The Best Printable Classroom Management Tools
Are you tired of interruptions, disruptions, and giving reminders in the classroom? I’ve been there! It’s no secret that strong classroom management is the KEY to maximizing learning and having a productive school day. Below, I have outlined my five BEST classroom management tips and tools to use in your elementary classroom! Do you want to know the best part? These classroom management tools are printable and inexpensive…or FREE!
Hand Signal Visual Reminders
Are you tired of disruptions during instructional time? Try using hand signals with your students! How do they work? Use these FREE EDITABLE hand signals to create 1 – 5 signals to use with your students. For example, when your students hold up their index finger it signals they need to use the restroom. They can hold up this sign when you are reading on the carpet, teaching a small group, or during morning meeting. The reason this classroom management strategy is so effective is because it minimizes the need for verbal interaction. Once you see the students’ signal you can give them a non-verbal response such as a thumbs up or a nod.
Visual Schedules
I LOVE using visual schedules in the classroom! I thrive off of structure and routines – I’ve found that my students are much the same. Why is a visual schedule so important? It helps your learners anticipate the flow of the day and minimizes questions such as, “when is music?” and “is it time for lunch yet?”. Post the visual schedule in a visible location such as your whiteboard or classroom door. Review the schedule with your students during morning meeting. Highlight any fun events and changes in the schedule. This will amp up your students’ excitement to learn.
These watercolor schedule cards are one of my best selling products, because they associate the subject with a visual. This is perfect for little learners, students with special needs, and English language learners who may have difficulty reading the subjects. These schedule cards had to make the list as one of the best printable classroom management tools, because they eliminate the, “what’s next” questions. Did I mention this resource comes with 88 premade schedule cards and has editing capabilities so you can customize them for your students? You can check out all the details here.
Voice Level Posters
Do you have a difficult time controlling noise in your classroom? Try using voice levels with your students. Post the voice levels in your instructional area, for example near your whiteboard or carpet space. This classroom management tool is most effective when you practice each voice level with your learners. Make it a game and have students recite a silly phrase at each voice level. Once your students have mastered the levels, you can begin to incorporate them into your instruction. For instance, I tell my students during guided reading they are to use a level one whisper while reading to a friend. I like to put a star next to which voice level we are using for an added reminder for my students. This works like a charm, and my students hold each other accountable by pointing to the voice level visuals on the whiteboard.
Most of my classroom décor bundles include voice levels, but my favorite are the ones from my Modern Pastel Classroom Décor Bundle. This resource contains premade ready to print voice levels. As an added bonus, it also contains editable voice level posters so you can create your own!
Classroom Jobs for Classroom Management
One of my favorite classroom management strategies for elementary students is fostering responsibility using student jobs! When children take ownership over routines and procedures in the classroom they buy into so much more. Using classroom jobs is one way you can provide students with more responsibility. Another bonus? It also takes some of the little classroom responsibilities off you, like sharpening pencils, tidying the library, and taking things to the office. It’s a win, win!
I love using these job boards with my students, because they provide a helpful visual for each class job. If you plan to use this tool for classroom management it is important to teach each job to your students so they understand the expectation. I like starting the school year teaching five classroom jobs and then adding two or three jobs each week. Teaching classroom jobs this way ensures students have time to learn and practice each job.
Classroom Agreements
Classroom rules and consequences can be a source of frustration for teachers in the classroom. Before the school year even begins it is important to have a clear idea of rules and logical consequences in your classroom. Teaching, modeling, and reviewing these expectations often is key to enforcing them in the classroom. Come up with classroom rules with your students – make sure they align with the expectations you’ve already brainstormed before the school year begins. Instead of calling them classroom rules, call them classroom agreements and post them in your classroom. Hanging up your classroom agreements posters allows you to revisit them often and provides a visual reminder at all times.
Looking to save some time printing or making classroom rules posters? You can use these ready to print pastel classroom rules posters. This resource is so helpful because, it also contains editable classroom templates so you can create your own posters.
The Best Management Tools
These are the five best printable classroom management tools to use in your elementary classroom! Try using one or more of these tools and let me know how it improves your classroom management. If you have a favorite printable classroom management resource that isn’t listed here, share with the rest of us! I’m always seeking ways to help teachers manage their classrooms with confidence and ease.
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