Here are 5 back to school tips that help with classroom organization, transitions and classroom community.
Tip #1 Number Your Students
This is back to school tip will save you so much time. I alphabetize my students by first name and then assign numbers. Next I teach my students to put their number on their papers, which makes it easier to organize.
Did you know it’s much easier to organize by number than by alphabetical order? Also this method makes it quick and easy to see whose paper is missing. Often I color code my list for boys/girls or different grades if I’m teaching a blended class.
Tip #2 Manage Paperwork
Need help managing student paperwork? This back to school tip uses 3 containers.
Tub 1 is a black turn in basket for all work. I train students to put all their finished work in the black turn in basket. I set aside one day a week to grade or organize the paperwork.
Tub 2 is a green dishpan labeled “Send home.” All papers that need to go home are put in here. This can include graded papers or any handouts from the office.
Tub 3 is a red crate that I use to organize student papers. There is a numbered file for each student. Once I grade papers from the black basket, they go in the green send home tub and from there the paperwork goes into each student’s individual file to go home. On Fridays, students take their papers from their file and put in their go home folder.
Tip #3 Leader of the Day
Instead of classroom jobs, I chose 1 student a day to be the leader. I rotate through my class list and the leader of the day facilitates our morning meeting, leads the line, helps with passing out papers, and any other tasks. This builds leadership skills and honestly easy to manage.
Tip #4 Pencil Pouches
On the first day, each student gets a pencil pouch for their pencils and other supplies. I’m very clear about expectations so students learn responsibility. Need more information about using pencil pouches? Read this The Pencil Challenge.
Tip #5 Lining Up
This is one of my favorite procedures because it not only helps establish expectations but it improves literacy skills too. As students transition to line up, they recite a poem that is displayed on our door.
I use Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak, but you could use any poem. I set clear expectations from the start-say the poem and by the end of the poem, you should be in line with calm bodies and voices off ready to leave the classroom.
This classroom procedure, also helps students memorize the monthly poem which has its advantages. Memorizing poetry helps students internalize language, builds confidence in using complex syntax and can develop vocabulary.
These 5 tips help establish classroom community with clear expectations!
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Each week I share tips, freebies and resources to help you build a positive classroom community! Can’t wait to help you!
Supporting you always!
Angel ♥️
