Inspirational Mottos for Kids

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Facts-Math-Drill-in-a-Song-MP3-1414344Every so often, we brainstorm inspirational mottos.  Everyone chimes in, and I write them all down.  Then I type them up, and hang them on the wall:
                        

Then the real fun begins…

Whenever we need a pick-me-up, we have a call-and-response chanting of our inspirational mottos—with plenty of body language and attitude. 

For even more fun, I play the Rap Your Math song, with its rock drum beat.  Instead of chanting math drills, we chant our inspirational mottos.  Very rousing, and great for class spirit!
               
  Rap Your Math Song - with a Rock Drum Beat:           
                             

The Calm Teacher – FREEBIE!

Let’s call it a hobby; I’m always coming up with new ways to bring calm into the classroom.

My other hobby is writing songs.  So, I wrote this Counting Song.  It’s simply me counting the numbers 1 – 20.  It’s not a typical kiddy song!  It’s relaxed, almost hypnotic, and I added some meditative music with a soft beat.

 

The best part is, the song is short.  That means I can play it—with my eyes closed, breathing deeply—and know I’m only taking one minute out of my insanely busy day. 

I’d love to share my song with you—as a gift, a FREEBIE. 

I hope you enjoy it and find it as useful as I do.  Please let me know!  If you like this song, I’d sure appreciate it if you’d leave your positive feedback and rating at the Teachers Pay Teachers website.  Many, many thanks!

BTW, you will have to sign up at Teachers Pay Teachers in order to download the song.  It’s very easy, and you’ll find thousands of wonderful teacher tools there. 

Here’s the FREEBIE SONG, Renee’s Magic Timer, Counting Song 1 - 20.  I hope it gives you many calming moments!

The Kindergarten Café

Starting day 2, I tell the kids that I don’t want to be the boss.  (A bit of a shocker, I know ; )  I want to help them to have a conversation. 

 

“Imagine we’re all sitting at a café, sharing ideas.”  I love that—and so do they, once they get the hang of it!

 

Here’s the poster I use:

Class Rules

Here are my class rules:

 

We go over and over them starting day one.  Why do we need rules?  Why is each rule important?  What could happen if you don’t follow the rule?  What are the fine points, the free-associations, and other important rules? 

 

Kids just love talking about rules!  And the more they process them, the more they follow them.