Creative Management Ideas For Your Classroom

It’s a new year, new quarter and for some, you are adjusting back to virtual or hybrid learning from the in-person setting. The winter is a time to refresh and revisit classroom management rules and procedures for any grade level. It’s a time to establish new goals for the classroom and one of those can be classroom management.

I am one of those teachers who likes to keep the kids excited with new classroom management activities and rewards. I switch up the reward system monthly so that my students don’t bored and they always have something new to look forward to. Having a year that has been very different than any other I had to think creatively on how I can motivate and model positive classroom management even when doing virtual learning. One of my very favorite tools have been my Digital Reward activities. My first graders can’t wait to complete the game and earn prizes that don’t cost this teacher a thing and keep my students engaged all day! This month we are doing a Build a Snowman. Students are working on participation and as our class models positive examples of classroom participation I add a part of the snowman. As soon as we get the snowman built we are going to have a virtual show and tell day where they get to each share a favorite thing. The students are loving this so far! You can check out this free resource by clicking here.

If you love this then you can also learn more about the year long bundle which includes one management reward game for each month.

Another suggestion as you start planning for classroom management in 2021 is to stay consistent. I have shared with many teachers what I feel has been my biggest thing I have learned from being in the classroom for 15 years and when it comes to classroom management, it’s the importance of consistency. Don’t be afraid to set firm expectations. Children thrive on structure and in a classroom environment that is loving but also one that has a set of expectations and rules to follow. Set your students up for success. Teach them how to be good humans. Teach and model respect and responsibility. Include growth mindset and the importance of accepting responsibility for choices and moving forward in a positive manner. You want your students to want to be at school and with you and the class. Get them excited but also teach them important life skills. Rewarding isn’t a negative thing in my opinion. You want students to work hard and have something to work toward. Don’t feel bad for having a reward system. Also, don’t feel bad for taking away things form students who are having a hard time with classroom behavior. Part of teaching isn’t just instructional learning but is also social emotional learning. Below you will find some other classroom management tools that I have used in my classroom. You may find one that is just the thing you need for this new year and to make 2021 another great year for your students.