It gives the students a way to all face the front if you don’t have a lot of room in your classroom.

How else could you use this seating arrangement in your classroom?  Feel free to share in the comments below!

You might want to check out:

Want an AD-FREE resource book of all seating charts in one easy-to-print format?  188 pages in total!  Now available in our Bookstore!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Grab a printable handout of this seating chart!

~Charity

See ALL the Seating Chart options HERE.

The post Classroom Seating Chart: Stadium appeared first on Organized Classroom.

As a child myself, I LOVED doing “MadLibs.” They were a blast and always so funny.

Randomly choosing different words in specific parts of speech always turned into a hoot in the end when the story ended up so silly.

While I didn’t realize it then, I was definitely working on knowing my parts of speech while just having fun.

WHAT?!

I had to know the difference between a noun, an adjective, a verb, a counting number, and so on. Having that informal practice in the disguise of a game really helped solidify those concepts.

Using Simple Games to Reinforce Concepts

Along with basic fill-in-the-blank stories, lots of other basic games are perfect for review concepts in the classroom:

Around the World: I love this for math flashcards. One student starts next to another student in the room and you pull math flashcard from the back. Whoever wins moves to the next person and the one who does not sits in that chair. he goal is to get all the way back to your own seat.

Sparkle: Students love this game mainly because they get to sit on top of their desks until they lose. The teacher starts on one side of the room and gives the first student a spelling word. If he or she gets it correct, they get to stay on top of their desk. If they get it wrong, they sit in their seat and you give the same word to the next student. If they get it correct, they get to stay on top of their desk and you give the next word to the next student. Play continues until either only one student is still on top of their desk.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for hosting successful classroom celebrations?  This 416 page digital book has you covered! Includes 61 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including holidays such as:

• Groundhog Day
• Winter
• Black History
• Valentines Day
• St. Patricks Day
• Earth Day
• Spring
• Mothers Day
• Memorial Day
• Summer
• Independence Day
• Fall
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

Flashlight Vocabulary: Write several current vocabulary words on the board and have student form 2 team lines. The front student in each line gets a flashlight (I like to color the lenses with dry erase markers so it is easier to see who has what) and you say the definition. The first team to get their flashlight on the word gets a point and that student goes to the back of the line. Keep continuing until one team gets to X amount of points.

Higher or Lower: One of my all time faves! It works perfectly in the hallway or as a quick time filler. You begin with saying aloud: “I am thinking of a number between 0 and 100.” The first student farthest away from you in the room gets to guess and you say “(the number they chose) is (higher or lower) than my number.” Then I usually let that student pick the next – with the requirement that boys pick a girl and girls pick a boy. Play continues until someone correctly guesses the mystery number. This game can also be modified depending on your students’ abilities. Make the number 0-10 if needed or even 0-1,000,000. I’ve done both.

Tic-Tac-Words: On the board make a large tic-tac-toe board and place random letters – one in each of the 9 spaces. Make sure to use popular letters and at least 2 different vowels. Then, have students grab a piece of paper and give them 5 minutes to write as many words as they can come up with from the letters in the grid. I like to award a winner for the most words (non-repeating) and another who comes up with the longest word.

And of course if you loved doing MadLibs as a child like me, you will love this set of two fall themed silly story worksheets to use with your own students!

Directions to Use:

1. Pair up students.  Give each pair 2 different stories.
2. Partner A verbally asks Partner B for words to fill in each of the blanks – without reading the rest of the story.
3. Repeat with the opposite story and partners switch roles.
4. Students take turns reading their completed stories aloud to one another.

Hope this gets a fun laugh from your students and brightens up your day as well!

Click here to email your freebie

What are some of your favorite basic review games that “trick” students into learning without a fuss? We would love to hear in the comments below!

Enjoy!

~Charity

The post Silly Stories Fall Freebie! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

The best part?  You can even customize your solution to match your classroom theme and colors! 

The only items you will need will be wrapping paper cardboard tubes, duct tape, and some small binder clips.  Let’s have some fun!

If you haven’t heard about the awesome new duct tape sheets, you are missing out! 

You could use regular old duct tape rolls for this project, but honestly, the sheets are super easy and you will have far fewer creases in the finished project. 

Either one will work though!  I was able to find mine at my local big box stores (I actually went to 2 because the selection in one was pretty picked over, so make sure you get yours before they are out of stock!)

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom storage?  This 83 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 13 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Student Cubbies
• File Folder Game Organization
• What to do with old office furniture to maximize your storage
• Ideas for Student Headphone Storage

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Just take one sheet of the duct tape and only peel enough backing off one of the long sides to get the tape started onto the cardboard tube. 

I learned this the hard way – if you try to take the entire sheet off and then stick it on, it will curl and stick to itself and then it is a huge tape mess. 

So, after getting a small amount on the tube, pull the white backing off in one direction, while turning the tube in the opposite. 

No air bubbles, comes off easily, and it is lined up perfectly!

My tubes took 3 sheets of duct tape a piece, and then there was a smidgen left over at the bottom. 

You could easily use some ribbon or other embellishment – or even cut off the end at that point, but since I am neither crafty nor a straight line scissors whiz, I decided to cut another piece of tape and add it to that bit on the bottom. 

If you flip the duct tape sheets over, there are super handy grid lines for those of us that would normally need a ruler and a pen to cut that line straight!

Viola!  I have 3 completely covered tubes in less than 10 minutes flat!

Last step, use small binder clips to hold the tubes together. 

You can find patterned ones, plain ones, or regular black clips.  Whatever matches your desire and your style! 

I thought about using clear tape to connect them, but decided in the end, that the tape would not look as nice and now I can take them apart for easy moving as well! 

Make sure to clip the top end and the bottom end.

You are done!  You can choose whether you need more or less. 

I decided on at least 3 so that they would stand up easily, but even 5 or 6 would also be great! 

I stored my meter/yardsticks in mine.  Pointers or even small posters would also work.

What would you use yours for?  Share with us below!

Want some handy labels to place on your new tall and narrow holders? Download these below for free!

Click here to email your freebie

~Charity

The post Organize the Straight and Narrow appeared first on Organized Classroom.

This puts students in a set-up where the can see easily, and it allows them to have a different view of the room.

How else could you use this seating arrangement in your classroom?  Feel free to share in the comments below!

You might want to check out:

Want an AD-FREE resource book of all seating charts in one easy-to-print format?  188 pages in total!  Now available in our Bookstore!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Grab a printable handout of this seating chart!

~Charity

See ALL the Seating Chart options HERE.

The post Classroom Seating Chart: The Big X appeared first on Organized Classroom.

But sometimes you just need a little extra in the way of strategies.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to play spin the wheel games where a lucky student wins a prize!  It allows for fate to decide a random option, much like an online random generator would choose when the stop button is pressed.

Students will never again be able to equate what prize they earned with the teacher choosing it.  Instead, it is completely random per the spinning wheel!

While those are all good tips, school in the real world looks nothing like you think it will according to a textbook.

The Best Effective Classroom Behavior Management Strategies

Whether you are teaching Kindergarten or any other grade level, classroom management involves motivating students (whether that’s internally or external motivation), making sure to engage students to be a part of the discipline plan, and then giving students choices.

Everyone wants to feel a part of a team working towards an end goal – and that you have a say in how you get there and what the goal is as well.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for classroom management? This 105 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 16 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:
-Tattling
-Using Peer Pressure to Solve Behavior Issues
-Utilizing a Simple Plastic Cup for Your Mgmt Plan
-Creating a Simple Token Economy
-A Character Building Game
-Group Work Mgmt Tips
…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Lesson plans that encourage students to be a part of teaching and learning aren’t any different than planning for how you wish for them to be expected to act during those times.

Spending more time modeling (talk volume ranges, how to ask to use the restroom, etc.) can be a huge effect on the outcome – and definitely showing how group work management should flow as well!

What Classroom Management Techniques Work Best for You?

Here is a list of several options of classroom management systems in which you could try in your classroom. Keep in mind that every student is not the same. What works for one, might not work for all.

You will need to implement individual accommodations depending on the set of students and the teacher.

• Cooperative Learning Group Work Roles Made Easier
• Does Screaming At Your Class Work? {Classroom Management Tips}
• Classroom Management: Why & How
• Classroom Management: Peer Pressure
• Teaching Tip: Keeping Students Engaged

Spin the Wheel Challenge

How about a fun take on a classroom management behavior reward system?   I am calling it “Spin a Surprise!”

Pretty much everyone loves surprises, right?  This idea can be used with any behavior management system you already have in place in your classroom.

When it is time for a student to pick a prize, instead send him or her to the fun spinning wheel to choose a prize!

All envelopes are blank on the outside so they never know what they will get!

Here is how to set yours up and a few logistical tidbits to keep the rewards easy to maintain:

1.  Get one of these.  Now, the box says it is $35, but I scored mine on Hobby Lobby’s website for 50% off.  I am guessing you should be able to find them other places as well.

2.  Put it together.  You will need a hammer.  Other than that, everything else is included in the box.  I felt pretty accomplished after assembling.

3.  Find some cute library card pockets and inserts.  These ones were mini sized found at my local craft store.

Can’t find any you like or in your classroom theme colors?  Make your own by downloading the freebies files below.

After assembling (super easy to fold and glue or tape), put a prize on the insert cards, leaving room at the bottom for student names.

Make the prizes be something you do not have to pay for.  Most students love eating lunch or breakfast with the teacher as much as a sticker.  Or getting the chance to work with a friend on a project which may never happen otherwise.

Now, one suggestion that you won’t see in the picture because of the glare (but you SHOULD do):  After placing the prizes on the cards, LAMINATE each.  There is a reason for this.  Keep reading.

4.  Last, clip your pockets on the wheel and you have a super fun incentive for students to reach their behavior, homework, or reading goals!  This basic idea can work for whatever you wish to hone in on during the year.

Now – after a student earns his or her spin, he or she spins (gently) and gets the closest pocket with a card inside.  (If there is no card, go with the next closest pocket with a card inside).

The student takes out the card and writes his or her name on the card with a dry erase marker (which is why we laminated them), and hands it to you.

You then place the card on the corner of the board somewhere.

On Friday (or whatever “rewards” day you want), ALL students get to redeem their reward during the same day.

You can then start over again the following week by erasing the student names, replacing the card in the pockets, and repeat.  Makes it easy to keep track of throughout the week and not taking the chance of forgetting anyone’s prize (been there, done that).

NOTE: Can’t find a “Clip and Spin”? Maybe try a “prize wheel” like THIS ONE. Same idea. Just clip the prize pockets to the board with binder clips instead.

Would you like to know step-by-step routines that put teachers back in control in just 4 weeks?

Download the FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit now!

How else could you use this spin the wheel tool in your classroom?  We would love to hear in the comments below.

Need some pockets and cards to print and go?

I’ve got you covered! Download them below.

~Charity

The post Spin a Surprise {Classroom Management} appeared first on Organized Classroom.

I know for me, I have always used an easel or chart stand in my various classrooms from kindergarten to sixth grade.  I love being able to teach from the carpet and use a pocket chart or chart paper as opposed to students sitting in desks and looking at the board.

Students are far more likely to pay better attention if they are seated in close proximity, they can easily get up and make it an interactive activity at the chart, and it’s a nice break to sit somewhere other than a hard desk chair for hours on end.

Finding a good way to hang your pocket charts can be difficult if you don’t have a pocket chart stand provided in your classroom.  Our guest blogger Denise has an idea that just may rock your world.  Enjoy!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom environment?  This 108 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 16 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy DIY Projects for Making Mundane Office Supplies Cute Again
• New Ways to Use Old Supplies
• A Quick Tech Tutorial that Will Save You Money on Classroom Decor
• Unique Ways to Use Binder Rings
• Student Desk Straightening Tips

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

I’ve been saving up this great tip just for you, the fantastic readers of the OC Blog!

I love pocket chart activities. I sincerely do. I do not, however, love the actual pocket chart. I suppose it’s actually the chart stand that gives me trouble.

The chart stands supplied by my district are really not chart stands, they’e actually chart tablet holders. This presents a problem.

The stand is a good 6 inches shorter than a standard pocket chart. So hanging a pocket chart from the stand always left extra space on either end of the chart. I tried just tucking the ends under, I double stick taped them down, I tried stapling them, but in the end, it was just a bad fit.

Does this look familiar?

Just a sad, sad state of affairs. I really needed to buy an actual pocket chart stand (especially since a child got sick all over this one last year – yuk!) but a real chart stand can cost around $100!

I didn’t want to buy a new one of these even though they were less expensive because I was sick of the saggy, ill fitting chart problem.

How to make a DIY pocket chart stand

Then one day, I walked into a friend’s room and I saw a thing of beauty! A clean, white, lightweight chart stand that actually fit the chart perfectly – and it was on wheels!!

I gushed about it to my friend and told her how lucky she was to have such an awesome chart stand (the things we teachers get excited about, right?) I was rolling it back and forth and marveling at its clean lines and wider frame that was obviously made for the pocket chart when she looked at me like I was insane and said six words that rocked my world, “It’s a garment laundry rack from Target.“

What?

Just as I was trying to process this, she further blew me away by telling me it was only $10! TEN DOLLARS!

Look at the improvement. Isn’t it breathtaking? (ok, I might be overreacting, but it’s darn awesome!)

Am I right?

I even bought a new pocket chart to celebrate. It was seriously time. Look at how yellow my old pockets were!

It feels like a breath of fresh air in my room when I look at this thing.

Here’s what it looks like in the box. If you have a Super Target, it’s not near the laundry soap, laundry baskets and irons, it’s actually clear across the store near the closet stuff. I learned this the hard way.

Or you can grab something similar on Amazon HERE.

There are a few little drawbacks if I’m being completely honest, but to me the positives far outweigh the negatives.

1. It is not adjustable. This is ok with me though, you can see it fits the length of the chart pretty well. I also have a very sturdy little step from IKEA that my shorties love to use if they can’t reach the top.

2. You have to figure out a way to hook the chart to the stand. My friend used ribbons, which was very cute. I used some ball-chain keychains I had because they are all the exact same length.

3. It does roll, which I happen to love because I move my chart all over depending on what I’m doing and who I’m working with, but I’m not sure if you’ll find that a pro or con.

Would you like to know step-by-step routines that put teachers back in control in just 4 weeks?

Download the FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit now!

I hope my little discovery brightens your life like it did mine. Even if you already have a great chart stand, now you can afford to have another one so you can have two pocket chart activities going on at once!

What should I display on my chart stand?

So many ideas…

• classroom pocket charts – everything from an attendance pocket chart to a sentence strip pocket chart
• calendar – do some daily calendar math as a group from the floor
• storage rack – use it as a spot to store extra supplies in the pockets, such as pencils, scissors, glue, calculators, and more
• flip chart – a great spot for a “make-your-own-sentence” flip book with your chart stand
• anchor chart holder – use o-rings to hold all your laminated anchor charts for the year and use the chart stand as an anchor chart library for review
• chart paper – write down center rotation groups to display for easy reference

Well, my OC Blog buds, have a fantastic week filled with lots of love and laughter and I’ll see you again!

Do you have other ideas for using chart paper stands in the classroom?  Feel free to leave them in a comment below!

Want something fun to display on your pocket chart and your new stand inspired by Denise’s post?

Here are some “Berry Good Fun Pocket Chart Header Signs” of you to print and display. Just print, cut, and add to your pocket chart. Then write each student name on a small sentence strip. Place the student names under the correct heading – and change daily, weekly, or as needed!

There are even 6 blank tags you can print and add your own headings if you need something different than what is included.

Click here to email your freebie

Enjoy! ~Charity

The post Pocket Chart Make Over appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Not only do these displays add color and personality to the space, but they also create a positive and exciting atmosphere that students will love.

Let’s explore some easy and creative bulletin board ideas that are perfect for the start of the school year.

Get ready to welcome your students with the best back-to-school bulletin boards!

“Ideas That Soar” Hot Air Balloon Theme

Let your students know that their ideas are valued and have the power to take them to new heights! Create a hot air balloon-themed bulletin board using bright and colorful paper cutouts. Encourage your students to write down their ideas or goals for the year on small clouds and attach them to the balloons. This interactive display will not only showcase their creativity but also remind them to reach for the sky.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for Back to School?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy Bulletin Board Ideas
• Quick Classroom Decor
• Fundraising Hacks
• Getting Parents On Your Side Right Away

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

“School of Cool” Sunglasses Theme

Add a touch of coolness to your classroom with a sunglasses-themed bulletin board. Cut out sunglasses shapes in various colors and sizes. Invite your students to personalize their own sunglasses by writing their names on them. Arrange the sunglasses on the board with the words “School of Cool” or “Shades of Success.” This bulletin board will instantly add a hip and fun vibe to your classroom.

“Love to Learn” Heart Theme

Spread the love for learning by creating a heart-themed bulletin board. Cut out large hearts from pink, red, and purple paper. Write the subjects or topics that your students will be studying throughout the year on the hearts. Arrange them on a neutral background with the words “Love to Learn” in bold letters. This display will remind your students that learning can be enjoyable and exciting.

“Welcome Aboard” Nautical Theme

Set sail on a successful school year with a nautical-themed bulletin board. Create a background with blue paper or fabric, and add waves using a scalloped bulletin board border. Use anchor cutouts and ropes to decorate the corners of the board. Write “Welcome Aboard” or “Anchors Away to Learning” in bold letters to greet your students. This bulletin board will make them feel like they are embarking on an exciting educational journey.

“Best Teacher Crew” Superhero Theme

Show off your teacher superpowers with a superhero-inspired bulletin board. Design superhero capes with colorful paper and add the names of your students. Arrange the capes on a dynamic cityscape backdrop. Write “Best Teacher Crew” or “Superheroes of Learning” to acknowledge their superhero abilities. Your students will feel special and motivated to be part of your teaching team.

Out of This World Theme

I was thinking about Back-to-School Bulletin Boards as a random thought this morning and remembered a really fun idea that I came up with when I was our third grade team leader.

Every grade level in our school had a bulletin board in the main hallway that needed changed every month, so of course, we all took turns. 

But the first one was always a fun board that welcomed the parents and students into our school, so I really wanted something out of the box. 

While I don’t have any pictures of the bulletin board from that year (what was I thinking?), I can show you a quick example I threw together this morning so you get the idea:

1.  Find someone with a Mac.  Maybe there is a way to do it on a PC, but I don’t think so.

2.  Grab all the teachers on your team.  We actually were all together for pre-service training so I scooped all 8 of us up during a break in the training to shoot some pictures quickly.

3.  Open Photo Booth and pick the Space Alien Effect.  Every person needs to take a picture looking as silly as possible.  Side note:  if someone is drinking water while this is happening, chances are that it might end up on the floor from laughing so hard at everyone’s images, so no liquids are best.

4.  Back at home or at school, print off everyone’s pictures in color and cut the head only out of the picture.

5.  Take the pictures and put on the bulletin board, leaving a little space behind the picture to put some neon pipe cleaners.  Twist and roll the pipe cleaners in different directions so they appear to be your antennae.

6.  Add a fun title like “Third Grade is Out of this World” and call it a day.

It is easy, fun, and trust me when I tell you that it was the HIT of the opening day bulletin boards that year with staff, parents, and students all stopping by to check it out, even if their child was not in our grade level.  LOL!

Would you like a free printable title for this board idea? Grab it below!

Need a quick idea (or 18!) for a Back to School board?   I’ve got you covered!
18 files in one spot!

Each includes directions, premade printable title letters, borders, and student name accents.  You simply need a student roster and a printer.  Easy and lots of choices!

Includes:  Legos, shamrocks, writing, cookies, Tootsie Rolls, dogs, space, sunglasses, fish, gummy bears, buckets, rulers, calculators, owls, wild animals, bees, dinosaurs, and candy themes!

Click HERE to Get Your 18 Sets Now!

The start of a new school year is an opportunity to create a positive and inviting classroom atmosphere.

By incorporating these easy and creative back-to-school bulletin board ideas, you can transform the walls of your classroom into a visually appealing and inspiring space.

Ideas will soar, students will feel welcome, and the love for learning will be fostered. So, let’s get decorating and set the stage for an amazing school year!

Do you have a great back-to-school bulletin board to share?  We would love to hear your ideas below in a comment!

Have fun!

~Charity

The post Back-To-School Bulletin Board Ideas! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Create a “learning triathlon” comprised of these three distinct teams.  Make it into a competition and the students will find novelty in this seating arrangement.

How else could you use this seating arrangement in your classroom?  Feel free to share in the comments below!

You might want to check out:

Want an AD-FREE resource book of all seating charts in one easy-to-print format?  188 pages in total!  Now available in our Bookstore!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Grab a printable handout of this seating chart!

Click here to email your freebie

~Charity

See ALL the Seating Chart options HERE.

The post Classroom Seating Chart: Three-Timer appeared first on Organized Classroom.