This one seems like one of those super simple statements that just gets tossed around. Well, guess what? It is and there is a reason for it: it works. What phrase am I talking about? Positive Learning Environment By now we have all heard about the benefits of a positive learning environment. With that being said, I am going to get into some of the stuff that I believe in that might not sit well with some: I don't agree with the "everyone is a winner for participating" era happening right now. I believe in tough love... AND I believe in showingย love. Now before you get too upset, allow me to explain. I think it is great that we celebrate … [Read more...] about Celebrating Each Other for a More Positive Environment
Classroom Management Monday
Aromatherapy for Behavior – Classroom Management Monday
Happy Monday friends! Today's topic is ALL about aromatherapy for behavior in the classroom. About 10 years ago I received my first training on aromatherapy. I worked at Bath and Body Works and we sold essential oils at the time. We had a whole chart on which oils work to help aid in various parts of health. This ranged from stomach aches to behavioral issues. This was SO interesting to me! I thought it was so fascinating that certain scents could affect us in such a powerful way. And you know what? I was totally on board. I know scents affect me. Vanilla totally relaxes me, a good Fall scent brings me ALL the happy vibes, and fruity … [Read more...] about Aromatherapy for Behavior – Classroom Management Monday
Tips for Returning from Spring Break – Classroom Management Monday #4
I hope your Spring Break went well! If you are anything like me, you went home with a pile of stuff that needed attention. You were so happy that you had a WHOLE week to get it done and get totally organized and READY for the final stretch of school. Fast forward to the Sunday before returning and you are scrambling to just get your lesson plans together.... oops! Well more than likely, your students didn't give school a second thought either. So usually the week back can be a little.... hectic? messy? frustrating? You pick the adjective. So here are some tips for returning from spring break. This will makeย the first week or two back a little … [Read more...] about Tips for Returning from Spring Break – Classroom Management Monday #4
Behavior Chart or No Behavior Chart – Classroom Management Monday
There has been a lot of talk in the past few years of ridding behavior charts all together. The whole reason behind this is because it is a form of "shaming." Look, I get it. When I was going through my first professional development course on this, it made perfect sense. Why would you want to display to everyone that a child is "bad?" After that course, I went to my classroom and tore my chart down. And you know what? Behavior didn't get worse. Chaos did not ensue. I continued to use my behavior calendars to send home and communicate with the parents. Other than that, we just went on with our days and it worked. The following year … [Read more...] about Behavior Chart or No Behavior Chart – Classroom Management Monday
Manners – Classroom Management Monday #2
Happy Monday everyone! I am so glad you are here :) If you joined me last week, then you learned a little bit about why I am so passionate about helping you out. Today we will be talking about my NUMBER ONE tip. This is the ONE major thing that I stress to everyone when I talk about classroom management. We need to teach our students manners. I have told teachers this and I often times get mixed reactions. Some say "Yes, that makes sense! That is the problem; lack of respect." While others say "No, that isn't my job." Yes, we could say that it isn't our jobs. While it is true that manners used to be extremely important and usually taught at home, … [Read more...] about Manners – Classroom Management Monday #2
Classroom Management MONDAY #1
Hey, hey, heyyyy! You guys, I am SO EXCITED! Today marks the launch of my new series: Classroom Management Mondays. We all know this is a hard subject. It is a never-stopping-super-fast-revolving-door. It is something that requires constant change. It is something that requires flexibility. It is something that sometimes breaks us. I have dedicated countless hours researching all different types of classroom management for myself to make sure those hard truths listed above were easier for me. I wanted to be on top of the game when it came to this area. With more pressure and larger workloads being put on kiddos at younger ages, the socialization is … [Read more...] about Classroom Management MONDAY #1