Student Contributor: B. Musser Silent signals are a few predetermined hand signals/sign language symbols that students are able to use to ask permission from the teacher for simple tasks such as going to the bathroom or getting a drink. This procedure helps to prevent distraction in the classroom and allows for daily tasks to be carried out more smoothly.This is a procedure that is used in place of having raised hands and prevents questions from being … [Read more...] about Silent Signals
6th-8th
Cross the River
Student Contributor: L. Witmer Cross the River can be used to help students build community and respect for one another. Because students are asked to collaborate and work together to formulate a solution to the problem presented to them with limited resources, this activity will help students establish relationships with each other and move towards being able to work as a team.Cross the River is a team building activity in which students are introduced to … [Read more...] about Cross the River
Natural Consequences
Student Contributor: B. Brattin Natural consequences are the outcomes or the consequence that happens as a result of the behavior. They are not preplanned consequences the teacher has in place if something happens. This tool is helpful because the consequence will naturally happen and be connected with the actual misbehavior, therefore it will make sense to the child.The natural consequence tool should be used naturally after a behavior or problem happens. … [Read more...] about Natural Consequences
Responsive Classroom Big 3
Student Contributor: M. Smith There are 3 goals of creating rules in the Responsive Classroom approach to discipline. They are 1) establish guidelines and expectations for positive behavior, 2) create a sense of order and safety- both physical and psychological in the classroom, and 3) teach children the purpose of rules by connecting the rules to learning goals.This approach to the Preventative Phase of classroom management will only be effective in a … [Read more...] about Responsive Classroom Big 3
12-Sided Fidget Cube
Student Contributor: M. Ohland The 12-Sided Fidget Cube is a perfect tool for students who have trouble focusing or are dealing with anxiety. There are 12 different sides with different fidgets that the students can use.This tool has 12 different sides. They usually consist of a gear, a rotating disk, a button, a silicone ball, a switch, a joystick, a silicone rope, a soft button, a soft silicone, a worry stone, a sliding block, and a something to pinch. … [Read more...] about 12-Sided Fidget Cube
Chimes for Transitions
Student Contributor: G. Nollmeyer Chimes can be used as a musical signal for classroom transitions. Because each bar plays a tone, the sound is soothing to student brains. At the same time, the pitches easily cut through classroom noise—facilitating quick, orderly transitions.You can purchase chimes with a single bar all the way up to ones with five bars. They make very effective transition or attention-getting tools. Bells and other sound-based tools that … [Read more...] about Chimes for Transitions