I’m returning to school in 2 days and have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it’s work 😱😱😱, and on the other, I’m excited about some of the new ideas and strategies I’m bringing into the 2023-2024 school year!
A few weeks back, I downloaded a copy of Michael Linsin’s The Classroom Management Secret on my brand new Kindle Paperwhite 😎 and learned a few principles I wish I had a long time ago. With new inspiration and insight, I’ve compiled a wealth of new ideas and set out to strengthen my classroom management practices this year. It’s going to be a challenge, but a good challenge has never stopped me!
My Tools
A few tools I’m relying on for overall success are as follows:
Organization
- iPad (10th generation)
- Apple Pencil
- Pencil Planner (app)
- Reminders (app)
- GoodNotes (app)
- Google Calendar (app)
In order to stay organized, I’m using an iPad with accessories and apps to keep track of tasks and events on the day-to-day. I ditched my paper planner and subscribed to Pencil Planner to help keep track of important dates and to-do’s. Pencil Planner works like any other digital planner, but what I really appreciate is the ability to set reminders that sync with iOS’s native Reminder app. This is extremely useful, as I can scribble in reminders on my iPad and have them sync to directly to my iPhone and MacBook Air. The ability to sync plan to all my devices will make staying on top of things super easy, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.
Creation
- Google Suite
- Cricut Explore 3
- Cricut Design Space
Of course, Google Suite has everything I need to build slideshows and create resources as needed. But the true star this year is going to be my Cricut Explore 3, and IYKYK. I frequent Facebook Marketplace and found an amazing deal on a brand new machine. We were required to update bulletin board every other month last year, and it wasn’t exactly easy. At one point, I ended up drawing and cutting out my bulletin board letters by hand, emulating a font I found online 😅. Needless to say, setting up bulletin boards is going to be much easier this year, as the Cricut is going to cut my letters out for me. I did some experimenting and already have my data wall and student work board letters packaged and ready to go for this year. I even made a few custom decals for my water bottle, tumbler, and laptop that are now available in my Etsy store!
New Resources
When it comes to creating custom classroom resources, Google Suite is my go-to. I caved and purchased the Hand Signals signs from Teachers Pay Teachers, and a few of the other can be downloaded for FREE from the Classroom Camp TPT store.
Anchor Charts
- Classroom Rules
- Classroom Consequences
- Voice Levels
- Hand Signals
- “Class in Progress” Sign
- “Water Bottle” Sign
Documents
- Behavior Think Sheet
- Technology Violation Letter (Template)
- Refusal to Comply Letter (Template)
- Discipline Letter Tracker
The behavior management process in Mr. Harris’s classroom is going to much stricter this year, and I needed a few resources to make that happen. I’ll have 2 timeout/isolation desks in my room with think sheets and premade letters for sending home to parents. These ideas were taken straight from The Classroom Management Secret, and I’m pretty confident they will help me smooth out a few issues I had last year!
Final Words
I’m looking forward to the upcoming year and can’t wait to report back on how everything turns. Keep checking back for more updates, free resources, and all the good stories you don’t want to miss! That’s all for now!
