Every teacher knows the feeling: Half the class is still working quietly when one student raises a hand and asks, “I’m done. What should I do now?” While it’s tempting to tell early finishers to “add more detail” or “read quietly,” I found those moments were the perfect opportunity to build critical thinking, logic, and […]
5 Teacher-Tested Early Finisher Activities That Build Critical Thinking Skills Read More »
At the beginning of the school year, there are dozens of classroom procedures and routines you could teach. But which ones actually matter most? You can have the perfect classroom setup, an organized room, and engaging lessons planned, but your year will quickly become chaotic if students don’t know exactly what you expect from them.
9 Essential Classroom Procedures and Routines for the Beginning of the Year Read More »
If you’re looking for classroom setup ideas, you’re probably overwhelmed with all the decisions you need to make. There are supplies to order, empty walls to cover, and furniture to assemble. You spend your days asking yourself questions like: Where should student desks go? What is actually essential to get for the room? How can
Classroom Setup Ideas That Make Classroom Management Easier Read More »
A back-to-school bulletin board is more than just classroom decoration. The way you design your bulletin board can influence your classroom culture, student expectations, and even your classroom management. The truth is, your bulletin boards set the tone for your classroom culture, your classroom theme, and what students can expect a year in your room
How Your Back-to-School Bulletin Board Affects Your Classroom Management Read More »
Getting your first teaching job can be exciting. But if you’re anything like me, the ink is barely dry on your contract when you’re already thinking about classroom setup. It can be overwhelming. Luckily for you, I put together a free checklist to help you get your room set up. It’s everything you need to
How to Set up a Classroom Step By Step: A Classroom Setup Guide for New Teachers Read More »
Do your older students roll their eyes when you ask them to participate in a brain break? Do they groan? Or worse…do they just stare? If so, the problem might not be brain breaks themselves. It might be the type of brain breaks you’re using—or the way they’re being introduced. (And if you’re looking for
Why Your Brain Breaks Aren’t Working With Older Students Read More »
Brain breaks sound great in theory. But in reality? They can quickly turn into noisy transitions, wandering students, and a classroom that suddenly feels impossible to settle back down. You probably know that brain breaks are short classroom activities designed to help students refocus, regulate their energy, and return to learning more successfully. But knowing
How to Use Brain Breaks Without Losing Classroom Control Read More »
Brain breaks are short classroom activities designed to help students refocus, regulate their energy, and return to learning more successfully. And chances are, even if you already understand the importance of brain breaks, you’re still unsure about when to use one. Use a brain break too early, and it might interrupt productive learning. Use one
5 Signs Your Class Needs a Brain Break Read More »
Middle school classrooms need different bathroom procedures than those that work in elementary schools. Middle schoolers are more independent, and transitions happen faster than in younger grades. Students are also more likely to complain if their hand was raised “forever” but the teacher never called on them before the class period ended. In this blog
The Best Bathroom Procedure for Grades 6-8 Read More »
When a student raises their hand, it can be difficult to know whether they have an answer to your question…or if they’re about to ask to go to the bathroom. A clear bathroom hand signal in the classroom helps you immediately know whether a student has a question or needs to leave the room. The
The Best Bathroom Hand Signal for the Classroom (Grades 4-5) Read More »
