Category: Classroom Management
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Developing Grit- A Teamwork Activity using Index Cards
In middle school, I reluctantly tried out for the coed soccer team with a non-sporty friend. Unsurprisingly, soccer wasn’t my thing, and I quit before day one ended. Now a teacher, I inspire GRIT in students through a challenging team-building activity—fitting their bodies through an index card. It fosters determination…
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Why Strong Classroom Culture Matters
The key to a thriving classroom culture lies in building trust and open communication. It’s a complex process, but nurturing a safe environment for students to voice their thoughts and learn from mistakes is paramount. Consistency, accountability, and genuine apologies lay the foundation for a strong classroom community. Let’s foster…
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Returning to the Classroom After Maternity Leave:
Returning to work after maternity leave can be overwhelming, but with careful planning and support, it can be smoother. Prepare your childcare, visit your students, adjust your sleep schedule, and plan your morning routine. Review your classroom, communicate with parents, and establish new routines. Embrace the challenges with an organized…
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Ways to Reset your Classroom after a Spring Break:
Returning to school after a break can be challenging, but implementing a new seating chart, classroom cleaning, icebreaker games, reviewing rules, lunch bunch, and goal-oriented discussions can help ease the transition. These activities foster a fresh start, promote student engagement, and prepare for upcoming tests, setting the stage for a…
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Efficient Classroom Transitions: Techniques Every Teacher Should Know
The classroom transition period can be a time-consuming challenge for teachers. Managing smaller groups during lining up, using incentives, assigning spots in line, and engaging students in educational chatter can improve efficiency. Consistency is key for successful implementation. These strategies aim to redirect behaviors effectively and optimize teaching time. Share…
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Team Lesson Planning
Team planning among teachers can take various forms, each with its perks and challenges. From dividing content to planning together for differentiation and focusing on scholars’ holistic needs, different approaches affect classroom dynamics. While collaborative planning enhances support for students, it also demands time and coordination. Ultimately, choosing the right…
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How to Manage/Modify Task Cards
When starting as a new teacher, using task cards in traditional “Scoot” style was chaotic and challenging for classroom management. A Modified Scoot method, stationary flash and work, cards around the room, centers, and instructor-led small groups are alternative ways to implement task cards effectively in the classroom, allowing for…
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5 Mistakes You’re Making in Your Classroom Library!
As an avid reader, teacher, and mother, Jessi’s ambition for an elaborate classroom library faced challenges. Her tips for success include managing book options, ensuring book quality, simplifying the organizational system, creating adult checkpoints, and fostering a love of books. With intentionality and enthusiasm, a successful classroom library can be…
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Efficient Classroom Paper Organization: A Teacher’s Guide
The post discusses how having a consistent location for items can significantly diminish chaos at home and in classrooms. It provides a detailed plan for managing paperwork in classrooms by breaking it down into five categories: “To Be Used,” “Papers in Limbo,” “To be Graded,” “To be Sent Home,” and…
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Mastering Departmentalization: Tips and Tricks for Organizing Your Classroom Effectively
Departmentalization in upper elementary classrooms enables a deeper understanding of content and effective lesson planning. Transitioning from a self-contained to a departmentalized classroom requires organization. Effective strategies include color-coding classes, assigning each student a number for class materials, having a large bin for student lunches, establishing specific locations for each…
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