Some teachers like to create one, unified theme for their classroom. Others will focus more on displaying students’ work, while yet others take the “minimalist” approach. No one style is better than another, but they are all intended to create a community within the classroom, an inviting place that encourages students to learn. This month
continue reading

Written by ClassDojo If you’ve been watching the education technology space, you will have seen a flurry of tools for teachers being released every day. The majority of these focus on delivering content in new or different ways. Very few of these tools, however, aim to solve the other really huge problems for teachers and
continue reading

Idea By Brian, Teacher in Titusville, FL At the end of the day, I invite my students to sit in a circle, pass a feather around and tell what they liked or what they learned about during the day, as well as how they might do even better tomorrow. In addition, while driving home, I often
continue reading

Idea By Rachna, 4th Grade Teacher, Arlington, VA To bring peace to myself and my students during each instructional day and beyond, I integrate meaningful opportunities that allow us to work and play as a “classroom family.”  First, I ensure that I purposefully integrate plenty of “think-pair-share” opportunities. Students learn just as much from one another
continue reading

Idea By Rachna, 4th Grade Teacher, Arlington, VA In my classroom, I set up a Warm Fuzzies Compliment Box. I have students reflect on why their classmates are valuable members of our community, then use index cards to record their positive observations. (We select names from a bag so that everyone gives and receives one compliment.)
continue reading

Idea By Beverly, 1st Grade Teacher, Jamaica Plain, MA After our usual morning routine (song, chants, rules, etc.) we begin the morning by having a child pass a positive message around our circle.  Each child shakes hands with the next child and repeats the message until it reaches the child who sent it. Sometimes it’s
continue reading

Really Good U: Creating a Positive Classroom Have you ever walked into a classroom where positive energy and enthusiasm seem to come alive? Students are engaged, on-task, and you can actually see the comprehension and learning taking place in their eyes. Behavior problems are few and far between, and the teacher actually looks well-rested. You
continue reading