Quiet Critters
Quiet Critters is a cute way to help manage volume during work time. It is a little ‘critter’ that is made at the beginning of the year by the students that only like to come out when it is quiet time.
Preventative
Put In Your Two Cents
This tool is used to prevent the same handful of students from responding all the time. Each student gets two pretend pennies and each time they respond they must put a penny in the jar. They may not give a response until everyone else has put in their two cents. This management tool is great for all grade bands because all classrooms can benefit from giving students equal chances to participate.
Classroom Mailbox
I took a previous tool and changed it to fit my classroom better. The students write in their letter in a certain color, let’s say blue if they want a teacher check-in, advice, or help and another color let’s say orange if they just need to get something off their chest (example, tattling or having a bad day)
Morning Class Greeting
This tool is something to incorporate into a morning meeting with the class. Each student takes a turn being greeted by their peers at the beginning of the meeting. I think this is a great tool to use with young students in order to build a strong and positive classroom community.
Use a timer
A timer can be useful during classroom, preparing for recess, or getting ready for a transition.
Roses and Thorns
It helps students understand empathy and to be kind to others because we don’t always know what others may be going through.
Google It Box
The Google It Box is a box that is set up to allow for students to ask questions and get them answered later when there is time to address them. This box is helpful because if there is a time when students are getting off-topic we can put it in the Google It Box so we can come back to it later and students trust they will have their question addressed.
Mindset Journal
This tool will help students work on growth mindset and eventually be more confident in their work.
Classroom Flexible Seating
The classroom environment is very important when taking into account how students are learning and what you are wanting when planning the lay out and materials in your room. Students can feel more attentive when learning and have a sense of enjoyment in being able to feel engaged and excited to be in the class community.
Popsicle Stick Count
This tool is helpful for not only the students but for the teacher as well. Each student will have their name on a popsicle stick at the front of the classroom, beside two mason jars labeled hot and cold.
