4 Tips for Kindergarten Teachers | Classroom Management

Summary

This video offers valuable classroom management tips for elementary teachers, emphasizing the importance of teaching procedures as part of the curriculum. Key strategies include creating structured routines for lining up and transitioning between activities, such as using a number system for lining up and incorporating songs for smoother transitions. By breaking down procedures, practicing them, and debriefing with students, teachers can create a more organized and engaging classroom environment. The focus is on building consistency, encouraging self-correction, and making the learning process fun and efficient for both teachers and students.

Takeaways

• 😀 Procedures are as important as content: Teach classroom procedures like lining up and transitioning just as you would academic lessons.
• 😀 Break procedures into steps: For lining up, break the class into groups and assign numbers to create a clear visual standard.
• 😀 Use a visual rubric: Holding up fingers (1 to 5) to indicate the quality of a line helps students self-correct without verbal cues.
• 😀 Empower students to self-correct: By holding up a number and using non-verbal feedback, students take responsibility for maintaining order.
• 😀 Transition songs make moving smoother: Using short, familiar songs to signal transitions helps students complete tasks in an organized manner.
• 😀 Practice and debrief transitions: Regularly practice transitions, provide feedback, and make adjustments to improve efficiency.
• 😀 Use clear expectations for movement: Define specific actions (e.g., crisscross applesauce on the carpet) and practice them until smooth.
• 😀 Encourage silent transitions: Teach students to move quietly without pushing or touching others, especially during activities like carpet time.
• 😀 Consistency is key: Reinforce procedures consistently to help them become second nature for the students.
• 😀 Make learning routines fun: By adding a song or other engaging activities, transitions can be entertaining while still following the set rules.

Q & A

Why is it important to teach classroom procedures as if they are content?

Teaching classroom procedures as content ensures that students understand the expectations clearly. Just like academic subjects, these procedures need to be explained, practiced, and reinforced for students to follow them consistently.

What are the top two classroom procedures that made the biggest difference for the teacher?

The two most important procedures were teaching students how to line up at the door and how to transition from table groups to the carpet.

How does breaking students into groups help with teaching the lining-up procedure?

By breaking students into groups and assigning numbers, the teacher can show different types of lines, with one group representing the ideal line and others demonstrating less ideal examples. This allows students to visualize the expectations.

What role does student self-correction play in the lining-up procedure?

Student self-correction is key to fostering independence. Once the teacher shows a visual cue (like holding up fingers to indicate line quality), students start to recognize when their line is not perfect and correct themselves, promoting accountability.

How does the teacher use non-verbal cues to manage the lining-up process?

The teacher uses visual cues, such as holding up fingers to represent the desired quality of the line. This allows the teacher to manage the situation without speaking, while students are empowered to adjust their behavior accordingly.

Why is it important to use a song for transitions, and how is it structured?

A song makes transitions more engaging for young children, helping them focus on the activity at hand. The song is used as a timer, with the expectation that students will be in their assigned spots by the time the song ends, creating a clear and fun framework for the transition.

What should a teacher do if a transition doesn't go as smoothly as expected?

If a transition doesn't go smoothly, the teacher should debrief with the students, discuss what went well, and identify areas for improvement. The teacher might also adjust the process, such as moving to a silent transition if the noise level was disruptive.

How can teachers make transitions smoother and faster in the classroom?

Teachers can make transitions smoother by practicing the procedures regularly, setting clear expectations, and debriefing with students after each attempt. Using engaging methods like songs or other creative tools can also help maintain student attention and participation.

What is the benefit of practicing classroom procedures repeatedly with students?

Repeated practice helps students internalize the routines, making them automatic over time. This reduces the need for constant reminders and allows the classroom to run more smoothly.

What should teachers focus on when debriefing after a procedure or transition?

During debriefing, teachers should focus on what worked well and what can be improved. Discussing specific behaviors helps students understand what is expected, reinforcing positive actions and addressing areas of concern.