Classroom Management

12 Sunshine Classroom Theme Ideas To Brighten Your Day

1. Sunny Welcome Board

Create a cheerful welcome board outside your classroom featuring a bright sun and rays with each student’s name on a separate ray. This will greet students and visitors with a warm, sunny vibe.

2. Sunshine Corners

Designate small cozy corners in your classroom, filled with comfortable seating, colorful pillows, and soft lighting. These calming spaces will provide students with the perfect spot to unwind, read, or participate in quiet activities.

3. Solar System Display

Incorporate a sunshine theme into your science lessons by showcasing a solar system display. Add sun-themed decorations like sun-inspired art or fun facts about the sun to make learning more engaging.

4. Sunny Art Projects

Encourage students to create sun-inspired artwork that can be displayed around the classroom. This can include drawings of sunny landscapes, paintings of bright skies, or mixed media collages incorporating sun-related elements.

5. Bulletin Boards of Sunshine

Make your bulletin boards radiate cheerfulness by using yellow borders and accents, incorporating imagery of suns and sunshine throughout the board.

6. Morning Sunshine Routine

Begin each day with a “Morning Sunshine” routine that includes stretches, deep breathing exercises, and a positive affirmation to start the day on the right foot.

7. Sunflower Gardens

Bring some sunshine indoors by creating mini sunflower gardens within the classroom. Plant sunflower seeds in small pots and allow students to care for their flowers as they grow.

8. Sunshine Book Nook

Designate an area in your classroom as a sunshine book nook filled with books related to weather, sunshine, and nature to further enhance your theme.

9. Sunny Group Activities

Organize group activities and collaborative projects that revolve around solar energy or solar-powered toys to promote teamwork and environmental awareness among students.

10. Sunshine Award Certificates

Recognize students for their accomplishments and good behavior by presenting them with sunshine award certificates. You can customize the awards with sun images and messages to celebrate their achievements.

11. Sun-Themed Classroom Decor

Infuse your classroom with sunshine-inspired decorations like curtains, rugs, wall decals, and display materials. Opt for a color palette featuring bright yellows, oranges, and blues to represent the sky on a sunny day.

12. Sunshine Send-Off

At the end of the day, have a “Sunshine Send-Off” by gathering students to share one positive thing they learned or achieved during the day. This will ensure that they leave the classroom feeling accomplished and inspired.

By incorporating these 12 sunshine-themed ideas into your classroom, you’ll create an uplifting and motivating environment that encourages positivity, creativity, and learning for all students.

5 Reasons Your High School Needs a Classroom Pet –

As the world becomes more science and technology-driven, it’s essential to find innovative ways to engage students and promote social and emotional development. One such approach is the introduction of a classroom pet in high schools. Here are five reasons why your high school needs a classroom pet:

1. Enhances Social Skills and Communication

A classroom pet provides students with an opportunity to develop their social skills and communication abilities. Students can work together to care for the pet, discussing its needs, planning schedules for feeding and cleaning, and ensuring the overall wellbeing of their new furry friend. By collaborating on these responsibilities, students learn how to communicate effectively with each other and form deep connections.

2. Fosters a Sense of Responsibility

Taking care of a pet requires dedication and accountability from everyone involved. Having a classroom pet helps teach students the importance of responsibility as they undertake various tasks to ensure the health and happiness of their animal companion. These invaluable life lessons will stay with them as they navigate their future personal and professional lives.

3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

The presence of a classroom pet creates a calming atmosphere that can significantly help reduce stress levels among both students and teachers. Research has shown that interaction with animals can lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety, and even boost mood-enhancing hormones like serotonin. A less stressed environment leads to happier students who are more open to learning.

4. Encourages Empathy and Compassion

A classroom pet not only provides companionship but also helps instill empathy in young adults by allowing them to understand another living being’s feelings beyond their own experiences. Students learn to be considerate of the animal’s emotional state and physical needs, thereby developing compassion for others in their daily interactions.

5. Supports Curriculum-Based Learning

Having a classroom pet can also add value to school curriculum by providing practical learning opportunities within various subjects like biology, animal science, ecology, and even creative writing. Students can closely observe animal behaviors, study life cycles, or write stories related to their class pet. These real-life experiences help engage students in topics they might otherwise find dull or abstract.

In conclusion, introducing a classroom pet in high schools can have various positive impacts on the educational experience. From aiding social skills development to teaching responsibility and reducing stress, having an animal companion enhances both the academic and emotional environment of the classroom.

25 Gorgeous Farmhouse Classroom Decorating Ideas

Introduction:

Designing a farmhouse-themed classroom can be a fun and engaging way to create an inviting learning environment. These 25 gorgeous farmhouse classroom decorating ideas will inspire you to transform your space into a comfortable, welcoming hub where students feel at home.

1. Rustic wood accents: Use reclaimed wood for your desks, bookshelves, and other furniture to create a distinctive farmhouse vibe.

2. Burlap bulletin boards: Frame bulletin boards with burlap and use it as a background for displaying student work.

3. Mason jar storage: Utilize mason jars for storing supplies like pencils, markers, and scissors – add a chalkboard label for easy identification.

4. Vintage metal signs: Hang vintage-inspired metal signs with encouraging messages for added rustic charm.

5. Shabby chic seating: Mix and match distressed chairs or stools for a cozy, lived-in look.

6. Chalkboards with galvanized frames: Replace traditional whiteboards with chalkboards framed in rustic galvanized metal.

7. Weathered wooden crates: Use wooden crates as storage or as risers for displays; their worn appearance adds extra appeal.

8. Galvanized tiered tray: Organize supplies on a beautiful, farmhouse-style tiered tray made of galvanized metal.

9. Grain sack pillows: Add small grain sack pillows to your reading nook or on benches around the room for comfort and style.

10. Windmill wall decor: Include windmill wall art to bring rural farmhouse charm into your classroom.

11. Barn door sliders: Install sliding barn doors over storage areas or closet spaces to enhance the theme while saving floor space.

12. Gingham curtains: Use gingham-patterned curtains on windows or as dividers between different learning stations in the room.

13. Milk can vase: Add fresh flowers in an old milk can to provide a cheerful focal point.

14. Vintage-style clock: Choose a large, distressed wall clock with a farmhouse aesthetic to stay on time.

15. Cotton wreaths: Hang cotton wreaths on doors or walls to add a touch of farmhouse elegance.

16. Fabric garlands: Create fabric garlands in coordinating patterns to drape across windows or bookshelves.

17. Chicken wire displays: Use chicken wire frames for displaying artwork, photos, or class schedules.

18. Rustic chalkboard labels: Label storage containers, shelves, and cubbies with hand-written chalkboard labels for an authentic touch.

19. Wooden ladder bookshelf: Re-purpose a wooden ladder as a unique and eye-catching bookshelf.

20. Farm animal prints: Display farm animal prints or paintings around the room for an extra touch of country charm.

21. Quilt displays: Feature handmade quilts on walls or draped over furniture to create a warm, homey atmosphere.

22. Plaid accents: Incorporate plaid patterns on rugs, pillows, or even chair cushions for added visual texture.

23. Shiplap walls: Install shiplap on one or more walls as a rustic yet timeless backdrop.

24. Galvanized metal letters: Spell out words like “READ,” “LEARN,” and “GROW” with galvanized metal letters mounted on the wall.

25. Tan and white color scheme: Opt for a predominantly tan and white color palette to create an airy yet cozy feel in your farmhouse-inspired classroom.

Conclusion:

These 25 gorgeous farmhouse classroom decorating ideas are just the beginning! With so many charming elements to choose from, you can easily curate a comforting, inspiring space that helps students feel at ease while learning new things every day. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touches – after all, it’s your home away from home!

25 Must-Try Washi Tape Ideas for Teachers

Washi tape, a versatile and colorful decorative tape, has taken the world of crafts by storm. Teachers have quickly discovered the countless creative ways to use washi tape in the classroom. Here are 25 must-try washi tape ideas for teachers to enhance their learning environment and spark students’ creativity.

1. DIY Bulletin Board Borders: Upgrade your bulletin board by creating custom borders using various patterns and colors of washi tape.

2. Classroom Calendar: Create an eye-catching calendar with washi tape gridlines and label the days of the week, month, and holidays.

3. Inspirational Quotes: Decorate your walls with uplifting quotes using washi tape as writing or to outline the text.

4. Student Nameplates: Design nameplates by combining multiple layers of washi tape with student names written on top.

5. Subject Dividers: Organize binders or clipboards with color-coded washi tape dividers, labeled according to subject.

6. Reading Corner Labels: Use washi tape as labels for bins or shelves in your reading corner, denoting genres or reading levels.

7. Door Decorations: Brighten up your classroom door with bold washi tape designs or welcoming messages.

8. Desk Schedule: Apply a thin layer of washi tape on desks to create daily schedules, allowing students to visualize their day and expectations.

9. Hall Passes: Revamp dull hall passes with playful washi tape patterns and colors.

10. Bookmarks: Craft easy-to-make bookmarks by folding over a piece of washi tape on itself with a paperclip inside.

11. Color-Code Supply Bins: Use various colors of washi tape to designate supply bins for different materials.

12. Laptop Labels: Assign students laptops by labeling them with unique washi tape designs that match their assigned numbers.

13. Math Manipulatives Labels: Organize and label math manipulatives with color-coded washi tape.

14. Science Experiment Steps: Lay out the steps for science experiments using washi tape labels for a visual guide.

15. Attendance Tracking: Create a customizable attendance tracking system with washi tape name tags and grid lines.

16. Pencil Holder Decoration: Add flair to dull pencil holders by wrapping them with colorful washi tape.

17. Whiteboard Gridlines: Craft gridlines on whiteboards for graphing exercises or guided writing practice.

18. Group Seating Arrangement Signs: Designate group seating areas using washi tape as colorful signs or arrows on the floor.

19. Growth Mindset Posters: Craft motivational posters that foster a growth mindset, using washi tape as frames or added decoration.

20. Priority Lists: Utilize different colors of washi tape to create priority lists for homework assignments or projects based on due dates.

21. Center Rotation Chart: Develop a center rotation chart with colorful and eye-catching washi tape pieces to keep students organized during independent work time.

22. Classroom Job Assignments: Assign classroom jobs to students using washi tape labels, changing them weekly or monthly as needed.

23. SmartBoard Frame: Jazz up your SmartBoard by framing it with a vibrant washi tape border.

24. Light Switch Reminder: Apply glow-in-the-dark washi tape around the light switch as a reminder for students to turn the lights off when leaving the classroom, conserving energy.

25. Alphabet Wall Art: Customize your language arts area by creating alphabet wall art with various patterns of washi tape intertwined, inspiring creativity in your young learners.

These 25 ideas showcase the endless possibilities of incorporating washi tape into your classroom environment and teaching practices, adding vibrancy and practicality to any educational space.

10 Classroom Management Examples

As a teacher, classroom management is one of the essential skills you need to master to have a successful academic year. Classroom management involves creating and maintaining a conducive environment for learning and ensuring that students are engaged and challenged. Here are ten classroom management examples you can implement in your classroom.

1. Establish Classroom Rules: Setting clear classroom rules at the beginning of the academic year will create structure and stability in your classroom. Ensure that the rules are easy to understand and consistently applied.

2. Post Class Routine: Posting a class routine will help students to know what to expect and keep them engaged and on course. The routine should outline the objectives of the day’s lessons, activities, and breaks.

3. Use Positive Reinforcements: Positive reinforcements such as praise and recognition can be powerful tools for encouraging good behavior. Celebrate and reward students who follow rules and exceed expectations.

4. Model Positive Behavior: As a teacher, you should model positive behaviors and lead by example. Make sure you are punctual, respectful, well-prepared, and organized.

5. Set Expectations: Establishing clear expectations for your students will ensure that they understand the standards of behavior and academic performance expected of them.

6. Manage Class Transitions: Smooth transitions between lesson periods, activities, and breaks will help students to stay on track and focused on their daily objectives. Provide clear and concise instructions and appropriate signaling.

7. Maintain Active Engagement: Keeping students engaged and active in learning is a crucial factor in classroom management. Incorporating active learning strategies, such as cooperative learning, can maximize student participation and learning.

8. Evaluate Student Progress: Periodically assessing students’ progress through surveys or informal class discussions can measure the effectiveness of your teaching approaches and identify areas for improvement.

9. Encourage Parental Involvement: Parental involvement can help reinforce expectations and create a successful learning journey for the student. Inviting parents to school events and soliciting their input can promote mutual accountability and help create a supportive classroom community.

10. Address Behavior Problems: Quickly addressing behavior problems, whether minor or major, can prevent disruptions that could hamper the learning process and create an adverse classroom environment.

In conclusion, effective classroom management is the foundation for creating a successful academic year. Implementing the above classroom management examples can help foster a supportive and conducive learning environment that promotes student engagement and learning. 

How to Fix Classroom Misbehavior

Classroom misbehavior can be frustrating for both teachers and students. When a few students act out, it can disrupt the entire learning environment and hinder academic progress. However, instead of getting angry or ignoring the problem, there are steps teachers can take to fix classroom misbehavior.

1. Identify the Cause: Teachers should investigate the cause of misbehavior, which can be a result of several factors. Students may be bored or frustrated with lessons that are too easy or challenging. They may be struggling with personal issues or lacking attention and respect. Once the cause is identified, teachers can address it and find effective solutions.

2. Set Clear Expectations and Rules: Teachers should establish clear expectations and rules for classroom behavior. Students should be aware of the consequences of misbehavior and understand what is expected of them. Teachers can post the rules in the classroom and review them at the beginning of each class.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement: Teachers should use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Praising students when they behave well, acknowledging their effort and achievements, and rewarding them with incentives can motivate students to maintain good behavior.

4. Address Misbehavior Promptly: Teachers should address misbehavior promptly when it occurs. Ignoring misbehavior or letting it slide can send the wrong message to students. Teachers should address disruptive behavior calmly, set clear expectations, and apply the appropriate consequences.

5. Involve Parents and Guardians: Teachers should involve parents and guardians in addressing misbehavior. When parents are aware of their child’s behavior, they can work with the teacher to address it. Teachers can communicate with parents about misbehavior and present ideas for solutions that can be applied both at home and in the classroom.

6. Individualize Instruction: Teachers should individualize instruction to meet the needs of all students. This can help prevent misbehavior caused by boredom or frustration. Teachers can use different instructional methods, materials, and assignments to keep students engaged and motivated.

In conclusion, fixing classroom misbehavior is possible when teachers take proactive steps. By identifying the cause, setting clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, addressing misbehavior promptly, involving parents and guardians, and individualizing instruction, teachers can create a positive and productive learning environment that promotes good behavior and academic success.     

How Your Tone of Voice Shapes “The Tone” in Your Classroom

As a teacher, have you ever noticed that the tone of your voice could affect the classroom dynamic? The way we speak can have a significant impact on how students respond to us and their overall behavior in class. The tone of voice we use can either encourage or discourage participation, promote healthy discussions or shut them down, and create a positive or negative environment in the classroom.

When we speak to our students, we must be mindful of how we convey our messages. The tone of our voice can signal to students whether we are approachable, friendly, confident, or authoritative. When we use a positive tone of voice, we set the tone for a positive classroom environment. Students are more likely to engage in discussions and ask questions when they feel comfortable with their teacher.

On the other hand, whenever we use a negative tone of voice, we can create an environment of fear or discomfort in the classroom. A negative tone of voice can cause students to become less engaged or disinterested in the discussions. Students may even become afraid to ask questions or participate in class, which can hurt their learning experience.

One way to use your tone of voice to create a positive classroom environment is by expressing enthusiasm when teaching new concepts. The tone of your voice can show your students how passionate you are about the topic, which can help them become more excited and engaged in the learning process. You should also use a calm and inviting tone when explaining challenging concepts or answering questions. This type of tone reassures students that they can come to you for help, making them feel more comfortable in the classroom.

Another way to use your tone of voice to create a positive classroom environment is by using positive affirmations to encourage participation. For example, “Great job! Thank you for sharing your thoughts,” or “I appreciate your participation in our class discussion.” Using positive affirmations when students participate can boost their self-esteem and increase the likelihood of continued participation in the future.

In conclusion, your tone of voice plays an essential role in creating a positive or negative classroom environment. As you speak to your students, be mindful of how you convey your messages to them. Use an inviting and positive tone, project confidence, and show enthusiasm for the topic you are teaching. By doing this, you can create a welcoming and positive classroom environment that fosters active engagement and learning.    

24 Advanced Classroom Management Tricks to Try When Your Students Won’t Follow Directions

Are you looking for advanced classroom management tricks to try when your students won’t follow directions? If so, keep reading.

1. Place the learner near the source of information to keep attention (e.g., in the front row or near the speaker in a cooperative learning experience).

2. Make the learner wait until other students begin the task.

3. Get the learner to practice a new skill (e.g., jumping rope, dribbling a basketball) alone, with a peer, or with the teacher before the entire group attempts the learning experience.

4. Organize their surroundings to give the learner increased chances for help or assistance (e.g., peer tutoring, instructions for work sent home, frequent interactions, etc.).

5. Provide visibility to and from the learner to keep their attention when oral questions/instructions are being delivered. The teacher and the learner should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.

6. Jot down oral instructions. Train the learner to cross each step off as it is finished.

7. Get the learner to explain to the teacher what is to be done to finish the task.

8. Get the learner to demonstrate attention to the source of information by keeping eye contact, keeping hands free from other learning materials, and practicing attending posture.

9. Make the learner wait until the teacher gives a signal to begin (e.g., hand signal, ringing of bell, etc.).

10. Notify individuals who will be spending time with the learner (e.g., substitute teachers, coaches, learning experience sponsors, etc.) about their tendency to begin things before receiving instructions.

11. Provide a signal (e.g., clapping hands, turning lights off and on, etc.) before giving oral instructions.

12. Make appropriate adjustments in their surroundings (e.g., give out learning materials after delivering instructions) to prevent the learner from becoming overly excited or anxious.

13. Make sure the learner achieves success when following instructions.

14. Get the learner to read instructions aloud to ensure instructions are read prior to beginning a task.

15. Provide instructions in an assortment of ways to enable the learner’s comprehension (i.e., if the learner fails to understand oral instructions, present them in written form).

16. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too complicated and (b) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

17. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the learner will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., before starting a task.

21. Consider using a classroom management app to help the student learn to follow directions and instructions. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

22. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app to help the student learn to follow directions and instructions. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

23. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to follow directions and instructions. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

24. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

20 Ways to Encourage Students to Exhibit Good Behavior During Group Games

Are you looking for ways to encourage students to exhibit good behavior during group games? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure that the learner knows that interacting with peers in group games is contingent upon appropriate behavior.

2. Get the learner to practice appropriate interactions with the teacher(s) in group games.

3. Teach the learner appropriate ways to interact with peers in group games (e.g., suggest learning activities, share learning materials, problem-solve, take turns, follow game rules, etc.).

4. Observe group games closely, so peers with whom the learner interacts do not encourage unacceptable behavior.

5. Make sure that group games are not so stimulating as to make successful interactions with peers complicated.

6. Designate older peers with desirable social skills to interact with the learner in group games.

7. Include the learner in extracurricular learning activities to urge interaction with peers in group games.

8. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Failure may encourage unacceptable behavior in group games.

9. Teach the learner problem-solving skills so they may better deal with problems that may happen in interactions with peers in group games (e.g., talking, walking away, calling upon an arbitrator, compromising, etc.).

10. Find the peer with whom the learner is most likely to be able to interact in group games successfully (e.g., a learner with similar interests, background, classes, behavior patterns, nonacademic schedule, etc.).

11. Organize the group games according to the needs/abilities of the learner (e.g., create rules, limit the stimulation of the learning activities, limit the length of the game, consider the time of day, etc.).

12. Restrict chances for interaction in group games on those occasions when the learner is not likely to be successful (e.g., if the learner has experienced academic or social failure prior to the scheduled group game).

13. Choose group games designed to enable an appropriate interaction between the learner and peers.

14. Via observation and interviews with other students, determine the learner’s characteristics that interfere with successful interactions during group games to ascertain skills or behaviors that the learner needs to create for successful interactions.

15. Make sure beforehand that the learner can successfully take part in the group game (e.g., the learner knows the rules, the learner is familiar with the game, the learner will be compatible with the other students playing the game, etc.).

16. Make sure the learner knows that failing to interact properly with peers during group games may result in termination of the game and/or loss of future chances to part in group games.

17. Get the learner to interact with peers for short periods to enable success. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time the learner interacts.

18. Get the learner to study, practice, simulate, etc., the rules for group games before participating.

19. Create a set of standard behavior rules for group games (e.g., follow rules of the game, take turns, make positive remarks, work as a team member, be an excellent sport, etc.).

20. Take the learner away from group games if they are unable to demonstrate appropriate behavior.

21 Ways to Teach Students to Take Care of Other People’s Property

Are you looking for ways to teach students to take care of other people’s property? If so, keep reading.

1. Embody organization and appropriate use of work learning materials (e.g., putting learning materials away before getting out other learning materials, having a space for all learning materials, keeping an organized desk area, following the daily schedule, etc.).

2. Give sufficient time for the conclusion of learning activities. Inadequate time for the conclusion of learning activities may result in the learner’s misuse of others’ property.

3. Create a routine (schedule) to be followed for organization and appropriate use of learning materials.

4. Make the learner organize their work area at regular intervals.

5. Let logical consequences happen because of the learner’s failure to properly care for and handle others’ property (e.g., property not maintained properly may be lost or not usable).

6. Teach the learner that failure to care for others’ property will result in the loss of freedom to use others’ property.

7. Support the learner in beginning each task to lessen impulsive behavior.

8. Give the learner sufficient workspace (e.g., a large desk or table at which to work).

9. Provide the learner a checklist of learning materials appropriate for each learning experience.

10. Limit the amount of learning materials needed.

11. Give the learner an organizer to use inside the learner’s desk for learning materials.

12. Give the learner a checklist (e.g., routine/schedule of learning activities and learning materials needed).

13. Teach the learner appropriate care and handling of others’ property (e.g., sharpening pencils, keeping books free of marks and tears, etc.).

14. Make sure that all personal property is tagged with the students’ names.

15. Teach the learner that borrowing personal property from others does not lessen their responsibility for the property.

16. Teach the learner how to conserve rather than waste learning materials (e.g., amount of glue, paper, tape, etc., to use; putting lids, caps, and tops on such learning materials as markers, pens, bottles, jars, cans, etc.).

17. Teach the learner appropriate ways to deal with anger and frustration rather than destroying property belonging to others (e.g., pencils, pens, workbooks, notebooks, textbooks, etc.).

18. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

21. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.