Looking for fun and cute meet your teacher ideas? You are going to love this adorable back to school idea. The first impression is so important, and most of our families decided how the year will go on Meet Your Teacher Night. I’ve always tried to make my classroom friendly and a safe place for … Read more
What is “youth at risk behavior?” Would you recognize risky behaviors in the way your students talk and play? Communication and play behaviors are different in struggling students. These kids may or may not be in at-risk youth programs, but they need help all the same. Teachers have to be particularly observant to children who … Read more
If you could change or improve your classroom discipline, would you? A responsive classroom that uses restorative practices may be what you are looking for. Do you remember when you first started teaching? My first year was awesome – I was obviously the best teacher around. Everyone did what I said, life was good and … Read more
Well-executed classroom newsletters are one of the best management resources a teacher can have. Whether by email, dropbox or traditional paper, you cannot go wrong with committing to a weekly forma of communication with your students’ families. arents like to know what is going on during their child’s school day. And they have a right … Read more
Parent teacher communications are tough, no doubt. Here’s how to deliver news that could bring out the momma bear claws if you aren’t careful. The other day I was talking to my kids’ swim coach after practice. She is in school to become a teacher and asked me what one piece of advice I could … Read more
Is there value in using classroom awards? We think so through the use of results-based practices. There are certainly best practices, and we don’t want to encourage being good for a piece of candy. But we have to remember that these are children we are talking about – life is meant to be enjoyed, and … Read more
What is an effective teacher? Does it mean all of the kids and parents love you, or could it mean that you know how to effectively run a classroom for stellar results? Many teachers, from those just beginning to the ones who have been in the trenches for years, have a misunderstanding of what it … Read more
6 classroom management tips that work for any teacher! Avoid having to discipline by redirecting, refocusing and making your room fun. You know how some years you get that one “special class?” For me, it seems to happen every 5 years – something must have been in the water at the moment of conception because … Read more
Is it a waste to spend the first month of school practicing classroom routines? I say it’s a waste not to, as you may end up spending more time putting out fires than teaching without practicing essential skills necessary for your “classroom health.” Routines help with time management in the classroom. They also help children … Read more
Are your students not behaving? Do you have a classroom management plan? This isn’t discipline – it’s teaching kids how to behave in a structured environment. You must always start your plan before the first day of school. This is an essential component discussed by Harry Wong, author of The First Days of School. Even … Read more
Running a primary classroom though is a whole different ball game than in the upper grades. The routines that are established from the first day of school are critical for teachers who are working with the rowdy energy of young children. I quickly learned when I moved to second grade that a routine was needed … Read more
Classroom management is not the same as discipline. Once you know the tricks of the trade, your classroom will become an oasis of learning. Routines give both teachers and students the ability to see clearly what is expected and know how to follow through. Brain research shows that we look for patterns in everything we … Read more