Sign Language Classroom Signals
This tool is an effective way for students to come and go from the classroom without it being a distraction. The signs are a quick and easy way to get student opinions on “yes” or “no” questions.
Preventative
Early Finisher Options
Teachers can use light-up buttons to stick on the wall/whiteboard and have options next to each button. The teacher will then light up the options that they allow students to do once their work is finished. This allows the students to visually see their options without having to ask the teacher. To make it more student-directed/collaborative teachers can ask students prior in the day what they want the options to be.
Visual Schedule
Displaying a visual schedule in the classroom helps students see what comes next in their daily routines to avoid confusion. It provides an easy structure and helps students transition better from one activity to another.
The Hallway Song
This is a tool we use in my classroom to help remind students of hallway expectations. Even if the class is out of control, and some students are not in line or paying attention, when we begin to sing this song, every student turns around, faces forward, sings along, and gets ready to walk in the hall with a zero voice, this tool works as a preventative procedure for hallway expectations.
Leave me a note
The “leave me a note” station serves as a valuable tool in the classroom to address varying communication needs among students. Providing a designated space for written communication, it not only helps manage excessive talking but also offers an avenue for quieter or more reserved students to express themselves comfortably.
“Flat Tire”
When the teacher or student says “Flat Tire” everyone says shhhhhhh and listens to whoever prompted the flat tire. This is a quick verbal interaction that is a fast and easy way to get students and everyone’s attention in the classroom.
Hold Your Bubble!
“Hold Your Bubble” is an effective strategy to use when students are expected to be silent. Students fill their cheeks up with air and are encouraged to “hold their bubble” so their noise level is at a zero when appropriate.
Math Tool Kits
Math tool kits can include manipulatives, white boards, markers, number lines, spinners, and various other math tools that can be pulled out during a lesson or group work. Math tool kits make math supplies easily accessible to students and provide the tools needed to represent their work in various ways or can be used for activities.
Big Three
This tool is used for students to create three big rules for the classroom that students decide and agree upon at the start of the year. Students work together to come up with their three big rules they promise to follow and design posters that are hung and visible throughout the whole year.
Individual Points Sheets
This tool is used when you are doing table group points but a student within a table group needs to have more through points. This is helpful because it gives the student an opportunity to reflect on their day after the teacher has filled out their points form.
