Behavior Management Ultimate Guide

 After many years of teaching, one thing makes me wince more than anything else--a teacher who yells, screams, berates, nags, threatens, squints, mocks, pleas, frightens, embarrasses, mutters, grumbles, drones, shrugs, rants, curses...and later on, cries.

The fact is, very few teachers are born-naturals when it comes to classroom management.  And there are no instant fixes.

Behavior management is like a language that you can learn to speak fluently.

Step-by-step, you learn a few words.  Simple words like...

• Please -- as in, Would you please show me your very best silly-face...and now please show me your I-love-to-learn-face?
• Thank you -- Thank you for sharing your unique perspective!
• Beautiful -- You're so focused; beautiful!
• Watch -- Watch how I (or a child) stand in line, with my shoulders back, chest out, head straight, eyes ahead, arms down, no touching, legs together, ready to move.
• Why? -- Why is it important to be respectful?  What would happen if we weren't kind and polite?

After that, you master the basic management routines, and -- over time -- you find personal tricks that work well for you.

If you want to take the trip toward mastery, and you really should — sooner rather than later — this creative and comprehensive guide will help you.  You’ll find hundreds of tools and tips for a calm and confident—and happy—classroom. 

The Ultimate Guide to Behavior Management includes School Rules, Bathroom Rules, Behavior Management with Humor, Behavior Modification Game Charts, Reward Tags, and Behavior Management Callbacks.

The centerpiece is Behavior Management with Humor:

Compiled by a long-term teacher, this resource will help you feel CALM and CONFIDENT--and ready to laugh--starting on your first day of school.

Behavior Management with Humor explores...

•  Behavior Management 101: Strategies that Work

•  How to Teach Rules so they "Stick“

•  How to Cultivate Respect and Rapport

•  How to Control your Class Firmly but Graciously

•  The All-Important “Stop Signal”

•  Behavior Mod Charts

•  Behavior Management Clip Chart

•  How to Add Humor into your Day

•  A Full Day of Humor and Good Behavior, Step-by-Step

•  Exactly what to Say and Do, from the Moment Kids Arrive till Dismissal, for the Best Behavior

•  Humor in Reading, Writing, Math, Music, and Dance

•  Make it Fun in the Lunchroom, Auditorium, School Yard, Parties, and More

•  Funny Things to Say All Day

•  Songs that Get Kids to Move, Smile and Behave

•  Callbacks for Easy, Fun Management

•  Brain Breaks to Calm or Energize Kids

•  Printable Resources: Awards, Hats, Masks, Glasses, Bracelets, Brag Tags, Pointers, and More!

•  “Reboot Box” for Time-Out

•  Zen Zone for Calming

•  Behavior Management Posters

•  Student Activities and Printables for Bulletin Board Displays

•  Deal-Breakers – Behavior Management to Avoid

•  “Tips from the Trenches” for Behavior Management with Humor

Your Behavior Management Ultimate Guide includes this:  

•  BIG BONUS - Counting Backward Song MP3 

•  A soothing voice counts backward over relaxing music with a soft beat.  Perfect for calming down or taking a refreshing break--for kids AND teachers!

Here are some SUPER-COOL REWARD TAGS, awards, or prizes.  You can see them as the first brick, in an awesome tower of respect and rapport that you'll build in your classroom.

Enjoy your FREEBIE Reward Tags!

So, exactly how do you get kids to behave, calm down, clean up, transition, time out, or stand and stretch?  There's no short answer, but it’s all made easier with this Counting Song MP3—a soothing voice counting the numbers 1 – 20 over relaxing music with a soft beat.

This “magic timer” counts like a heartbeat, one beat per second. You can slow your heart rate by breathing deeply and matching your pulse to the beat of the songs.  It’s a great behavior management tool to help kids calm their minds and focus on the task at hand.  If you want an extended countdown, you can play it again. 

Enjoy your FREEBIE Counting Song MP3!

It's amazing how a very small change in your approach to behavior management can have a huge impact on your classroom culture and in your life.

The best gift you can give yourself, or another teacher, is the expertise to create a great classroom culture.

As always, I'm wishing you all the best!

How to Use the TpT Digital Tool for Online Learning

Need digital tools or lessons to teach your students—for distance learning, hybrid learning, or homeschooling?

Did you know…

You can take a TeachersPayTeachers resource, and assign one or more of the pages to your students—over the internet?

It’s easy. 

TpT has a new Digital Tool that allows you to upload many of your TpT-bought PDF pages to your Google Classroom account.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

If you use any resource for distance learning such as Google Classroom, you must use a secure site.  Please be sure it is password protected.

You can even add instructions for your kids, and text boxes for them to write in.

You can see their completed assignments if you choose.

Here’s how…

 

How to Use the TpT Digital Tool
To Assign Activities to Students

 

1)  Go to TpT/My Purchases.  Open the product page and click on “Create Digital Activity.”  (Some products don’t include this option.)

2)  You will see the digital resource.  Click Preview at the top center of the page.

3)  If you’d like to make changes, click Prepare.

4)  To delete pages, click Edit Pages, at the left side, above the page thumbnails.

5)  To add answer boxes, click the Answer Box icon on the top left, click on the screen, and re-size the box to meet your needs.  Kids will be able to type inside these boxes.

6)  Select the Font Size by clicking inside the answer box.

7)  Delete any features the seller has inserted by clicking the Delete icon, then clicking on the item.

8)  Add text or directions by clicking the screen where you would like to write, and type.

9)  Click Assign.

10)   To assign the page(s) to your kids through Google Classroom, click the Green icon to the far left of the screen.

11)   You may use an Access Code if you prefer.

12)    To review your students’ work, click Review Responses, at the far right.

♥    Learn more at TpT’s Guide to the New Digital Tool.

♥    Have questions?  TpT’s Contact Us Form will get you quick tech support!

Would you like more PandemicTeaching Tips?  Here they are.

Please stay safe, calm, and patient, as we all wait for this pandemic to pass.

I’ll be wishing you the best of health, and the best possible teaching year!

Healthy Teacher Tips for the COVID-19 Virus Crisis

Here are some healthy teacher tips, as we all navigate these uncertain days of the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic. Great reminders, even once the pandemic is over.

 

♥    Boost your health with multi-vitamins, zinc, probiotics, vitamins B, C, and D3.

♥    Get plenty of sleep.

♥    Meditate for a few minutes every day.

♥    Wash or sanitize your hands often.

♥    Use facial wipes every few hours.

♥    Use bleach wipes on personal items like pens, keys, and phones.

♥    Protect your eyes with glasses or non-prescription glasses.

♥    Don’t touch the front of your mask.  Only handle the ear loops, and wash your hands before and after.

♥    Keep school shoes in your car, or bag them inside your home.

♥    Wash your clothes and shower as soon as you get home.

♥    Stay informed!  If you’re not sure, ask about protocols.

♥    Find your support groups, but keep your comments in person or in group texts—not on the internet.

 

Would you like more Pandemic Teaching Tips?  Here they are.

Please stay safe, calm, and patient, as we all wait for this pandemic to pass.

I’ll be wishing you the best of health, and the best possible teaching year!

Pandemic Teaching Tips

Teaching during a pandemic can be difficult.  Here are some tips to help you teach in these trying times.

Safety First!

 

Rule #1, as always, is safety first!  All other teaching and activities are put on hold if there’s an unsafe situation to attend to.

Before you start teaching, be sure kids know the rules for pandemic safety.

Have a plan for emergencies.  For example, if a child is having trouble breathing, he or she can sit apart from the group and temporarily remove the mask.

Attend to any health, safety, or medical emergencies calmly and immediately.

Take a little time periodically to check in on kids’ feelings and emotions.  Assure them that we’ll get through this difficult time together.

Take plenty of brain breaks—they’re good for your mind, body and soul!  Deep breathing, yoga stretches, dancing, singing, and chanting are great ways to relieve stress.

Be optimistic, creative, flexible, and add a touch of humor whenever possible, to make these difficult days just a little more pleasant.

Would you like more tips for teaching during a pandemic--including the posters for your class rules?  Here they are.

 

Please stay safe, calm, and patient, as we all wait for this pandemic to pass.

I’ll be wishing you the best of health, and the best possible teaching year!

Teacher Back To School Sale!

 It's the Teacher Back to School Sale -- Part 2.

Last chance before you head out west! 

Please consider these must-have treasures--at outrageously low prices.

As always, I'm wishing you all the best, for a healthy and happy new school year!

Teacher Back To School Sale

It's a sale!

Up to 25% off all teacher resources at TeachersPayTeachers!

Whether you're teaching in a classroom, from home, using distance learning, or some other variation, treat yourself to a little leg-up.  

Make your teaching life just a little easier.

I like to start with a simple Thank You.  I've noticed the more thanks I give, the more it bounces around and returns to me.

I love printing these on bright papers and sending notes to friends.  

They also work wonders with kids--funny, how a kid-friendly card and a smile translates into instant behavior management.

And yes, you can make your lessons perfect, and your observation lessons sooooooo much easier, with this Teacher Evaluation Guide.   

It includes checklists, charts, cheat-sheets, tips, scripts, class posters, lesson plans and lesson plan templates for your expert Danielson-style teacher evaluation.  

I use it all the time for my lesson templates and reminders of best practices.  And I admit, I carry the one-page mini-lesson cheat-sheet in my pocket, in the weeks before every unannounced observation (really!).

Behavior Management with Humor is my lifeline for discipline 101 with grace, and and just a touch of laughter.  I can't imagine even one day of teaching without it!

If you're a substitute teacher, you'll find that The Substitute Teacher Guide is much more than a run-of-the-mill kit.

You see, after over 20 years teaching, I've observed hundreds of subs and teachers in action.  I've seen it all--the good, the bad, and the Kindergarten Cop Chaos.  This resource is a detailed and comprehensive account of what to bring, do, and say when you sub.

And it includes dozens of printables a sub can use all year.

AND IT'S NOT JUST FOR SUBS!  If you're a regular teacher, it makes a handy Substitute Binder--for the days you're absent--with explicit directions so you'll return to a calm, semi-normal room (insert nervous laughter!).

All three of the above items are in the grand bundle, The Teacher Guide for a Great Classroom...with behavior management goodie bags thrown in--reward tags, behavior modification charts, callbacks, and tons more:

Now let's switch channels...to a kindergarten teacher's dream...

First Days of Kindergarten Teacher's Bundle for kindergarten teachers--whether new, seasoned or in-between.  It features step-by-step instructions for setting up a kindergarten classroom, as well as moment-by-moment teacher scripts for the first day of school.  It's like I'm whispering in your ear, giving you expert advice at every turn.

But I don't stop at the first day.  We go through the first week of school--including all the printables, posters, parent letters, and forms you'll need.  

Then I point you in the right direction for the next few weeks of kindergarten, including 4 full weeks of homework (editable, of course, so you can use them for a full year).

This best-selling Kindergarten Back to School Bundle -- shown above -- includes the Teacher's Kit, combined with a School Rules and Bathroom Rules pack.  Each of those three can be purchased separately:

 

Even at regular prices they are each very generous kits, and they are priceless to anyone who wants that extra boost of confidence that comes with a thorough, seasoned guide.

If you want to treat yourself to the Creative Kindergarten Back to School Ultra Bundle, you'll unpack a whole year of creative songs, dance, laugh, crafts, the 3Rs, AND good behavior:

                                    

The ultra-bundle above includes one of my favorite kindergarten treasures: a How-to-tie-a-shoe photo tutorial for your learning center.  To quote one buyer (and just maybe, I'll set it to a rock beat and belt it out...while standing on a kindergarten table top): 

"It works! It really, really works! I'm never tying another shoe--except my own--once a day. I love this product!" 

                                            --FULL STOP--    

Please stop by my store and browse.  I think you'll find plenty of useful and creative teaching solutions, at super-generous prices.

Meanwhile, I'll be sending you all my best wishes for the start of your new school year!

Thank You Cards for Teachers and Students

“Thank you” – we can’t say it often enough!

Thank You Cards, and Cards for Every Occasion, are an easy way for teachers or students to send a message. Just edit the text (if you wish), print, fold, and share—easy!

If you print out a little stack of these cards, it’ll be easy to give someone a thank you, for every reason – little or big.

Make it a plan!  Give a positive note once a week, or more.  Give a card to colleagues, friends, students…and all your loved ones.  You can’t go wrong with gratitude.

You will get endless variations when you edit the text, or print on colored papers. You may use the text from any card on a different card.  

Did you ever return from an unexpected or prolonged absence, and find your classroom in a bit of disarray?  You can print a positive message for each of your students, such as, “You Make Me Smile.”  Give each kid a “Thank you” for settling back into their good routines, as they enter the room.  While they write their name, and design or color their cards, you can catch up on checking homework and other practical things.  It’s a great way to reassure kids that you care about them, and that they can start with a clean slate after their days with a substitute teacher.

These cards make great awards for behavior management, on any day of the year, and possibly accompanied by a special prize.

You’ll find many ways to use “Thank You” – and other cards – and you’ll discover so many ways the joy comes right back to you!

These stylish cards come in color and in black line versions (perfect for your students to add design elements and to color). 100 unique cards give you endless variations, when you edit and print on various colored papers.

Students can create cards for special teachers, school visitors, parents, friends, holidays, events, art projects, or as rewards for good behavior. The seasonal cards can be used to create little booklets with art and writing, one for each month. 

• All text is fully editable. All you need is an Adobe Reader (available as a free download).
• NOTE: the images are NOT editable, to comply with the clip artists’ terms of use.

 EXTRA, EXTRA: You will ALSO get a second PDF file with the stylish fonts hardwired for quick-printing! (This PDF file is Non-Editable)

Cards for Thank You, Birthday, Wedding, Baby Shower, Thinking of You, Sympathy, Get Well Soon, Congratulations, Good Luck, Friendship, Inspiration, Miss You, Encouragement, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Boss, Employee, Hospitality, Personal, Advice Thank You, Donation Thank You, and more! 

School Occasions: Back to School, End of the Year, Graduation, Parent Notes, Behavior Management; The day before, during, or after a Vacation, Trip, Sports Event, Activity, Stage show; Class-pet-sitting, Teacher Thank You, Volunteer Thank You, Child’s Absence, or after a Teacher’s Absence.

• 100 Cards in all—half in color, half in black line—and endless variations when you edit the text and print on different colored papers.
• Poster for kids: I Can Tell Why This Day is Special (Steps to Create a Card—For Kids)
• Poster: 20 Messages to Add to My Card
• How to Make a Booklet—Great for kids to create a seasonal or monthly, art and writing piece
• How to Edit the Text in a PDF—Step-by-Step
• How to Make a Card—Step-by-Step with Photo Tutorial
• How to Get Great Fonts—Fun, Cute, and Stylish Fonts for your Cards

BONUS #1: How to Make a Craft Envelope (EASY!)—The perfect-sized envelope for your card

BONUS #2: A tailor-made note, to give someone a TeachersPayTeachers Gift Card (Just add your name, the Gift Card Code and amount)

Enjoy the infinite power of Thank You!  And as always, I'm wishing you a wonderful school year.

Home School - Materials to Teach Kindergarten and First Grade Kids at Home

Teachers and parents are looking for great materials to help their kids learn at home.  

With many schools temporarily closing due to the Corona Virus and COVID-19, here are some fun, creative ways to help your kindergarten or first grade students stay connected to school.

These cute and rigorous graphic organizers are ideal for your reading and writing connections.  Just have your kids read any fiction or nonfiction book, child's magazine, internet page; or recall a book, video, or experience, and then use these papers to record their thoughts.  

The writing papers may be used over and over with different results each time.  Child-friendly and differentiated; kids can simply use various papers for more art or more writing.

You'll find T-Charts, Webs, Graphics, Booklets, jazzy writing paper, and more; as well as some bonus Math Graphic Organizers for counting, addition, subtraction, and teen numbers delight.

Writing paper for kindergarten or first grade should be fun...

...and cute, stylish, artistic, inspiring, rigorous and sometimes outrageously silly.

This packet has fun themes like "My Favorite Color."   Here it is with a sample writing and drawing of a firetruck.

There are papers for every month of the year--seasons, holidays and special occasions.  

Children who wish to write more will find plenty of engaging papers here.

This Word Work packet will help your kids review sight words in a lively way.  It's differentiated; with songs, crafts, hands-on manipulatives, and worksheets so your kids will never be bored.

It includes 2- and 3-letter sight words, an adorable Vowel Vest craft, CVC-Word Printables, a Word Wall, an ABC sounds and letters song with a picture chart, and more.

And finally, Counting Songs, great for calming kids, and--as a side benefit--they're spot on for teaching counting forward, counting backward, skip counting, and counting on.

Here are some free websites for kids to explore:

• Starfall
• ABCYA
• Fun Brain
• Highlights Kids
• PBS Learning Media
• Scholastic Learn at Home
• Storyline Online

With the many changes and uncertainties due to the Corona Virus, I hope these educational resources will be helpful to you during our season of quarantine.  I'll be wishing you all the best of health!