For those of us teaching many classes in multiple grade levels, it can be tough to streamline your procedures and classroom management. I feel like it took me several years to even begin this process, much less master it! 15 years in, I finally feel like I'm getting good at it (sometimes- ha!).
Here are three things I've changed over the last few years that have helped things run more smoothly!
The Teacher Student Game
This one has been a definite game changer!
I used to think setting clear expectations was the main thing I needed to do to have a well functioning classroom. That's true, but the real key is clear and direct reinforcement.
I do that using the Teacher Student Game.
I first set out my clear expectations. Then, on the board I place a T column for teacher points, and an S column for student points. Whenever I see students following my expectations, they get a point. Anytime I see them not following expectations, I get a point. Most points at the end of the class wins.
We keep track of wins on the chart pictured here. My upper elementary kids are obsessed with Stranger Things! You can find this chart here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Strange-Stuff-Behavior-Chart-9309572
If students win, they move ahead. If not, they stay where they are, or if its been a particularly rough day you can even move them back. You could display this various ways. I like to laminate a chart for each class and just use a dry erase marker. When they reach the end, they earn a special activity of their choosing. If the weather is nice we might do a movement activity outside, or play one of their favorite music games.
"Show Me"
I used to just give a direction, and students would sometimes choose to follow it or not :) When I started giving students an reason to act, it became so much easier! I started to say, "Show me what our line should look and sound like." If they do, they get a point, and if not, I get a point. "Show me the correct way to put your ukulele on the rack". Follow up with points.
Picking Partners
It doesn't matter what age group you are working with, picking partners is messy. They are trying to find their partner before you finish directions, someone's feelings get hurt, etc. I never have time to set up partners beforehand to avoid this, so I made some partner cards.
I pass these out anytime we are doing a partner activity, and students have about 20 seconds to find their matching card. It doesn't take any more time than having them find a partner on their own, and it avoids all the pitfalls! You can find them here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Find-A-Partner-Cards-We-Go-Together-Theme-9301547
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