feel like the last thing we want to tackle. But, focusing on classroom organization now will save you so much time and stress later. Imagine walking into summer knowing that you can enjoy every last minute because your room is ready for the new year!

Since you are already doing clean-up tasks to close out the year, take it just a little further and you can be ready for the new year too! Whether you are a veteran teacher or finishing your first year, organizing at the end of the year gives you the perfect opportunity to clear out old items and take note of new needs. You can tidy up key problem areas and make room for positive changes. Whether restocking file folders, cleaning out desk drawers, or refreshing your classroom library, these small efforts will go a long way. By tackling it now, you’ll give yourself the ability to focus on the new year.

Spring Cleaning: Get A Head Start on Classroom Organization

We all know that the end of the year can be a busy time. That is why I love to start the process earlier with some spring cleaning. There are definitely some tasks that don’t have to wait until the end of the year. March is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for an organized classroom. By tackling smaller, manageable tasks now, you can lighten the load as the end of the school year approaches. This is when I focus on refreshing materials and restocking supplies. These early efforts save time and help me feel more in control as the busy months unfold. Let’s take a look at some spring cleaning tasks that will help you get started with your year end classroom clean-up and organization!

1. Organizing Classroom Games

Games are a classroom favorite, but they can quickly become chaotic if not maintained. There’s nothing worse than reaching for a math game or vocabulary activity to find missing pieces or materials. This is why refreshing them is a key part of my classroom organization routine.

In March and April, focus on checking games that you won’t be using for the remainder of the year. Begin by checking that every game is complete. I want to make sure there are no missing cards, dice, or other pieces. This is a great task tackle with your students’ help. Have a Friday afternoon of review with games. Let students play but build in time for them to check for missing pieces as they clean up.

If any games have worksheets, make sure there is at a minimum, a master included with the game. If you really want to get ahead, go and make a class set of copies so you a ready to go the next time you reach for it.

2. Prep Classwork You Use Each Year

Having materials I use every year pre-prepped is a way to reduce stress during the busy back to school season. By organizing (and maybe even copying) them now, I give myself a head start on building a classroom environment that feels efficient from the start. Once you know that you will be teaching the same grade level and/or subjects you can get a jump start on this.

Gather masters of those resources you use year in and year out. At a minimum, label them with any task you will need to do. This might include a sticky note that says the number of copies and any copy instructions. If you have the ability, make those extra copies now and file them away for the new year.

Some resources I make sure to have ready are below!

August Number of the Day

My August Number of the Day is one of my go-to morning work resources at the beginning of the school year. This resource is perfect for building math fluency and creating consistent routines in the classroom. The problems start simple and become more challenging as the month progresses. This helps my students build confidence. I copy and prep the first month’s activities, place them in sheet protectors, and organize them into binders. Having these ready ensures that my morning math routine is seamless. It’s one less thing to think about when the school year begins.

August Calendar Writing

Another daily routine in my classroom is writing and this is my go-to resource. With its mix of persuasive, narrative, and expository prompts, my August Calendar Writing is a must-have for developing writing skills. The daily prompts are engaging and scaffolded, making it easier for my students to express their thoughts. I print a month’s worth of prompts and label them by day of the week. Then, I organize them in a folder for easy access. This preparation helps me focus on guiding my students through the writing process instead of worrying about planning each day.

Try out the calendar writing prompts by grabbing a month’s worth of free National Day writing prompts to use with your students!

Back to School Fun Packet

One of my favorite first week of school activities is the Back to School Fun Packet. It is packed with engaging activities that set the tone for a fun and productive year. From puzzles to icebreakers, it’s a great way to get to know our students while teaching classroom expectations and reinforcing classroom routines. I prep and organize the materials to make sure my students can jump into learning without any downtime.

All About Me Activities

One of the first activities we do every year is an “all about me” style activity that helps us get to know each other. These All About Me activities are perfect for helping students build connections with each other and creating a welcoming classroom community.

The slides and printable pages encourage our students to share about themselves. This leads to them making strong connections between themselves and their classmates. I make sure these are prepped and ready for the first days of the year. It’s always exciting to see my students light up as they work on these and share their stories!

3. Inventory of Supplies

Taking inventory of supplies is one of the smartest things I do during my spring cleaning. I start by going through my teaching materials and checking what’s running low. Whether it’s glue sticks, dry-erase markers, or construction paper, I jot everything down so I’m not scrambling when August rolls around. I also review my storage areas, like my filing cabinet and book bins. I do this to ensure I have enough sheet protectors, labels, and organizational tools for the year ahead. This is also when I stock up on seasonal items for bulletin boards or themed stickers for student rewards.

When I find classroom supplies that I am running low on I add them to my supply list. I don’t run out and buy these things right away. Instead keep a list and add to it during the final months. At the end of the year, I review the list to decide what I need to get, what will come in as school supplies, and what I can request from my school.

By prepping this list early, I’m ready to take advantage of summer back to school sales, dollar store finds, or Amazon must-haves. This helps me to save money and stock up at the same time. By having my supply list ready, I can make sure that I am ready to go for the new year.

4. Classroom Organization Includes Birthday Goodies

Birthday celebrations are such a fun way to make our students feel special. Having the supplies prepped ahead of time keeps things stress-free. I like to use small bags to create grab-and-go kits for each student. Inside, I include little treats like pencils, stickers, or bookmarks. Items are simple but meaningful. This ensures I’m not rushing around when a student’s birthday sneaks up on me during a busy week.

It’s also a perfect opportunity to stock up on supplies for the year. Whether it’s small goodies from the dollar store or bulk buys, planning this ahead helps me stay on budget. Plus, having these kits prepared makes my classroom feel like a welcoming space where every student knows they’re valued. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in building positive relationships with my students. And. . . since nothing I put in the bags expires, I can prep them any time!

5. Draft Your August Newsletter

Are you required to send home a newsletter of classroom happenings? Prep that first newsletter now with as much of the information as you possibly can. My August Newsletter is one of my favorite tools to prepare because it sets the tone for smooth communication with families during the first month of school. I include everything parents need to know, from important dates and routines to reminders about materials and classroom expectations. I make sure to highlight schedules and the first week of school activities so families can stay in the loop.

By drafting and completing the newsletter in the spring, I free up extra time during the busy back-to-school season. I might have to wait to add some information at a later date, but this will take much less time than preparing the entire newsletter.

6. Refresh Anchor Charts

Anchor charts are an important part of my classroom because they provide my students with a quick visual reference for important concepts. That’s why taking the time to evaluate and refresh them is part of classroom organization. Take a few minutes to look through your anchor charts to decide which charts are still relevant and can be reused next year and which ones need to be recycled or recreated.

For charts I’m keeping, I like to store them for easy access. If a chart is looking a little too worn or outdated, I might take the opportunity to make a fresh version, especially if I can use this opportunity to reteach a lesson as a refresher for my class. If not, I make a note of it in my lesson plans as a reminder to myself to create a new one next year.

7. Organize Digital Files

Sorting and backing up digital files might not be the most exciting part of classroom organization, but it’s another important one. I take some time each spring to dive into my Google Drive to clean up the clutter and create a more efficient setup for the next school year.

I start by sorting everything into clearly labeled folders. Lessons go into subject-specific folders, teaching resources are grouped by category, and student data is organized so it’s easy to access when needed. This not only helps me stay on top of things but also makes it easier to share materials with teammates.

As I go through files, I delete outdated materials and back up everything essential. Whether it’s on an external drive, a cloud service, or both, knowing my work is safely stored gives me peace of mind. This small effort now saves headaches later, especially when I need to find something in the middle of a busy week.

8. Restock Materials for a Substitute

Preparing substitute teacher materials is one of those tasks that always feels great to check off my classroom organization list. I like to have a few ready-to-go activities for each quarter of the school year. That way, when I need a last-minute sub, I have timely activities for my students to complete.

During spring cleaning, I take the time to restock any of the activities that have been used. I also like to do a quick look through the pages in the sub binder to make sure that everything is still applicable. That way all I need to do in the new year is to update the class list, seating charts, and class schedule. Some of this information may need to be tweaked again at the beginning of the year, but a large chunk of it I try to prep before the end of the year. The little things, like this task, can add up to time savings later.

Classroom Tasks for the End of the Year

As the school year winds down, it’s time to shift focus to those bigger tasks that help close out the year and set the stage for a great start in the fall. While we’re all looking forward to summer break, dedicating a little extra effort now can save so much time and stress later. These end-of-year projects are the perfect way to ensure your classroom organization is on point before you walk out the door for the last time before the summer break.

9. Clean All Surfaces

Cleaning everything our students have touched might feel like a big job but if this is not something done by the custodial staff over the summer, then it is a really important one. I grab a stash of disinfecting wipes and get to work on all those high-touch surfaces like desks, chairs, manipulatives, and door handles. It’s amazing how much a deep clean can transform the classroom and make it feel refreshed.

I also take this time to wipe down shared items like teaching carts, supply bins, and even the classroom computer keyboard. Giving everything a good scrub helps keep the space tidy and prepares it for our new class. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to sort through materials as I clean, tossing anything broken or worn out.

10. Classroom Organization for the Classroom Library

The classroom library is one of the most loved spaces in my room. Giving it a thorough refresh at the end of the year is always at the top of my classroom organization list. This is another task that students can easily help with! During the final weeks of the year, have students dust off the shelves, clean out book bins, and reshelve books as they sort titles by genre or reading level. It’s a fun way to wrap up the year while teaching responsibility and teamwork.

As students are working on this, have a designated place for them to put any book that needs a little TLC. Then at the end of the day you can take a few minutes to doctor up repairable books or recycle those that can’t be repaired. By having students help, you will save yourself lots of time but the end result will be the same.

11. Bulletin Boards

Wouldn’t it be amazing to start the year with bulletin boards that are already done or started? With a little planning, this can be a reality! At the end of the year, I take down all my boards and sort through the materials. Any pieces that are still in good shape get stored in ziploc bags or labeled folders, making them easy to reuse.

If allowed, put up your bulletin boards for the start of the new year. This might be fresh paper and boarder or it might include a full display. An easy, but loved display, includes advice for your new students. Have your class write letters to the new students filled with advice. Your new students and their parents will love reading the advice from your former students. Cover your new bulletin boards with an inexpensive plastic tablecloth from the dollar store. When you uncover them in August they will be ready to go and free from dust or fading.

If you cannot prep your bulletin boards, you can still take some simple steps to save yourself time. To save time in August, I like to create ready-to-go bulletin board kits. These include everything I’ll need for a quick and stress-free setup, like laminated letters, pre-cut borders, and themed visuals. By prepping these kits now, I avoid the rush of trying to piece things together when the back-to-school season is in full swing.

12. Declutter Your Space During Classroom Organization

Decluttering is one of the most satisfying parts of classroom organization, especially at the end of the year. You will be going through lots of cabinets, shelves, and bins as you close down your classroom. Take a close look at everything and start tossing out anything broken or unusable. If you didn’t use it last year, consider removing it from your class too. It’s amazing how much clutter can accumulate over the course of a school year, and clearing it out feels like such a relief.

For items that are still in good shape but I no longer use, I create a donation pile. Whether it’s extra manipulatives, duplicate teaching materials, or books from my classroom library, these resources can often be repurposed by another teacher or donated to a community organization.

13. Clean Out Your Desk

Cleaning out my desk and teacher work area is one of the final steps in my classroom organization routine, and it’s always worth the effort. I start by pulling everything out of the drawers like papers, supplies, and random odds and ends that have somehow accumulated throughout the year. Anything I don’t need, like outdated forms or broken supplies, gets tossed.

Next, I organize what’s left, making sure every item has a specific spot. For me, this means grouping similar items together, like pens and markers in one drawer and sticky notes, scissors, and staples in another. Using small containers inside the drawers keeps everything tidy and easy to find.

This task might seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact. Starting the new year with a clean, organized desk makes me feel more in control and ready to focus on teaching. Plus, it’s always a relief to say goodbye to the messy desk chaos and hello to a clutter-free workspace.

14. Assess Classroom Layout

While you have access to your classroom and furniture take a few minutes to assess your classroom layout. It’s a chance to reflect on what worked and what didn’t over the past year. I start by taking a good look at my current classroom setup. I see where the desks are set up, how my books and resources are stored, and how learning centers are located. If there is anything I really like, I snap a few pictures so that I can remember when it is time to set up again.

Next, I think about how the classroom layout impacted the flow of the room. If students had a hard time navigating certain areas or if there were key problem areas that felt crowded, I make notes on how to improve them. I might even snap a picture on my phone to remember problem areas, too. By assessing these things before the end of the year, I have the summer to think about new ideas so I can implement changes in the new year.

15. Take Inventory of Classroom Furniture

At the end of the year, I go through the room and carefully check all the furniture for signs of wear and tear. Wobbly desks? Loose chair legs? A bookshelf that’s barely holding on? Those items go on my list for repairs or replacements.

I also use this time to decide if certain pieces are still functional or if they’re just taking up valuable classroom space. For example, if a storage shelf hasn’t been as helpful as I hoped, I might replace it with something more practical. I might consider a teacher cart or compact filing cabinet. This ensures every piece of furniture supports the flow of daily routines.

A Fresh Start With Classroom Organization

The end of the year clean-up is the perfect time to set yourself up for a clean, clutter-free, and organized classroom. Since you are already going through all.the.things, it just makes sense to prepare for the future too.

By starting with some spring cleaning and finishing with end-of-year prep, you can set yourself up for success while still making time to enjoy the excitement of summer break. A little effort now ensures that when the first week of school arrives, you’re ready to focus on what matters most, which is creating a positive and engaging environment for your new students in your well-organized classroom.

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Why Brain Breaks in the Classroom Work Wonders

It’s no secret that our students can only focus for so long. Whether you’re working with younger kids who have short attention spans or older students tackling complex math problems, brain breaks in the classroom are a proven way to refresh minds and enhance learning without taking too much time. These breaks set the stage for deeper focus and improved engagement when it’s time to return to work. And let’s not forget when the holidays roll around.  Those weeks or months definitely make it harder to focus than a ‘normal’ school day.

Mental breaks allow time for blood flow to increase, which results in reactivating their default mode network and improving overall brain function. This isn’t just about taking a breather, it’s about recharging the brain in a way that supports executive function and cognitive flexibility. Beyond the mental benefits, brain breaks are also a fantastic way to encourage physical movement. This is critical for developing active lifestyles and improving overall well-being. Activities like stretching, dancing, or even a quick short walk are excellent options to get our students moving and re-energized.

Short breaks boost executive function and help students transition smoothly through the school day.
Brain breaks reduce stress, improve academics, and create a dynamic classroom.
Intentional brain breaks help students reset, refocus, and return to learning with renewed energy.

Using Brain Breaks in the Classroom

When integrated thoughtfully, these brain break activities can truly transform our classroom environment. They help calm our students and reduce stress by providing a quick reset during intense learning periods. This allows them to approach tasks with a refreshed mindset. Brain breaks also enhance the quality of student work by improving focus and sparking creativity. This leads to more thoughtful and engaged learning.

For younger children, brain breaks offer a way to release energy through playful movement. You would most likely need more brain breaks for younger children. Their ‘attention to focus’ is much shorter than those of older students. Older kids benefit from smaller doses or fewer breaks per day, which allows them to refocus and recharge. These movement breaks, whether it’s a simple stretch or a short walk, also increase blood flow and mental clarity. By doing these activities, it makes it easier for our students to stay attentive during lessons.

Beyond their physical and cognitive benefits, brain breaks are essential in supporting emotional well-being. They provide a chance for mental check-ins and help our students manage the pressures of a busy day. This is especially important in high-stress classroom settings, where expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming. By incorporating brain breaks in the classroom, we’re giving our students the tools to reset, recharge, and thrive while fostering a positive and productive learning environment.

Types of Brain Breaks in the Classroom for Every Grade Level

The beauty of brain breaks is that they’re adaptable for every grade level. That makes it easy to tailor activities to our students’ needs and energy levels. Whether we’re working with younger students, older students, or even high school students, there’s always a way to keep their minds and bodies engaged.

Primary Students

Brain breaks are a good idea even for our youngest students. They can be playful and energetic to help them burn off extra energy while recharging focus. Activities like pretending to be various animals—hopping like frogs or flying like birds—are fun and encourage creativity and movement. This type of activity break can also be tied to academic concepts by weaving in new vocabulary.

Educational brain breaks like organizing themselves in alphabetical order by first name is another great way to build community while sneaking in a little thinking challenge. A dance party with a favorite song is always a hit. This gives younger kids the freedom to wiggle, jump, and enjoy a much-needed burst of energy.

Upper Elementary Students

For older kids, brain breaks can be slightly more structured while still keeping things light and engaging. Activities like solving riddles or watching brain break videos with interactive prompts can challenge their thinking in a fun way. Tossing a beach ball with multiple-choice questions written on it is another exciting way to blend movement and academics. If they need a moment to refocus, a short walk to the end of the room and back can reset their energy and prepare them for the next part of the lesson.

But our older students need movement too! Physical exercises like stretching, touching their right knee to their left elbow, or moving in a clockwise direction help shake off stiffness and promote blood flow. For a quieter moment, lead them in breathing exercises to take a deep breath and relax. This helps them to calm students and create space for mindfulness before diving back into the material.

How to Integrate Brain Breaks into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating brain breaks in the classroom is simpler than you might think, and there are a variety of ways you can easily fit them into your day. I love starting with a quick brain break during morning meetings to set the tone for the day. Throughout the day, I sprinkle them into lessons as needed, especially during transition times or after a particularly tough lesson. It’s amazing how quickly these moments can refocus and re-energize my students when their energy starts to dip.

Brain breaks can also be incorporated within academics.  Do you utilize ‘Read the Room’ activities or ‘Scoot’? These are movement based activities that incorporate academics! Take any set of task cards that you might have and number them. Have students search around the room for a question to answer. These are fun because students can find questions out of order. Or Scoot uses task cards placed on desks for students to move from one desk to another. A simple but effective way to include movement!

Using cue slides is another one of my favorite ways to guide my students through quick transitions. A slide with simple instructions can make the shift from one activity to the next seamless and engaging. Clearing an open space in the classroom is also a game-changer, giving students room for full-body movement. This could be for a quick dance break or a group activity that gets everyone moving and interacting. Encouraging whole-body engagement, like stretching or rotating their left hand and right hand in opposite directions, is another easy way to integrate physical movement into their day.

For something a little different, I like to break students into small groups and assign activities like a quick trivia challenge or even a short board game. These interactive breaks build teamwork while providing a refreshing pause. Even a brief break like this can work wonders for helping students stay focused during work time and boosting their academic achievement.

3-Digit Addition Cutie Decoders Task Cards
Practice movement brain breaks during your lessons with this free set of task cards. Hide the cards around the room and watch your students excitement rise!
Grab this FREE set of task cards now!

Measuring the Positive Effects of Brain Breaks

One of the best parts of using brain breaks in the classroom is seeing the impact firsthand and finding ways to measure effectiveness. There are so many ways to track how these breaks make a difference for our students. Quick reflections are a great starting point. Ask students to share how they feel before and after a brain break. It can be as simple as a thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or neutral to gauge their energy or focus. Over time, these small check-ins give you a clear picture of how breaks are influencing your students’ mood and readiness to learn.

You can try mental check-ins where students share how the break helped them in a quick note or discussion. Did they feel more focused, energized, or tired?
Students can tally their feelings under specific words or raise their hands for a quick class count. These insights are valuable and can help you figure out which types of breaks work best for your group. Another approach is observing changes in students’ focus and attitudes toward learning tasks. Are they more motivated to tackle challenging problems? Are they completing activities more efficiently after a brain break? These shifts in behavior show how breaks can boost both engagement and productivity.

The positive effects often shine brightest during group activities. You’ll likely notice improved cooperation and a more collaborative spirit among your students after a dance party, a short walk, or any movement-based brain break. These breaks create a classroom environment where learning feels natural, fun, and less pressured. By consistently measuring the impact of brain breaks, you’ll be able to fine-tune your approach and create a space where every student thrives. And. . . use them consistently to see how they have a positive impact on academic achievement. Consistency being the key to those stats. 

Time to Embrace the Benefits of Brain Breaks in the Classroom

Brain breaks in the classroom are game-changers! Whether it’s a playful activity for younger kids, a dance party to re-energize everyone, or a quiet moment of mindfulness for older students, these short breaks make learning more fun and focused. They’re the secret to boosting student engagement, improving academic achievement, and creating a classroom where everyone feels ready to tackle the day. By adding brain breaks to your daily routine, you’ll see happier, more engaged learners. Who doesn’t love that? So the next time your students are showing signs of needing a little break try a brain break!

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Why Spend Time Teaching About Random Acts of Kindness in the Classroom?

Teaching about random acts of kindness in the classroom is one of the most important things we can do for our kiddos. When we take the time in our school day to show them the value of kindness, we’re not just teaching them to be polite or well-behaved. We’re giving them the tools to build meaningful relationships, foster empathy, and create a more positive environment both inside and outside of the classroom.

Think about it for a moment. When our students learn to be kind to one another, it helps create a sense of community where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. One small act can grow into a strong, supportive network where our kiddos can thrive together. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with negativity, teaching kindness becomes even more crucial. It’s an easy way of counteracting all that and showing our students that they have the power to make a big difference, no matter how small the gesture. A little bit of kindness can go a long way to making our world a better place!

Plus, when our students practice kindness, it doesn’t just benefit those on the receiving end. It boosts their own self-esteem and happiness too. Sharing kindness can have a big impact on our own mental health in addition to benefiting others. Seeing how a simple act of kindness can light up a student’s day is amazing. That positivity spreads like wildfire. The more we encourage our kiddos to be kind, the more they’ll naturally want to keep that cycle going. So, by teaching kindness, we’re helping our students and creating a better world for everyone. Isn’t that what we all want for our kiddos?

Random Acts of Kindness Ideas for the Classroom

Now that we’ve talked about why kindness is such a game-changer for our kiddos, let’s dive into 12 awesome activities for teaching random acts of kindness in the classroom! These are some of the best ways I’ve found to teach and practice kindness at school. I love this part because it’s where we can get creative and develop ways to make kindness a natural part of our daily lives. Whether it’s a small gesture or a bigger project, every act of kindness counts, and the possibilities are endless.

1. Brainstorming 100 Random Acts of Kindness in the Classroom Together

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the 100th Day of School is by creating a list of Random Acts of Kindness. As a class, we brainstorm 100 ways we can perform random acts of kindness in the classroom and in our world. This activity gets kids thinking about how they can make a difference for the people and animals around them. I like to start by giving them a few minutes to think of acts of kindness and jot them down on sticky notes. That way when we are ready to brainstorm as a class some of the thinking has already been done.

Through our class discussions, we talk about all the different places you can show kindness. Instead of trying to come up with 100 ideas all at once, we break it into small groups. Each group focuses on a specific place, like school, home, the community, or even the planet. It’s amazing to see how quickly the ideas start flowing when our students have a framework to work with!

I usually start by discussing what kindness looks like in different settings. Then, I create posters or anchor charts for each category. For example, when we brainstorm ways to show kindness at school we might include things like playing with someone new at recess, helping a teacher organize supplies or writing a thank you note to a school staff member. When we talk about being kind at home, students might suggest doing an extra chore, not arguing with a sibling, or helping to make dinner. It’s a great way to show how small actions can make a big impact.

Using the List

Once we’ve completed ideas for each section, we display our list as a “100 Random Acts of Kindness” wall in the classroom. On that day I challenge the class to complete 100 random acts of kindness before the day is over. This is usually 3 to 4 per person and totally attainable. After that, this visual reminder encourages our students to keep spreading kindness long after the activity is done.

For another way to use this list of kind actions, keep reading.

2. Play Kindness BINGO

A Kindness Bingo challenge is the perfect way to build on the excitement of creating 100 ideas for random acts of kindness in the classroom! It’s a great way to keep our students engaged and motivated while allowing them to turn ideas into action.

After brainstorming our list of 100 ideas, each student picks their favorites to create a personalized bingo card. Their challenge is to complete acts of kindness from their card and aim for a bingo! It’s a fun way to inspire our students to take ownership of their kind acts and work toward completing the challenge.

To make it even more impactful, I create two versions. There’s a version for school and one for home. The school version focuses on acts like helping a classmate, thanking a teacher, or picking up trash in the hallway. The home version encourages kindness beyond the classroom, like helping with chores, writing a thank-you note to a family member, or doing something kind for a pet.

We kick off the Kindness Bingo challenge on the 100th Day of School to tie it into our celebration of 100 random acts of kindness. This is the one activity where students get to report on their own kind acts. Journaling about their experiences, such as what they did, how it felt, and the response they got, adds an extra layer of reflection and connection.

It’s amazing to see how quickly our students fill up their cards and how much kindness they spread along the way. The visual reminder of their completed bingo cards is proof of the big impact small kind acts can make.

3. Paint Kindness Rocks

One of the most heartwarming ways to spread random acts of kindness in the classroom is through painting kindness rocks. Kids absolutely love getting creative with this activity. The best part is that the kindness keeps spreading long after the paint dries!

Here’s how I make it work with my students. I gather smooth rocks and set up a mini painting station in the classroom. I encourage my kiddos to paint bright colors and positive messages, like “You’ve got this!” or “Be kind.” We talk about how even a small act, like painting a rock, can have a big impact when someone finds it. The kids really get into brainstorming the perfect uplifting designs!

Once the rocks are painted and dry, there are two fun ways to use them. We can create a kindness rock garden at school, which becomes a happy reminder for everyone in the community to choose kindness. I also encourage my kiddos to take their rocks and hide them around town near parks, benches, or even the library. They’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who discovers them!

This activity is a great way to foster creativity and kindness. It gives our students a sense of pride in spreading joy to others and it teaches them that kindness can be spread even when they are not present. Plus, the ripple effect of their kind acts can last for weeks or even months into the school year as people find the rocks and share the positivity!

4. Class Kindness Challenge

Another engaging way to encourage random acts of kindness in the classroom is by starting a kindness challenge and building a kindness chain. This activity is a great way to inspire our kids to look for kind acts happening all around them while fostering a positive and uplifting environment.

In my classroom, I explain that the goal is to “catch” others being kind. They should not just focus on themselves but celebrate the kind things others do. Each time one of them sees someone being kind, whether it’s holding a door open, sharing supplies, or giving a compliment, they write it down on a strip of paper. The catch? It has to be something done for them or something they observed. It can’t be a kindness they performed themselves.

As the strips pile up, we connect them to create a kindness chain that grows longer every day. It’s a simple but visual way for the whole class to see how small acts of kindness can have a big impact when they’re all connected. By the end of the challenge, the classroom is filled with a colorful chain and a powerful reminder of how much kindness was shared.

5. Kindness Read Alouds

Reading a book about kindness is a great way to show kids real-life examples of kind acts. It’s one of my favorite ways to spark conversations about the power of kindness. Read alouds also show how even small actions can have a big impact on the people around us.

After reading, I love discussing the kind things the characters did and how those actions created a ripple effect in the story. It’s such a positive message for our kids to see that kindness can be shown in many different ways. It’s a simple but effective way to inspire them to act on what they’ve learned.

Here are a few of my favorite picture books to include in this activity:

1. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud – A wonderful story that teaches the idea of filling someone’s bucket with kind acts and positive words.
2. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson – A heartfelt book that highlights the importance of kindness and how even small moments can make a difference.
3. Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego – This story is perfect for teaching kids how being kind can transform their world and relationships.
4. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig – A story that shows how including others can make them feel valued and seen.
5. I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët – A wordless picture book that illustrates the power of standing up for kindness.

6. Kindness Pals

Pairing students for a Kindness Pals activity is such a great way to build connections and spread random acts of kindness in the classroom. This activity encourages our kids to step outside their usual friend groups and focus on creating meaningful moments with someone they might not normally interact with.

I pair each student up with a classmate. Their challenge is to do something kind for their partner every day. It could be as simple as helping with a tricky math problem, giving a compliment, or even saving a seat at lunch. The focus is on noticing what their Kindness Pal might need and taking action to make their day a little brighter. These kind acts have a way of fostering empathy and making them more aware of how their actions can have a big impact on others.

To deepen the experience, I add a journaling component. Every day, students write about what kind act they did, how it made them feel, and what their Kindness Pal did for them in return. Reflecting on these moments helps reinforce the positive message that kindness doesn’t just feel good for the receiver. It feels amazing for the giver too.

By the end of the activity, the classroom is buzzing with a stronger sense of community. This is a powerful way to show our students that kind things, no matter how small, can help us all feel more connected. It’s a celebration of kindness that lasts far beyond the classroom!

7. Make the Friendship Bracelets

Making friendship bracelets is another great way to create connections and spread random acts of kindness in the classroom. I love introducing this activity because it combines creativity with the joy of giving. It can have a big impact on how our students relate to one another.

We start by deciding whether to create a class bracelet design that symbolizes our caring classroom community or let each of them craft their own unique piece. If we go with a class design, it becomes a physical reminder of the supportive environment we share throughout the school year. Allowing individual designs encourages personal expression and makes each bracelet extra special.

The real magic happens when I encourage my kiddos to give their bracelets to someone else. It could be a classmate they don’t usually interact with, a family member, or even a member of the school staff. This simple act of giving is a wonderful kind act that can brighten someone’s day and spread a positive message of friendship and kindness.

By sharing their handmade creations, our students experience firsthand how small kind things can strengthen relationships. They can see how it builds a more compassionate classroom environment. It’s always heartwarming to see the smiles and new connections that form through this activity.

8. Create Kindness Decor for the Classroom

Creating Kindness Classroom Decor is a great way to highlight daily kind actions and keep spreading those positive messages throughout the year. Our students love contributing to designs that reflect their efforts. It’s a fun way to build a classroom culture where kindness is always front and center.

We often start with the kindness chain from our earlier activity. Turning it into a classroom centerpiece is a simple and effective way to make a big impact. We might hang it around the room, drape it along a bulletin board, or even frame it on the door as a reminder of how much kindness we’ve shared as a class.

A great place to start is a kindness bulletin board. One of my favorite projects is the “I in Kind” bulletin board. It’s a creative way for my students to see themselves as part of a community built on kindness. We spell out the word “KIND” in big, bold letters and leave a space for the “I.” Then, each student steps into the “I” spot while we take their photo. Those pictures become a visual, showing that kindness starts with each of us. It’s always a hit with both students and school staff who pass by! And. . . it goes a long way to creating a positive school culture.

If we’re feeling extra ambitious, we might take on a kindness-themed door or mural. I have students brainstorm kind things to include, from thoughtful quotes to words like “compassion” and “friendship.” Collaborating to decorate is a great way for our kiddos to feel ownership of the classroom environment. The finished product is a reminder of how far a single kind act can go.

9. Add Kindness to Your Opinion Writing Unit

You can even add kindness to your lesson plans! Adding kindness to an opinion writing unit is an awesome way to combine academic skills with acts of gratitude. This activity doesn’t just help students improve their writing. It also creates a chance for them to share a positive note with someone who’s made an important impact on their lives.

I ask my students to think about teachers or school staff members who has influenced them somehow. It could be someone who has helped them through a tough moment, taught them something they love, or simply made them feel seen and valued. Then, they use their opinion writing skills to craft a letter explaining why this person and their actions have had an impact.

Once the letters are polished and complete, they deliver them! Watching students hand their letters to the teachers, custodians, librarians, or other school staff they’ve written about is one of the most rewarding moments. You can see how much those notes of appreciation mean to the recipients. It teaches our students that even a simple kind act like writing a letter can brighten someone’s day.

This activity is a great way to build empathy and show our students how their words can make a difference. Plus, it reinforces the importance of expressing gratitude. That fits perfectly into our celebration of random acts of kindness in the classroom.

10. Adopt a Class to Spread Kindness

Adopting another class is an engaging way to spread random acts of kindness in the classroom. It nurtures a sense of school-wide community. This activity encourages our students to think beyond their immediate group. They can also find creative ways to show kindness to another group of learners.

We start by choosing a class to adopt. Sometimes, it’s a younger grade, so we can focus on acts of kindness that feel extra special to them. One idea is setting up buddy reading time, where my students take turns reading their favorite books to their buddies. It’s a fun way to connect while practicing important literacy skills.

Another thoughtful idea is surprising them at the end of the day with a quick classroom clean-up. Helping tidy their space, organizing supplies, or sharpening their pencils are kind things that show we care in a practical and meaningful way.

If we feel extra creative, we might make cards with positive messages to share. We can even do something simple like a wave and smile at them in the hallway. These small but intentional acts create moments of joy and remind everyone that kindness can be simple and spontaneous.

11. Host a Penny Drive

Starting a penny drive is an awesome way to teach our students about giving back while incorporating random acts of kindness in the classroom. It’s one of those activities that brings the class together for a shared goal. It also teaches them how even small contributions can make an impact when we work as a team.

We begin by brainstorming organizations to support. I love letting my students vote on which cause they want to focus on. It could be places like a local animal shelter, a food bank, or another local charity. Involving them in the decision-making process helps them feel connected to the mission. Once the organization is chosen, the real fun begins!

I have my students lead by creating posters to spread the word about our penny drive. They also track progress by counting donations and creating visual displays, like a thermometer chart. This is to show how close we are to our goal. It’s a fantastic way to build math skills while reinforcing the value of teamwork and generosity.

What I love most about this activity is how it shows our kiddos that kindness can extend beyond the classroom. By giving their time and effort to help an organization in need, they learn that even small kind acts can ripple outward to create real change. Plus, the excitement of seeing the donations grow day by day keeps everyone engaged and motivated. It’s a powerful way to combine academics, community service, and kindness into one unforgettable experience!

12. Visit a Nursing Home or Senior Citizen Center

Connecting with a nursing home or senior citizen center is such an amazing way to bring kindness into the community. It’s a great chance to teach our students the value of reaching out to others. It’s an opportunity for our kiddos to experience how their choices can impact someone else’s day.

Before our visit, we learn a couple of simple, uplifting songs to perform. My kids always enjoy practicing together. Knowing they’ll share joy with others makes the effort even more meaningful. When it’s time for the visit, we take a field trip to the center and talk with, read to, or play games with the residents. These moments of connection are incredibly special. The kids’ energy and enthusiasm brighten the day for everyone they meet.

We often tie this activity into a donation drive to take this kindness further. I have students brainstorm items the residents might need. They might brainstorm items like blankets, socks, or puzzle books. Then, they work on collecting donations as part of our larger community kindness initiative. This adds an extra layer of meaning, as they can see how their efforts contribute emotionally and practically.

Additional Resources to Explore

By practicing random acts of kindness in the classroom, we teach our students ways to be kind and respectful to others. Explore a couple more resources that will help you with behavior management:

• How to Have Effective Behavior Management
• Classroom Management Tips that Work!

Random Acts of Kindness in the Classroom Impacts Many Out Of It

The impact of random acts of kindness in the classroom goes far beyond the immediate smiles they bring. By encouraging our students to practice kindness daily, we’re helping them build essential life skills. Life skills like empathy, teamwork, and a sense of community will serve them well beyond their school years. So whether you choose to add these fun activities to your February lesson plans or to celebrate World Kindness Day, you can’t go wrong. These small acts of kindness add up, creating a ripple effect that touches teachers, families, friends, and even the environment. Together, we can make our classrooms and world a kinder place, one thoughtful action at a time!

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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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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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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!

Pin it!

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.

We are all familiar with the excitement and pride we have on the days it feels like we have every student engaged in some way. You caught their attention from the start, and they are actively working on the activities.  Plus, the skills and concepts are clicking. That’s a great day in any classroom.

On the flip side, what can you do when engagement seems to be waning? I have nine effective strategies for increasing student engagement that you can pull out anytime you need to pump up the engagement levels! 

Strategy #1: Get Students Up and Moving with Task Cards

Strategy #2: Encouraging Student Participation with Posters

Strategy #3: Did Someone Say Digital? 

Strategy #4: Student Choice Options

Strategy #5: Differentiate, Differentiate, Differentiate

Strategy #6: Using Student Names in the Classroom

Strategy #7: Make Cross-Curricular Connections

Strategy #8: Use Active Response Techniques 

Strategy #9: Hands-On Activities to Promote Active Learning

BONUS Strategy: Songs and Chants

Looking for More Engagement Ideas?

Save for the Future!

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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.

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

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