classroom-management

I usually myself spending long hours before the weekends in my 3rd grade classroom, prepping materials for the week ahead. My husband finally said, "I feel like you have a second full-time job that you don't get paid for..." and that was my wake-up call. I spent winter break creating 12 weekly rotation bins with all materials needed for centers and small groups. Each Sunday, I simply grab the next bin and do minimal prep. I also trained my 3rd graders to be much more independent with materials - they now handle most distribution and clean-up themselves. Maybe this will help more of us who need a better work life balance 😃

Something snapped after winter break. My previously well-behaved 4th graders have turned into chaotic monsters 🤷🏻‍♀️ I had a student literally climb the bookshelf yesterday while I was helping another child. My "call and response" attention signal that worked beautifully all fall now gets ignored completely. I've tried losing recess minutes, positive reinforcement, private conversations... etc. and nothing's working. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I cried in my car during lunch yesterday. My mentor teacher retired mid-year, and our new principal keeps doing "pop-ins" during our worst moments. I know there's no magic fix, but has anyone clawed their way back from a classroom that completely derailed? I'm starting to dread going to work, and it's only March.

Hi everyone, I could use some advice on classroom management, especially when dealing with younger students. I teach 2nd grade and struggle to keep my students focused throughout the day. Does anyone have tips or specific techniques they use to make sure the classroom runs smoothly?

I keep my classroom rules visual and simple. I use a 5-rule poster with pictures, and we review it daily. It’s amazing how much this helps set expectations! I also rely on a quiet signal to get my students’ attention without raising my voice.. I used to lose my voice so much. Now I just say something like "Macaroni" (and they freeze and reply, “and cheese!”). It works like magic lol. To keep motivation high, I use sticker charts for behavior and effort. Another game-changer has been my “Take a Break” chair—not as a punishment, but as a space for kids to cool down when they need a moment. all of these have made a big impact in my classroom!

Hey guys, wanted to share my biggest aha moment this year. I'm a 3rd-grade teacher, and I know how important it is to set the tone early in the school year.... One thing that has worked for me is creating a predictable classroom routine. Last year I realized that when my students know exactly what to expect, they feel more secure and less anxious, and this year a made it a point that they always know what to expect. We start every morning with a class meeting, and I make sure to acknowledge their efforts (every morning) and set clear expectations for behavior. It’s not perfect, but it’s made a huge difference in the overall vibe of my classroom. Wanted to share in case you all might want to give it a try too 😊

How do you handle students who constantly distract others during independent work time? Any ways that help you keep the other students focused?

I had a colleague ask me the other day what to do when students (5th grade) talk over her... I told her that I very rarely raise my voice, but that I do single out students who are being rude. If this doesn't work, I take away privileges (usually minutes off recess). She was a bit surprised, thinking that taking away recess might make students resentful. Am I wrong?

Hi guys, my 2nd grade math class is extremely challenging (to say the least).. I've got kids who can barely count to 10 sitting next to kids who are basically doing multiplication. How do other teachers handle this? I've tried centers and independent work, but it feels like I'm constantly running between groups and nobody's really getting what they need. Looking for REAL strategies that don't require me to be in 5 places at once 🙏

Please mention what grade levels you teach since different grades might need different approaches.