

Creative Harmony Day activities for the classroom
Harmony Day is one of my absolute favourite days to celebrate in the classroom! It’s all about embracing inclusivity, diversity, and the amazing cultures that make our communities so special....
If you're a new teacher starting your journey in the classroom, first of all: CONGRATULATIONS! It's such an exciting milestone, and it's completely normal to feel excited, nervous, even a little overwhelmed at times.
With years of experience in the classroom, I understand the challenges you may face – from your little learners having first day jitters to temper tantrums of epic proportions (lol, eek!) and everything in between.
That's why I'm here to share some valuable classroom management strategies to help you navigate through your first year with confidence and composure. Even if you might be sweating it on the inside … with these classroom management tips, no one will ever know!
Early elementary and primary school students look to you for guidance on how to behave in the classroom. Trust me, setting clear rules from the beginning is essential to establish expectations. While it may be tempting to ease up on the rules as the year progresses, it's crucial to maintain consistency. Create a visual display of classroom rules to keep the rules top of mind with your little learners. I love to phrase your rules from a positive stance. For instance - rather than saying ‘no running in the classroom,’ try a positive statement like ‘we walk safely in the classroom.’
Creating a supportive environment for your little learners is key to effective classroom management. Adopting a growth mindset approach helps students develop a positive outlook on their abilities and fosters a sense of community. Encourage students to reframe self-criticism and praise their classmates' strengths. By modelling a growth mindset, you become a role model for your students. I’m so passionate about embodying a growth mindset I’ve created Growth Mindset Posters and Motivational Posters in EVERY decor theme. Plus I’ve written an ENTIRE blog on how to support a growth mindset in your classroom. It’s absolutely one to add to your reading list!
Maintaining control in the classroom requires assertiveness without losing your cool. Sounds simple but it’s not easy when you’re experiencing sensory overload and answering the millionth interruption and it’s only 10am. I’m a big fan of using the tactical pause to regain students' attention and name dropping to redirect off-task students subtly. If a firmer redirect is necessary, avoid being forceful. Offer students a choice, such as returning to the task or sitting at your desk, to restore ownership. And if the volume levels in the classroom need a little work, then you’ll want to grab my Voice Levels Displays and my Hand Signals Posters. Seriously, your ears will thank you!
Even with the best classroom management strategies, there may be times where your little learners' reactions are out of your control. Remember that student behavior is not always a reflection of your teaching. Stay calm and rational, providing a supportive presence for your kids as they work through challenges and develop their emotional regulation skills. Some of my favorite ways to help do just that is by including an Affirmation Station and a calm corner in my classroom. You can even involve your class in the process of creating the affirmations as a fun and collaborative activity.
Visual aids are powerful tools to enhance classroom management, especially for early years students. Display visual cards that provide information about daily activities, reducing repetitive questions and fostering independence. Seriously, you will be asked the same question a SQUILLION times and while it’s cute at first… it gets old fast. Some of my favorite displays to include on your walls are Time Tables to help your little learners predict what’s next and Classroom Jobs to give your students a sense of ownership and responsibility for the day-to-day happenings in the classroom. After all, it’s their classroom, too!
I’m going to keep it real with you, being a new teacher comes with its challenges, but the rewards absolutely make it worthwhile. Remember, there are so many different teaching styles and it’s important you find yours and embrace your unique approach.
By implementing these classroom management strategies and utilizing all the resources I’ve created, you'll be well-equipped to cultivate a calm and productive learning environment for your students.
Your little learners are SO fortunate to have a kind, passionate, and generous teacher guiding them through this exciting year.
Teacher and Founder of Miss Jacobs Little Learners. If you’re dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of your students – I’m here to help you.
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