Improve Your Classroom Behavior Management- Tips For Kindergarten and First Grade

[@TheFortage]

I like the examples you give, acting like the class is in front of you works nicely. I really like the ideas with the marbles. What about taking marbles away?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I don’t like the idea of taking marbles away but again that’s something you will have to decide for yourself. Once earned it’s there’s. It would be like having to give back part of my paycheck. It would probably make them less motivated to have that threat hanging over them. I think denying marbles when taught expectations aren’t met is the way to go. Then repractice to earn the marble. Good question.

[@hmac163]

It is generally a bad idea to remove a motivating contingency once earned. It acts as a punishment procedure, and can be very deflating. They will feel like it didn't matter because one wrong move and it's gone again. It is better to initially provide marbles at a high rate, then slow down the speed, and remind them of how to earn things. It might be okay to say, I wish I could give a reward right now in the marble jar, but I'm not seeing the rules being followed. Then as soon as you do see it, reward. Slowly over time, require more effort for the same amount of reward, or give marbles less often. Be sure to pair the marbles with lots of social praise so that it will be possible to delay giving a marble and provide social praise instead. It's also important to try and make sure the motivating consequence is child-led.

[@TheKnallkorper]

You saying “they don’t know what ‘be quiet’ means” makes me feel better. Some days I feel like I CANNOT get them to stop talking

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I totally know the feeling. Sometimes you can do a 2 minute talk break. They talk for two minutes. It’s a long time. Follow it with some movement and then usually they can give you a little more focus.

[@bechalyn]

I love that you use the actual words that you would say to your class...it's so difficult to apply theories when you never hear anyone put them into practice

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad it was helpful. One of the best experiences I had was being able to go into classrooms and help kids. The crazy thing was is that I got to see a lot of amazing teachers teach. It’s amazing what we can learn from watching each other.

[@lindseyrae8598]

Thank you so much. I just finished teaching fifth grade. I am now interviewing to teach kinder. This was helpful!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m cheering for you to get that kindergarten job. 🙂. I’m glad this video was helpful. 💕. Let me know if you get the job. 😀

[@lisbethdiaz4316]

I just started as a new teacher and I am definitely applying these techniques.. Thank you 😊

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Congratulations. I’m honored to be part of your journey. If you have any questions let me know.

[@lisbethdiaz4316]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun Yes, Thank you so much.. I am back to teach my students again but I feel so anxious at the same time. My question is How can I set discipline in my classroom?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

@@lisbethdiaz4316 Discipline in your classroom has 2 parts. Teaching kids procedures and the expectations with those procedures is the first. Teaching kids what happens when expectations are met or not met is the second. In my opinion having classroom rules are not enough. You have to hang specific behaviors onto those rules. And you need to model, teach, reteach and reinforce the behavior you want. It’s not easy to stay consistent with recognizing the positives and reteaching expected behaviors when students don’t meet your expectations. So for me step one is to teach routines and procedures explicitly. While doing this I heap the positive reinforcement onto behavior done correctly. Step 2 is to teach and reteach when expectations are not met. At times you may feel like all your time is spent teaching about behavior expectations. In my experience the opposite is true. Setting expectations and learning them will save you time later on. Step 3 is to make it fun and easy to follow routines and procedures. That’s why I used tons of songs, chants, cheers and music in my classroom to engage my students with the benefits each one brings. If you didn’t catch the videos on did on this here are some titles with links: How To Use Music T Manage Your Classroom ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpCVYnh8iMmdY6c) 5 First Day Of School Routines and Procedures You Must Start In Kindergarten and First Grade ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHi5e5iaYt59bKc)

[@yenysc9713]

Love your attitude towards children! I took notes of everything, learning from an experienced teacher is a boost, thanks!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

The thing about student behavior is sometimes one thing works with one class and something else with another. The common thread is building relationships, practicing expected behaviors and making compliance feel good and fun. Thanks for your comment. I love it when someone finds a nugget they can use.

[@Le88845]

Thank you so much for your videos! I am a teacher assistant and I have been doing this job for 2 years. I am still struggling with behaviors in the classroom. I learn so much from your videos. The video is so amazing with clear examples and strategies. Please make more videos. I am looking forward for more videos!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for your encouragement. I will try to make more videos soon.

[@shilpadesai-ux5hw]

I would be happy to learn more about classroom management in the kindergarten

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Great!!! I will try to get more videos up asap. 😊

[@nicole-wf4pe]

I’m 23 yet I want you as my teacher Sooo much😭 you're so fun and silly! Haha

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

My students would say “Miss K you’re weird!” I’d tell them that it’s the nicest thing they could say to me. Thanks for letting me know I still got it. 🙂

[@Nadia-yp1kq]

As a new second grade teacher, I found this so helpful!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m so glad you got some ideas. Enjoy 2nd grade. 😀

[@BalletTapJazz]

I’m a school secretary but constantly subbing and spending time alone with groups of kids. I was never trained like a teacher so I feel so overwhelmed sometimes, this is definitely helpful. Now I just need to figure out how to wrangle the teenagers

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Big hugs to you. It’s so hard to be called upon to do something you weren’t trained to do. And here you are educating yourself so you have some tools to do the job. Wow!! You are amazing!!! My best advice with teenagers is to try and give them jobs and responsibilities as much as possible. Watch a proteacher of teenagers and how they interact with the kids. Then try to model some of their techniques.

[@comradecrunch9657]

Im a high-school student just starting a class where I'm going to an elementary school to teach 1st graders science. You have absolutely no idea how much this helped me with making it fun, bless you. ❤

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for sharing. I hope you love going into that class. Maybe it will spark a little something to help you consider being a teacher in the future. Have tons of fun. 🙂

[@rebeccathiede69]

I just want to dispel the myth that young children have very limited attention spans. I’m a 61yo mom of 8, grandma to 17, who has worked as a teacher with many children her entire adult life. I remember a 2yo who sat on the kitchen counter for HOURS watching the construction crew build a new house. I’ve watched a 3yo line up blocks like dominoes on carpet and pick them up over and over again until he got it just right, which took over an hour. I’ve watched many young children sit and look at books for an hour or more. I’ve seen many babies become fascinated with a toy and playing with it for much longer than “2 minutes.” I’ve watched a boy chase bugs in the garden, a couple of girls play house, little ones color pictures, kids building with legos or duplos, etc…. for much, much longer than the standard 5 minutes. The fact is that little children are quite capable of giving attention to things that they deem important and worthwhile. I don’t think we give kids enough credit for their amazing abilities.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Good point. Thanks for sharing your experience and sharing about how with the right activity and the integration of play kids can stay engaged for long periods of time.

[@licmarthadiaz]

I love your tips ! Thank you so much Dear Teacher! :) Good Bless!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad they are helpful to you. 💕God Bess you too🙂.

[@ash785lo]

My class is not too bad theyre amazing and bright they are just super talkative! I do have marble jar, i explicitly explain and give plenty of praise. Maybe more i could use more prasing and better catchy phrases with body movements ! You are great at What you do❤

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Sometimes a super talkative class just needs lots of opportunity to talk. Once I had a reward of talking for 5 minutes after math centers. They loved it but they found out that 5 minutes was a really long time. 😊

[@ajmksmsc2652]

You are such a good teacher thank you for your advice

[@mrsabuela5889]

Thanks, for the WBT 👍🏾I love all you good advise They are very,very helpful 😊

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Glad it was helpful. Always good to see a friend here on KZbin.

[@sydneyhk1]

You are a GOD send thank you!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad this was helpful to you.

[@chelseabrown1260]

Wonderful tips! I have been looking everywhere for advice in this area. I have a 3-year-old in my class who is constantly making unsafe choices. He will climb on the table, hit, run away the list goes on. I have a star jar, I have given him a job in the classroom, lots of positive reinforcement, I have taught him where he can climb and run etc I feel it will just take some time. But any advice on the unsafe behaviour??

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

It sounds like you are doing everything you can. Some kids can’t engage safely with the environment no matter what you do. I don’t have very much experience with kids under the age of 5. A 3 year old has a lot of different needs and abilities than a 5 year old. If I were in your shoes I’d watch the channel “prek pages “. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmazd2N6pM6JmNEsi=wLkDoJOB3cVkO739 She is amazing and I know I’ve seen classroom management videos there. You might even want to contact her directly and ask if she has a plan you can use. This little guy is lucky to have you as his teacher. Keep doing what you’re doing and just keep loving him. Sorry I couldn’t give you more help. 💕

[@DawnGinese-TheSingingNurse]

Great info Angie, I hope your channel explodes because you bring so much to the table. :) Love the marble classroom management tool! :)

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks so much! 😊 You are an amazing gift to the education world too. Thanks for all you do.

[@DawnGinese-TheSingingNurse]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun 🥰💜

[@JustAboutAnywhere]

Thank you!!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m glad it was helpful.

[@THomasJPeel]

Excellent video!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks. I’m glad you found it valuable.

[@christinamiller7871]

Do you think, or have you seen, the marbles work for pre-K?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I didn’t teach pre-k but it might work. Give it a try.

[@captainammy]

Can you please share songs/chants for getting ready for lining up for soecialist lessons, during transitions, and during clean ups?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I will try to make a pdf for you.

[@shlynea21]

can you make a Sub version?!? I have soooo much to learn!!!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Sure. I’ll put it on my video to-do list. Subbing is really hard. Thank you for taking on the challenge of subbing. I hope you know how important you are to the education system. 💕

[@susanalapeyrade-drummond2368]

I absolutely appreciate your video and all you shared. Is this two to three weeks for this to stick?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

It depends on the class. One thing is for sure, they will need to have reminders and be retaught. The key is don’t get upset just say. “Bummer, yesterday we knew how to get to our seat quickly and now a lot of people forgot how to. For those of you who remembered kiss your brain and help me get our class back on track because we are so close to getting that extra recess. I know we can do it so let’s practice that again. “ The biggest thing to remember is if it stops working either: 1 practice practice practice 2. You haven’t been consistent with your expectation and rewards or denial of reward or 3. They are bored with it and you need to switch it up ( maybe replace marbles with spider rings or bouncy balls or mini plastic pumpkins). Hope that answers you question. 😀

[@daciawerchadlo-io9ge]

I love the examples you give. ❤

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for the encouragement. 💕

[@sclark7747]

Thanks for the info- what tips do you have for classroom management for the homeschooling mom of little ones?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Make rewards super concrete and frequent. As a parent it’s a lot harder to draw the line between school behavior and home behavior. It is different. You have the advantage of know what your child holds valuable. Is it time with you? Sleeping in? Time alone? Art supplies? Outside time? I would have a chart and ONE school behavior you want to work on. Lots of praise and noticing the good is key. Then reward. Also make sure you are asking them to do something they can do. Littles can’t sit or stay quiet for long periods of time.

[@s.p642]

How big is your marble jar and I've heard initially you need to fill it up quickly to help motivate them. Is the marble jar a daily thing or can they take a couple days to fill it up?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Not super big. The first time we filled it up it usually took about 3-4 days. It was good for training myself to notice the good as well.

[@MrVane131]

Love your videos! Can you do a video on lesson planning?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Sure. I can do a video on lesson planning. Give me a week or so and I’ll get it done. 👍.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for the kind words and the idea for a video.

[@qianalee5102]

I love the idea os using certain songs to get them to know what to do next. Do you have the songs that you used? I think it will work well with this particular class, they love singing and music!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Yes, I have a playlist of songs I used in this blog post: www.makingthebasicsfun.com/classroom-songs-for-transitions/ I hope that gets you started making your own.

[@jaimemartinez6127]

Great advices, where can I see your podcasts.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for your comment and questions. You can find Rockin This Teacher Thing podcast on almost every podcast platform. Apple podcast, Spotify etc. You can even ask an Alexa speaker to play it😀 I also have a page on my website Making The Basics Fun.

[@Parsonsbae]

We have a kindness jar and use rocks instead of marbles. The kids were good with it at first, and then fell off (we have a couple of students that get other students going).

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

That definitely happens. Here are a few ideas 1- pick a specific kindness you want to see (eg kind words of encouragement or putting others first or not interrupting when someone is talking). Teach what that kindness looks like and then when you see it put a rock in the jar. Also praise the behavior publicly and semi-publicly. That means you also go to the child who was kind and say how they just made the class a better place. It takes more time but I have found that when you get specific with the behavior you want and then add the second praise it helps with the few that don’t want to comply. And it takes them out of the equation. And 2- switch up what you put in the jar. Like during the holidays put small candy canes. Sometimes just switching it up a little helps.

[@Parsonsbae]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun : Thank you 😊 🙏🏼

[@ajmksmsc2652]

Where can I find the video of yours where you use music to cue the students for their next activity?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

It is called "3 Ways I Use Music As My Co-Teacher During The Morning Routine In Kindergarten and First Grade kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6fMl3mfnbKof9k I hope that helps.

[@andreawiatrek94]

This is so awesome 👏 ❤ I’ve been teaching for many years and I find these tips refreshing and valuable. I mostly teach pre-k and kindergarten and positive behavior management with explicit definition of your expectations is the way to go! A marble jar sounds fun!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Thanks for the confirmation from a veteran. I appreciate your viewpoint. 💕

[@henriettecoetser5255]

And how many kids do you have in your class? I have a 6 x 6m class with 45 kids in Grade 1. Second English is not their home language. Maby think of some ideas that will help overcrowded classrooms. I have some of the same rules that I use and they would simply stampede to their seats, stepping on everyone in the way.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

So you are teaching 45, 6 year olds at one time? I don’t have any experience with that. Sorry.

[@tracyramirez8119]

How do you handle it when the same one or two students continue to be disruptive and not follow direction?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I’ve had that and it’s frustrating. Parents can be helpful or previous teachers. Sometimes they will be able to give you some insight. I’ve tried individual behavioral plans. Sometimes they work… sometimes they don’t. What I found works best in most ( but not all) situations is this ( and I have to tell you it kinda mad me mad that it worked but…) It’s giving your hard kids extra responsibility and purpose in class. And then praise them like crazy when they do something even a little to your liking. I know it doesn’t seem fair to the other kids but neither is the constant disruption from the “naughty” kids. After awhile I didn’t have to favor them as much. It’s worth a shot. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@neridiaz7447]

PLS. I need HELP!!!! 😢 I am new Teacher in Kindergarten and this is my 2nd week in the class. Today 2 student in KG 2 fight and hit each other with the teddy bear they holding and one pull the other hair,,, no scratch or bruise just one kid cry and one teacher report it to the school councelor so the councelor talk to me. Not a problem but I get surprise how they make it a big deal like, its kindergarten and for me sometimes kids fight and its normal..

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Kids definitely do “just fight” sometimes. I agree. This is my opinion- First step is always letting parents know. Then if you see a pattern and/or the fight gets uncommonly violent then definitely parents and counselors and other help should help support the child. I think sometimes people overreact and then that sets the kid up for getting negative attention and then a label as a “troubled “ kid.

[@samkad-v3o]

How long should 2 year olds sit in circle time?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

That would be a great question for a preschool teacher. (I have no idea ☺️)The channel “PreK Pages” is an excellent resource. 🙂

[@phiaowo3999]

I guess teachers need to take a mimo clown class also to talk to very young chldren 🤣

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Who knew?🤣

[@ravenhobson8665]

right... all this is making me so sad. why did I go into this profession....

[@kellyd.9999]

Any tips for subs?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

Subbing is hard. When I subbed a million years ago I came in prepared with my own set of expectations. I even had them on a mini poster. We’d spend the first part of the day getting to know each other and me establishing my expectations, a lot like I would do the first day of school. And I always had a way for them to earn a reward if they 1) were kind to me and others 2) followed directions 3) worked hard. Then I had some sort of way for them to earn a reward. Maybe a treat in my bag or extra recess or free time. It worked most of the time. One time I had a 5th grade boy that for one reason or another wasn’t going to comply. He did something the last part of the day and pretty much told me that I couldn’t do anything because I wouldn’t be a sub the next day in his class. I surprised him the next day when I showed up at lunchtime and we sat in the classroom and had lunch. He wasn’t very happy about it but it wasn’t all that bad either. The next time I subbed for that class his attitude improved greatly. I hope that helps.

[@kellyd.9999]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun thank you for the tips. I like that you showed up the next day for the 5th grader. It shows that you mean what you said. I’ve been subbing at a title 1 school and have a handful of kids who are disruptive and disrespectful. I’ve been trying to think of a way to award the good behavior. We can’t give snacks (because of allergies) but might need to get a toy reward or looking for an age appropriate game to play at the end of the day.

[@gwenshehorn5266]

Around how often should the jar/brownie sheet get filled in your experiences? Wondering how often I should be using the incentive throughout the day!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I guess it’s a personal decision. At the beginning of the the year or when I wanted to see behaviors change I did a lot of quick reinforcement so we had a lot of rewards. Then after things were running smoothly I backed off a bit. I think noticing the good the class is doing and rewarding them is fun and beneficial so I did it a lot.

[@ShellBAtoms]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun What would you consider being a QUICK reinforcement? A couple times a day? Once a day? Four times a day? THANKS! I'm co-teaching kinder in 8 days - after teaching 5th! I really need some new skills fast!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

@@ShellBAtoms it depends. (Ugg don’t you just hate it when people say that. 🙁). At first it’s a lot. Like 6 or more times a day. Like every time they do what they are supposed to do. Then cut back. They will say “don’t we get a brownie?” And you say “yep you get brownies a lot. Back when you were just learning and you were younger you needed a lot of recognition for doing it right. You are older now and I see you doing it right. How do you feel when you are doing it right? Yep. We feel awesome because we are making our class an amazing place. So now we get to know how hard we are working all the time and sometimes I get to surprise you with a brownie. Keep up the good work because I love surprising you. “

[@ShellBAtoms]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun Thanks so much for your response! I get it. I've just moved from 23 years at 5th to kinder, at a school with a lot of behavior issues, due to the economic stressors on their families I had great classroom management with 5th, and know I need some different tricks up my sleeve with kinder. Specifically - tons of reinforcement! I'm going to have to adjust to their shorter attention spans - and so much!!!! There will be a lot learning for all of us, and I'm looking forward to the challenges and the joys! I really appreciate your info!

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

@@ShellBAtoms so glad to help. The relationship are number one. Some of your students are going to have a hard time trusting and feeling confident that they don’t have to be in control. It’s so so soooo hard some days. But you are there for a reason and you are going to be amazing and your students will learn and grow so much. I’m feeling excited for you. 💕

[@alya3aloush]

You were'nt carried away at all😂

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

🤣

[@alya3aloush]

@@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun iam new at this and in the upcoming month parents will attend. Children r'nt really grasping the concepts. English isnt their first language.. they have just memorised the morning songs...iam confused what to do😐

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

@@alya3aloush it may take awhile. Keep teaching it again and again. Make sure to tell and show your students exactly what you want. Also make sure to reward and notice the good behavior.

[@margkropf5541]

Kids today are so out of control that you have to play constant games with them.Constant rewards.Where is the discipline part of it?Non-existent.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

It’s so hard. 😞

[@jengiolando4159]

I would lead u to Pre-K pages. Because this idea is just not happening.

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I love that channel.

[@maggiebaumler5116]

Green group? Red group? Isn’t this per child

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

I did it both ways. Sometimes expecting behavior from a whole group is appropriate and effective sometimes it’s not. You decide what works best for you and what your desired outcome is. Great question. 🙂

[@roraldoii350]

When you are celebrating doesn't the class get riled again?

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

They can get riled again but if you’ve practiced a way to get their attention quickly then it’s ok. A call and response attention getter or some other audio cue. Make sure to practice before hand. I use to say, “talk with you friend and when you hear me say ‘hey hey first grade’ you stop and look at me and say ‘hey, hey Miss K’”. We would practice and each time I asked them to get a little louder or jump up and down while they talked or something really active. So we were actually practicing a “potentially” out of control situation. Sometimes I would say “oh, pretty good of giving me you full attention but not up to the standards of a world class first grade. Let’s try it again because in my class things can get pretty loud and active and I have to know each of my students can handle this kind of fun and learning. You need to show me you can stay in control so no one gets hurt and that I can have you silent and looking at me quickly. If we can do that we can do some very fun activities. If we can’t then I have other activities that will teach you the same thing it just might look like a worksheet and sitting in your chair for a considerable amount of time. Hope that helps you. It boils down to getting really specific with them and practicing. And you can’t be afraid to practice if they aren’t performing to their potential. Do remember they are 5-6 years old and their developmental skills will reflect what they can do and are safe doing.

[@aicram62]

How many people came and said worked "super well"? LOL

[@TeachersMakingTheBasicsFun]

🙂