Classroom behavior expectations can be especially tricky when it comes to talking. If you feel like you spend your entire day saying, “Stop talking” and “Shhh,” you’re definitely not alone. One of the biggest challenges in elementary school is getting kids to understand when it’s okay to talk and when it’s time to listen. The thing is, I don’t think a quiet classroom is necessarily a good ... read more
5 Effective Classroom Management Strategies for Teachers
If you’re constantly reminding your students to listen, follow directions, or stop talking, you may be wondering what you can do to make classroom management a little easier. After 35 years of teaching, I learned that some of the most effective classroom management strategies for teachers are actually pretty simple. You don’t need a complicated behavior system or a rule for every little thing that ... read more
5 Quick & Easy Morning Meeting Activities For 1st Grade
Did you know that morning meeting activities in first grade can build a stronger classroom community, practice academics, and even make your entire school day run smoother? And you can do it in just 15 minutes a day! After three decades of teaching, I found five things that made morning meeting time one of the most valuable parts of our day. Morning meeting is a great way to make sure every ... read more
Don’t Make These 5 Simple Mistakes at Meet the Teacher Night
Meet the Teacher Night is one of the most important nights of the new school year. It’s the first time most parents will meet you, see their child’s new classroom, and get an idea of what the year is going to be like. And one of the biggest mistakes teachers make is thinking it’s all about having a perfectly decorated classroom. But it’s not. First impressions are important. This is when ... read more
Flexible Seating Classroom Management: Does It Really Improve Behavior?
Flexible seating classroom management has become one of the hottest topics among elementary teachers. If you've been spending any time on Pinterest or Instagram lately, you've probably seen all kinds of beautiful flexible seating classrooms. Maybe you've even wondered if it's something you should try in your own classroom. Does it really improve behavior? Or is it just another trend? After using ... read more
Easy Classroom Organization Ideas For First Grade In 2026
If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably seen classroom after classroom that looks absolutely perfect. Everything matches, every shelf is color coordinated, and every plastic bin has a cute label. After teaching first grade for 35 years, I can tell you that's not what makes a successful classroom. A well-organized classroom isn't about making ... read more
Best First Week Of School Activities For First Grade In 2026
First week of school activities can make all the difference in how the rest of your new school year goes. After teaching first grade for 35 years, I learned that the beginning of the school year isn't the time to jump right into academics. Instead, it's a great opportunity to slow down, help your new students feel comfortable, teach important classroom routines, and begin building a strong ... read more
10 First Day Of School Routines And Procedures In First Grade
Wondering what the first day of school routines and procedures should be in first grade? After 35 years of teaching, I learned that the first day isn't about jumping into reading and math. It's about helping your students feel safe, teaching important routines and procedures, and showing them exactly how your classroom works. If you spend the first day teaching expectations instead of rushing ... read more
First Grade Classroom Routines And Procedures That Actually Stick
If you feel like you spend your entire day repeating directions, stopping interruptions, or reminding kids what they’re supposed to be doing, you might not actually have a student behavior problem. You might have a classroom routines and procedures problem. After 35 years of teaching first grade, one thing I learned is that most classroom management problems don’t happen because kids are trying ... read more
Teaching Students To Work Independently In 1st Grade
Teaching Students To Work Independently In First Grade One of the biggest frustrations teachers have during literacy centers is constant interruptions. You finally sit down with your small group, and within a few minutes someone needs a pencil, another student doesn't know what to do, someone can't find the glue sticks, and another child is already finished and asking, "Now what?" After more ... read more
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 21
- Next Page »
