Preschool & Pre-K Classroom Management

Classroom management for Preschool and PreK can be challenging to say the least! In this video I walk you through a typical day in my class explaining how I handle situations that arise as well as things I do to prevent behavioral problems along the way. with a lot of patience, practice, and repetition...you can have a great year! Don't be afraid to reset at any time and try something new...it's never too late to change things to make your days easier and better!

[@parsonsperson]

I love this, especially how you emphasize building the relationship and making connections. I am working as a substitute preschool teacher and am hungry for as much guidance as I can find.

[@sanhere1]

I’m here as a substitute too 😊

[@godisgood678]

We are a lot alike, starting with the strict policy at drop off! 👍🏻 This is my 28th year! Still enjoying it! 50 students; 5 teachers, 10 kids per teacher; 1 full-time Aide; 1 part time Aide! We have a structured, organized, fun, preschool! Lots of happy parents! We have SO many similarities! God bless!

[@teachpre-k101]

I love meeting kindred spirits! I LOVE teaching these littles...it keeps me young on the inside for sure!

[@teachpre-k101]

I'm so happy to hear that! I love finding a kindred spirit! Sorry it took me so long to respond...this didn't show up in my "comments".

[@katherinecurrier8471]

I love the hand in lap reminders and using choices to avoid power struggles

[@teachpre-k101]

I'm so glad! Thank you so much for leaving a comment, let me know if there is any way I can help you in the future!

[@WhiffleWaffles]

I'm a first year teacher and got a teaching position as a preschool teacher for 3 and 4 year olds. I've been in school for this and everything else, but I'm so nervous!! I do wish we got a chance to see the beginning of the year during student teaching so I could've had more ideas on what orientations or the first week looks like, but this video helps so so much with that and more! Thank you for this video. ❤️

[@teachpre-k101]

Thank you so much! The first year is always a little rough at first. It takes a minute to get your feet under you and figure out your teaching style. Take it slowly, spend more time than you think you need on routines and procedures. Just know that there are days that will seem like absolute chaos...that is perfectly normal. I still have those days...its 3-5 year-olds...it is naturally chaotic! Give yourself grace and patience!

[@LuzNRamos-bt7xn]

I find Breathing Techniques also help before starting our morning meeting/transitions throughout the day

[@teachpre-k101]

I do breathing techniques too! It can be a real lifesaver!

[@andreawiatrek94]

Thank you for this beautiful explanation of your day. You’re helping us teachers get our classroom management together. No matter how many years I do this I get so nervous 😅. So many tips ❤❤❤

[@teachpre-k101]

You are so welcome! I sam the exact same way...first day jitters for sure! I start tomorrow!

[@silverose1209]

Thank you so much. I really needed this as I prepare for back to school!

[@teachpre-k101]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck this year! I have a feeling this year is going to be better than the last...right?

[@JeanLitvin]

This is spot on. Very good suggestions for those who struggle with these challenges. I hope that those who see this understand that this approach can be done.

[@teachpre-k101]

Thank you. I really appreciate that!

[@강은정-t2s]

This information so helpful how I prepare coming new school year. Thank you!

[@teachpre-k101]

Glad it was helpful! you are so welcome! Are you Korean? I noticed the writing...my husband is Korean.

[@alingw0809]

Loved this, thank you so much. I've been at my first childcare job for just under a month and this will be so helpful.

[@teachpre-k101]

Glad it was helpful! Its a LOT taking car of littles! Thanks so much for all you do. Thanks also for watching and leaving a comment

[@Victoria_15]

Thank you so much I just realized I need to know who my kids are like their likes and dislikes something so simple blew over my mind 💕💕💕 thank again I appreciate this video

[@teachpre-k101]

The more you know your kids, the better your relationships will be, and the easier classroom management will be. It also makes your classroom a community...point out similarities so the kids realize how alike they are...it really works!

[@itsjohnny4267]

First year teacher here, but it’s my 12th year working in education. I thought switching from SPED to GenED would mean less stress. But my current group of kiddos really put me to the test this year. Lots of afterschool tears and second-guessing what I thought was my dream job. Thank you for your reminder to show more love and grace (to my kids AND myself). It’s that kind of mindset that brought me through my toughest days working in SPED. Somehow, I’ve lost my way while navigating my new role as THE teacher. With only a few days left until summer, I’m definitely going in each day with a mental reset to function only on LOVE, COMPASSION, and GRACE.

[@teachpre-k101]

It is so hard, I know exactly how you feel. Each year has huge challenges and moments of bliss...take it in stride, go easy on yourself. You are dealing with tiny and sometimes very unreasonable new humans who need a lot of guidance. They can test your patience like nothing else. Just remember that they are brand new to being people and it changes your mindset pretty quick!

[@LuzNRamos-bt7xn]

Have you considered using Second Step Curriculum ? Children enjoy the clean up song on the CD 💿

[@teachpre-k101]

I haven't...I actually have never heard of it. I'll check it out

[@therealsunnylife]

Million thanks

[@DEBORAHMCCOLLY]

Thank you so much Diane!

[@teachpre-k101]

You are so welcome!

[@christinenunes6051]

Great video! Thank you 😊

[@teachpre-k101]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching

[@djthereplay]

Diane, Question 1: If a student wants to chat with their friend, they will do it. The question is would you rather leave them bee and have them be next to their friend and their voices be lower instead of calling out or would you rather separate them from their friend and they call out to their friend and you have a couple of loud children? Question 2: Would you rather sit a child next to another child that they get along with and Your Problem is the chatter or separate a child next to another child that they don't get along with and risk trying to break up a fight or something? #Priorities - Dwight

[@teachpre-k101]

To your first question...I've actually done both. It depends on if there is a lot of physical stuff going on that may evolve into laying on one another, rolling around...etc. I also always give the kids gentle reminders and let them know (depending on the child and level of disruption) I will give them one more chance then I may have to separate them. I always let the kids sit by their friends. It usually takes only a couple of reminders. One instance where I will separate kids is when I know they really don't get along and will end up hitting each other, biting each other or all-out brawling and becoming danger to other kids. I'm totally okay with chatter...they are 3, 4, & 5 for goodness sake! They are going to chat! I'M going to chat with whomever I'm sitting next to in meetings too! The chatter is a fact of life...especially with young children. They are learning and it is up to us to find patience to guide them towards appropriate classroom behavior. To me, chatting at circle time is appropriate and developmentally important to them socially. The kids know I respect them where they are. I let them know when it is a "listening time" and I keep those times short mixed in with call and response, movement, lots of laughs for sure, an sharing. Sometimes I become frustrated when I have a lot of kids chatting at once and I'm trying to read a book...but then I first try changing my voice as I'm reading as an attention-getter, or walking around with the book to show the pictures in a more up-close fashion, or I pop down to the rug and they tend to gather closer and listen a bit more. I would rather try different things to get their attention than putting that responsibility on the kids. I don't know if this was helpful, but I love your detailed questions

[@Nahrin_Assyrian]

I wish you explained how not to power struggle also,when a kid refused to move to another spot what to do ?

[@teachpre-k101]

That is a great idea for another video. Maybe I'll do one on how to diffuse power struggles. For a situation like that, I use a method I learned in reading Love and Logic. I will ask the child to move, If they refuse, I say in a very calm emotion-less voice "Do you want to move there yourself, or do I need to help you?" If they don't move...I gently pick them up and place them where I want them. There is no anger, no frustration, just complete calm. Once I had a little girl who would not apologize to an aid for kicking her and sat on the stair and dug in. it was snack time and she began to demand her snack. I told her she could have her snack and join her friends after she apologized for kicking because kicking hurts and we don't hurt people in my classroom. There was no emotion, just matter of fact laying down the rules and why we have them. Each time she didn't apologize and dug in deeper I just said, "I'm sorry your choice is making you miss eating your snack with your friends". She never capitulated, I never let her have her snack with her friends, her om came to get her, I put her snack in a baggie, told her mom why she made the choice not to have her snack with her friends...the next day came a big apology to the aid and to me and she NEVER did anything to test my patience again. In my classroom I have rules, they are for everyone's safety and my word is the end. I am fun, silly, loving, happy, sweet, kind, and they all know I love them. But they also know I have boundaries, and that there are natural consequences to crossing those boundaries. I NEVER power struggle, because a 3-5 year-old should not have power over anything in a classroom or class society. Little kids having too much power or control over adults makes them feel unsafe and insecure. They may think they want it...but most of the time, they want to know who is in control and that you are going to react the same every time. They also need to know that if they make a poor choice, you still love them and will ALWAYS give them another chance. I had a child psychologist tell me to look at every situation and ask myself "Who is really in charge here?" If it's the 3-5 year old...you are doing it wrong. It has always worked for me. It's not easy...but if you stick to it...it pays off in a big way.

[@Nahrin_Assyrian]

@@teachpre-k101 Thank you , I love your videos

[@veldahunter3717]

This would be a great help for me. I have not talked pre-K in 30 years. This is my 39th year of teaching. The last years I have secondary and graduate level. Now, most of the strategies are used 30 years ago are coming back, however, your video has helped me to remember learn new best strategies. Thank you.

[@harmonytp]

Thank you for this video!

[@teachpre-k101]

You are so welcome!

[@itsadrie7461]

Can you make a video on teaching sight words?

[@teachpre-k101]

I can...I have a really wierd wway of teaching CVC words...I teach a few sight words, but I focus on CVCwords that are easy to sound out. I leave full-on sight word teaching to the kindergarten teachers. It's too much pure memorization for the amount of time I have. I have only 2.5 hours a day with 2 classes per day. I have to focus on very concrete things. I used to wish I had enough to fill the time, now that i've done this forever...I wish I had more time for all the things I want to do! I am heading into summer and there will be at least 2 videos a week coming. I gotta get through my daughters wedding which is 3 days after my contract days...yikes!

[@MarieStewart-d2g]

I love this

[@teachpre-k101]

Thank you!

[@MariaNewman-b9u]

I let the children know that I will be setting timer for three mintues for clean -up time and when the timer goes off we it is clean up, "I also sign a transition song ...I like the way my friends are cleaning that makes me so happy. Changing the environment to reflect the envolving developmental needs of children and provide a variety materials for children's ,explorations, investigating, and discovers. Maintain visual and auditory supervision of. children at all times to ensure safety in the classroom ,outdoors play ares,and on community walks or field trips and maintains accurate attendance records for children,.complete accident and, incident reports in a timely mannner. Maria Newman March 3,2024

[@teachpre-k101]

Maria...you sound like an amazing teacher! I love your suggestions and comments ! All of us have so much to learn from each other

[@shannonbeetem1957]

My biggest worry when I get a class is the first few months. I hear so many teachers that talk about how hard it is to get that self-regulation taught in the first weeks. Anyone seen a video from her on this? I have all the formal education, but the real deal classroom management...scared and need help! :)

[@teachpre-k101]

Hey...thanks for giving me a great idea for a new video! first off...anyone who thinks self-regulation can be taught in a few weeks is crazy! Think of it this way...you one of their guides to self-regulation. They will learn a little bit from you, a little from their parents.their classmates, and other teachers and caregivers. It is an ongoing process, not a goal to be attained. I still don't have perfect regulation...I talk to my friends during faculty meetings all the time! LOL. Get your rules and procedures set in at first...practice over and over. reinforce good behavior even when it is small and rare. Model how to behave. It will take all year...then it will be their next teacher's job to continue your foundation. Take a breath...do your best...you will have good days and bad days...it's all normal. Early childhood education is not easy!

[@zoieshiu8831]

Hello, I have 7 kids alone but it's really hard. They don't listen I am already very kind but firm :)

[@zoieshiu8831]

especially 3 years old they don't care the rules or even they don't understand, the hitting is out of control and not only one has this behavior.

[@teachpre-k101]

oh my gosh! That sounds rough! Can you tell me what your transitions are like? Tell you what...email me at [e-mail] and give me more details, I'll see what I can do to help!

[@Love2teachNYC]

Did you ever have a para or teacher assistant constantly talk over you when you’re trying to circle time or when you’re talking to the kids??

[@teachpre-k101]

YES! It's the worst! What I finally had to do was to tell them that what we needed to do was to let me teach while they quietly redirected students. I had to tell them that my voice is what needed to be heard. I was very diplomatic, but I probably let it go on too long too. Hit that problem right away! You are in charge of the classroom and your rules need to apply to your aides as well

[@Love2teachNYC]

@@teachpre-k101 I actually had a horrible experience this school year and I’ll be teaching in a different school next year. There were just too many problems for me to deal with. Being disempowered as a leader was what needed to happen so that I could grow, and eventually move forward!

[@teachpre-k101]

I totally get what you’re saying. I learned so much from that horrible year. I’m glad you are moving on!

[@jeannenebabor7897]

Your rules eyes watching ears listening is the same as second step curriculum. We sing it eyes are watching ears are listening voices quiet body calm this is how we listen. This is how we listen. At group time, At group time. It’s our classroom rules. It’s our listening rules during large group time. We use it all day? Are you using second step curriculum?

[@teachpre-k101]

i have not heard of 'Second Step Curriculum'. I'm actually going to look it up today to see what it is all about! It's all my own same old words, day in, day out...LOL! The great thing about teaching early childhood is that we all teach in ways that are a little different, and a lot the same. We can learn so much from each other. Early Childhood teachers are some of the most creative teachers out there. We kinda have to be don't we? Thanks for reaching out!

[@jengiolando4159]

12:24 and how are they going to learn to not talk with the adults intervening?

[@teachpre-k101]

They will never 'not talk' that's not the goal. It's all a process. There are no hard and fast expectations. There are procedures and routines and learning how to behave around others.

[@hollymitchell9675]

How many kids do you have in your room? I dont have an aide and have 9 kids but its very hard to get them to listen 😢

[@teachpre-k101]

I have 14 in one class and 18 in another. 9 kids alone is pretty rough and I am sure it is over state ratios for kids to teachers. you may want to bring that up to your director. I have different attention getters like chimes, doorbells, buzzers, singing , clapping etc. Maybe I;ll do a video on those... I would also not let kids who need to tlk or touch each other all the time sit next to each other. give them their own "special" spots on the rug. That makes a world of difference! BE firm, fun and kind, and don't hesitate to have an area near by where they can still see the group area, hear what you are saying, etc...but can go to 'take a 'break'. It should not ever be punitive, but just a "I think you need to some space right now". kind of thing. I'm assuming whole group time is the hardest, because it is for me! They are little and they are learning to listen. Keep group times short, mix active whole-body songs and chants and other activities with sitting as much as you can and continue that throughout the day. I know that I have a really hard time sitting and listening, and I'm 58! The picture-perfect class where they sit and listen like little cherubs and walk like silent soldiers down the hall is not attainable or anything you would want or be able to achieve. pat yourself on the back for each small victory of the day. You are doing a really hard job, and if you care enough to watch videos and ask another teacher for help...you are already doing it extremely well and those 9 kids are lucky to have you. give them lots of hugs today and have some fun!

[@jengiolando4159]

10:59 psuedochoice. Not a real choice.

[@teachpre-k101]

What do you do? I'd love to learn from you. You sound like you have a lot of good ideas! Feel free to share. I love learning from other smart teachers

[@jengiolando4159]

Well i teach american sign language to my people at my program. I have a class of my own, and if u’d like more information on “Pseudochoice” then I recommend u check out a book called Beyond discipline by Alfie Kohn.

[@teachpre-k101]

@@jengiolando4159 Thanks...just looked it up on amazon!

[@jengiolando4159]

It sounds ur wanting compliance instead of inclusive.

[@teachpre-k101]

Actually not at all…I’m curious why you think that. Maybe I’ll learn something about myself as a teacher. I absolutely accept my kids as they are and have very few hard and fast rules.

[@jengiolando4159]

Because from the sound of it, what i’m getting is “my room my way”. Now that may not be what it is but that’s my take on it. Here’s a book for ya: teach skills and break habits by dan st. romain. I have it. It’s an eye-opener.

[@jengiolando4159]

Megg Thompson said u “need new information”. So if ur so inclined, go to megg thompson behavior and ur gonna get what u need.

[@jengiolando4159]

Megg’s video let’s move on from mascots, posters and cutesy things.

[@jengiolando4159]

Another good book is beyond discipline by Alfie Kohn!