Student Contributor: A. Turner Classroom cheers is a great supportive phase tool to promote a positive classroom culture. Each day, a new “cheer of the day” is selected for students to participate in when a classmate is spotted doing something great in the classroom.For this tool, you will need to come up with a number of classroom cheers to have on hand so that you can rotate through them. I found this tool on a blog post that linked a TPT post where you … [Read more...] about Classroom Cheers
Supportive
Brag Tags
Student Contributor: B.Bazaldua This tool is helpful because it helps promote and celebrate positive behavior in the classroom. Each tag stands for a different behavior (e.g.AR super star, peacemaker, writing wizard, good listener). When a student displays a certain behavior consistently, the teacher will award them the specific brag tag to string onto a simple metal necklace that is hung and displayed on the wall in the classroom.This tool gives students … [Read more...] about Brag Tags
Light Up Ready Buttons
Student Contributor: S. Kendrick This tool is a light up button that when pressed you can turn it on and off. This could be used in a group setting where each group gets a button that they will have to press to turn on when they are finished with their task or assignment. This could also be used in an individual setting where the students would press the button to light it up when to indicate that they are finished with their work.The tool should be used … [Read more...] about Light Up Ready Buttons
Weekly Classroom Jobs
Student Contributor: C. Glanville Pick a variety of classroom jobs, where students can contribute to your classroom and be responsible for something. For example, Teachers Assistant, Paper Collector, Line Leader, Caboose, Lights, etc. These class jobs rotate weekly so that everyone gets a chance to do them.This tool is supportive because it gives students the opportunity to have responsibilities. Students also help regulate each other and hold each other … [Read more...] about Weekly Classroom Jobs
Roller Coaster Timer
Student Contributor: S. Young The Roller Coaster timer is a quick brain break between learning for students to go to the bathroom, get a snack, or talk with a friend. The time may be adjusted based on the day, (5-10 min) but the students may spend the time however they need.The Roller Coaster timer can be used as a brain break or to transition between activities. I saw this activity used about halfway through the start of school and lunch, but it may be … [Read more...] about Roller Coaster Timer
Morning Meeting
Student Contributor: Lara Creighton This is a tool where you meet with each of your students every morning to check in with them on how their attitude is for the day. this could be a simple as a high five or even a talk with your class as a whole to see what they are feeling.This tool should be used every morning of class. It is such a simple tool that you should be able to use this tool every morning.This is a very simple yet impactful tool. This tool … [Read more...] about Morning Meeting
My Favorite Mistake
Student Contributor: H. Rayburn My Favorite Mistakes help encourage the mindset that it is more than okay to make mistakes. This tool, best used in community circle, will help students see that we grow and learn from our mistakes.In community circle each week, ask students a mistake they may have made this week and how they can learn from it. Keep in mind that anyone always has the right to pass, but I highly suggest that the teacher never passes and … [Read more...] about My Favorite Mistake
Fidget Tools
Student Contributor: A. Goo A wide range of students may struggle with anxiety and or adhd among other things within the classroom. Fidget tools when appropriately used are helpful for many students to relieve stress and aid focus in the classroom.When planning the use of fidget tools it is important to be aware of which tools will be helpful and not a distraction in the classroom. After choosing a variety of fidget tools it is crucial to introduce along … [Read more...] about Fidget Tools
Clock Partners
Student Contributor: H. Ellis Clock partners can be used for a multitude of purposes. At the beginning of the year, the students will pick 12 of their classmates and assign each of them a number on their respective clock. Each partner should have each other’s names written on the same number on their clock.Once the clock partners have been assigned, they can be used for any activity throughout the year that requires partnerships. If there is an odd number … [Read more...] about Clock Partners
Calm Down Kit
Student Contributor: O. Rudolph A calm down kit is a tool used to support students when they are in need of a break from having a difficult day.This tool is made up of many different helpful things that children can use such as fidget tools, paper and pens, stress balls, and different cards with ways that students can practice self-regulation. The cards should include things like breathing techniques, taking a break, doing something that will help get … [Read more...] about Calm Down Kit