Do you want to have a great new year? Even better than 

this past year? Are there things you’ll definitely do again? For me the answer is YES! Why? Because the strategies or structures I used worked!

I am happy to join Sharing Kindergarten and a few blogging teacher-friends in a LINKY PARTY  

focused on tips to help you have a great new year! 

Tip #1

 In kindergarten, Structures make the world-go-round!

With consistent structures for line-up, going to your seat,

going to the carpet, clean-up time, restroom breaks 

and more…

Your class will begin to run like clock-work! 

 BE prepared to spend a great deal

of TIME on structures!

Just a few of the things I do:

Put a number line on the floor where students line-up.  

(no fussing about who stands by who)

Use assigned seating on the carpet. (I use @sitspots to help

keep movement and talking down during whole group)

Use clothespins with names on them for when individuals 

need a restroom break.  I just clip them to my sleeve until the student returns to put it back where it came from (you NEED to know where all of your students are ALL the time)

Tip #2

YOU are the barometer in your classroom.  Smile often during the day.  Your students will be more receptive to instruction.  Because you are a “classroom family”, make it your priority to help students have a better day when they are having a difficult one.  Your students can be amazingly supportive when your day isn’t going so well too! (thank you Mary–I felt I needed to restate what I too believe in).  Kindergarten students need to know they are loved dearly, and that they can feel safe in your care.

Tip #3

 Remember, your students are the center of their parents world, and while they are at school they should be the center of yours.  

Great parents and teachers pause to get at the child’s eye level, look

directly at them and give them full attention.  It may be the very first time a child has had someone to act like what they have to

say is important, that it should be heard. You will be

amazed at the insight that can be gained from paying

attention to what your students say.  Underlying causes

for extreme behaviors always have “symptoms”, things 

you can pick up on if you only LISTEN.

Tip #4

What??? You don’t do this? 

Using the sound recording app 

on your smart phone, you can get

every detail of the things you need

to know at the moment (or shortly after)

it happens.  Then it is available for transcribing

to your computer or method 

of documentation

later. 

My approach to managing my classroom involves a lot of thinking.  Going through the motions in your head can save a lot of grief! 

With parents, think before you speak.  With students, think 

before you speak! If the movie in your mind isn’t playing well, 

don’t do it! Your super power is your ability to be perceptive.  

Love your students, love yourself, love your new year! 

Thanks for stopping by to read my tips! Visit the linky to find more great tips for teaching.