Student Contributor: K. Larson When students have a minor disagreement on the playground or in class, instead of getting the teacher involved they are able to play rock-paper-scissors to solve the dilemma. This is good for things like who gets the ball in tetherball, who gets the spot in line, and minor disagreements they might come uponThis tool could be used in classes of all ages with small problems that are caused due to young age and not having the … [Read more...] about Rock-Paper-Scissors
Student Directed & Collaborative
Fork and Spoon
Student Contributor: S. Byrum This tool is a great activity that can be used in the classroom to encourage students to work as a team. For this activity, students will attempt to pass a fork in one direction, and a spoon in the other, keeping the chain going in each direction. This activity helps build positive relationships in the classroom, which benefits their overall learning.For this tool, the teacher will lead the activity, but the rest is done by … [Read more...] about Fork and Spoon
Student of the Day
Student Contributor: S. Byrum Each day, there is a different student of the day. The student of the day is the person the teacher will go to for errands, or any type of special tasks. This prevents any types of disagreements about who is going to do that specific task.Every morning, the teacher will select a student of the day. The student of the day is the person the teacher will go to for errands and attendance. The student of the day gets first choice … [Read more...] about Student of the Day
The Giving Tree
Student Contributor: H. Potter The Giving Tree is a helpful tool to praise your students and let students praise others. This tool helps bring the classroom together and create a positive atmosphere.A laminated Tree is displayed in the back of the classroom where it is accessible and viewable to all students. Next to the tree is a stack of leaves. When a student recognizes another student is being kind or doing a great job on class work; whoever notices … [Read more...] about The Giving Tree
Tell Me Something Good
Student Contributor: M. Shrope This tool is helpful because it is a way to start your mornings off on a good note as well as to check in on your student’s mental mindset as they are beginning their school day. It is also a helpful way to get to know your students and their interests.The way I suggest this tool be used is first thing in the morning once the bell has rung and your kids are in their seats to do a singing echo with your students singing “ tell … [Read more...] about Tell Me Something Good
Classroom Jobs
Student Contributor: R. Burland Having jobs in your classroom help builds a sense of community and responsibility within your classroom. The jobs help students feel included throughout the day and feel needed.The idea of having classroom jobs helps the students and the teacher. Every student is given a job no matter how small. When introducing the jobs, explain the importance of each position. It is also important to explain to students that the jobs will … [Read more...] about Classroom Jobs
Quiet Critters
Student Contributor: K. Cabiad 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.This tool is made at the beginning of the year by all the students. All you need is a jar, pom-poms, and googly eyes. At the beginning of the year when making them, you will discuss how they are making little critters to hang … [Read more...] about Quiet Critters
Fill your Bank
Student Contributor: E Hinshaw-Rasmussen This tool is helpful when you want to praise your students for being kind and staying engaged. This tool helps bring together a classroom community.A laminated piggy bank is displayed accessible to students hung up in the classroom. Next to the laminated piggy bank is coins or tokens. When a student is caught being kind or staying engaged to another student; whoever notices will write what was “caught” on the token … [Read more...] about Fill your Bank
Put In Your Two Cents
Student Contributor: B.Bazaldua 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.For this tool, the teacher … [Read more...] about Put In Your Two Cents
Classroom Mailbox
Student Contributor: A. McDonnell 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)Students will be able to write anything they are feeling or needing to stay on provided paper. Every day after … [Read more...] about Classroom Mailbox