When I was a classroom teacher my #1 focus was classroom management that promoted a positive and encouraging classroom climate. It isn't always easy. Now that I go in and out of many different classrooms daily that have a variety of classroom management styles, I find it challenging at times to control excitable students. Now, I really can't complain. There is no better feeling in the world when I push an iPad cart or a laptop cart into a classroom and children leap out of their seats and shout at the top of their lungs "YES!!!!! She is HERE!" #bestjobEVER
Today I am joining the Teaching Trio to bring YOU a few of my favorite classroom management "things" I use from time to time as an ITRT.
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1. Emoji Stickers!
If you pull out a sheet of emoji stickers and dangle it in front of a child (it doesn't matter if they are in kindergarten or 5th grade) YOU instantly turn into their #1 fan. Trust me. It's magical. They want THAT emoji sticker that is staring them straight in the eye. I have absolutely no idea the fascination behind these gems (okay, well maybe I do {insert emoji sticking tongue out}) but they work. When I go into a classroom the students know that if I hold up a sheet of emoji stickers they WILL get one if they are focused, good listeners and a good friend to others (because sometimes we have to share our devices). These stickers have become so "hot" that students are starting a collection on their assignment notebooks. They have actually worked more in my favor than I could have ever imagined. The kids are now begging their teachers to contact the ITRT to set up more lessons so they can add to their emoji collection. BOOM. If a small fraction of my paycheck goes to purchasing simple emoji stickers that can get me into a classroom to work with the teacher and students, sign me up!
Click below to buy your very own. 288 stickers come in a pack. *Just throw away those stickers that may not be appropriate for school...or save them for YOUR friends*
2. Shoulder Buddies
A few months ago I stumbled upon a TECHIE shoulder buddy so I started bringing Mr. T around with me as I visited classrooms. Everyone wants Mr. T to sit on their shoulder. All Most eyes are on me at all times and all most ears are always listening. It's a beautiful thing.
You can buy your very own by clicking the link below. There are hundreds of different kinds of shoulder buddies. If the novelty starts to wear off after a few months, buy a new one. Period.
3. iPhone Notepads
I LOVE my iPhone notepads! If I find out a child is having a hard time at home or at school, I like to leave them an "iBelieve in YOU" note. I truly believe a few positive words help those "hard to reach" students trust and respect me when I am in their classroom. Teachers even enjoy my "iThink you are an amazing teacher" notes. Who doesn't love a handwritten, encouraging note? Apparently it is "cool" to receive an "iPhone message".
Two years ago I found these notepads for a DOLLAR at Wal-mart. I haven't seen them since. Here they are on Amazon if you are interested:
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Click the image below to check out other bloggers' FAVORITE things!
Click the image below to check out other bloggers' FAVORITE things!