Decision Dice
The Dice Decision Making tool gives students an opportunity to make decisions in a short amount of time. It eliminates the conflict of group decision making if an answer or idea is unable to be agreed upon.
Student Directed
Inappropriate/Appropriate Behavior
When misbehaving occurs, explaining to a student the difference between inappropriate and appropriate behavior will help a student rethink their actions. Offering different solutions to the issue will offer an alternative look on how the student could have behaved differently. By using this tool, student can then change how they behave in future situations.
Fidget Spinners and Stress Balls- Used Correctly
Fidgets and stress balls are tools that help children be able to move or do something without being distracting. They aren’t a big object that will take up space. These items may even help children learn better.
Modeling Positivity
As a teacher, we are role models inside and outside the classroom. By modeling positivity, students will feel more motivated and have a more enjoyable experience during school.
Practicing Routines
Practicing routines can be used to help the students learn their routines and how to best complete a task. The routines should be introduced in the beginning of the school year and used almost daily. By doing so, the students have time to learn and rehearse the routines, making them more effective.
Color Dot Grouping
Placing different colored dot stickers on blank notecards can be used as a grouping strategy. The students each receive one notecard with a specific colored dot and they must find their peer(s) with the same colored dot on their notecard. When students form groups, it prevents students from being left out and all students end up with a partner or in groups easily.
Tables instead of desks
Seating students in tables rather than desks lined in rows allows for collaboration to take place among the students. This tool can be helpful for student understanding, as a formative assessment tool, and a way to teach our students pro-social skills.
Mailboxes
Mailboxes serve a very important role in the classroom setting when implemented correctly. Each student needs to have their own mailbox along with the teacher. The mailboxes can be personalized to have their name or can be listed off in numbers (which can be used as a grouping strategy). It also needs to be listed in the rules and procedures so students know how to use them.
Cluster Seating
Cluster seating is when students are seated in groups of 2-5 and facing each other. It is helpful because it allows students to interact with one another and easily work together.
Available & Awesome
This classroom management tool relieves the pressure off of students when getting into groups of two during paired activities. It also eliminates that awkward feeling a student can experience when not being able to find a partner.
