Modeling Positivity
As a teacher, we are role models inside and outside the classroom. By modeling positivity, students will feel more motivated and have a more enjoyable experience during school.
Nollmeyer, Gustave
Energizers
An energizer can be used to get the students active and reengaged. A good time to use this is after they have been sitting through for a while. This is to help the students not check out during the day.
Golden Rule Web
The golden rule web is a preventative strategy in which students are able to voice what they believe to be golden rules, or exceptional ways to behave with and around peers.
Practicing Routines
Practicing routines can be used to help the students learn their routines and how to best complete a task. The routines should be introduced in the beginning of the school year and used almost daily. By doing so, the students have time to learn and rehearse the routines, making them more effective.
Reading Nook
The Reading Nook is an area in the classroom where students can have a quiet to read. This section of the room is filled with books, comfy places to sit, and a relaxing environment. This is a good place to encourage students to read.
Color Dot Grouping
Placing different colored dot stickers on blank notecards can be used as a grouping strategy. The students each receive one notecard with a specific colored dot and they must find their peer(s) with the same colored dot on their notecard. When students form groups, it prevents students from being left out and all students end up with a partner or in groups easily.
Bounce Card
The idea of the Bounce Card is to take what someone else has said and add on to it, by giving another example, or relating it to another situation. Then the next step is to paraphrase and after that make meaning of it all by asking questions. This tool is helpful in facilitating conversation and help to create flow between partners and groups within the classroom.
Witness Circle
Witness Circles are very similar to the idea of the Fishbowl tool, except it is a way to try and resolve larger group issues. The small inner circle consists of people that address the conflict, while the outer circle consists of observers; however, the smaller circle has an empty chair in it so that any of the observers can join in during the discussion. If the chair is occupied, the student sitting there will automatically speak next before returning to the outer circle (Smith, 2005).
Tables instead of desks
Seating students in tables rather than desks lined in rows allows for collaboration to take place among the students. This tool can be helpful for student understanding, as a formative assessment tool, and a way to teach our students pro-social skills.
Mailboxes
Mailboxes serve a very important role in the classroom setting when implemented correctly. Each student needs to have their own mailbox along with the teacher. The mailboxes can be personalized to have their name or can be listed off in numbers (which can be used as a grouping strategy). It also needs to be listed in the rules and procedures so students know how to use them.
