Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world—but let’s be real, it can also be one of the most exhausting! One moment, your students are engaged and focused; the next, someone is crawling under a desk or doing cartwheels during circle time. That’s why strong classroom management is not just helpful—it’s essential.
Whether you're a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro, having a consistent system in place makes everything smoother—for you and your students. In this blog post, we’ll break down simple, practical tips to help you confidently manage your classroom. Plus, I’ll introduce two of my favorite tools: my teacher eBooks and the “I’m Finished, Now What?” classroom management board that keeps early finishers on task and learning.
Let’s get into it!
Why Classroom Management Matters
Classroom management is more than just keeping students quiet or getting them to raise their hands. It’s about creating a classroom environment where learning thrives. With a clear routine and consistent expectations, your students will know what to do, feel safe, and be more likely to engage.
When your classroom is well-managed:
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Transitions are smoother.
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Students feel more independent.
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You feel less stressed and more present.
Good classroom management supports academic success, emotional growth, and a positive classroom culture. It’s a win-win!
1. Build Relationships First
Before you introduce rules or routines, focus on relationships. Students need to feel seen, heard, and valued before they’ll respond well to structure.
Try this:
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Greet each student by name at the door.
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Hold regular “check-ins” during morning meetings.
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Ask about their favorite hobbies, shows, or pets.
A strong connection builds trust, and when kids trust you, they’re more likely to follow directions and contribute positively to the classroom.
2. Create Clear and Simple Rules
Keep classroom rules short, positive, and easy to remember. Instead of long lists of don’ts, focus on what students should do.
Example classroom rules:
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Be kind.
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Follow directions the first time.
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Keep hands and feet to yourself.
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Try your best.
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Raise your hand to speak.
Involve your class in creating the rules. When students help build the expectations, they’re more likely to buy in.
3. Model Everything
Don’t just tell—show.
Modeling helps students understand what appropriate behavior looks like. Whether you’re teaching how to walk in a line, use math manipulatives, or ask for help, modeling removes the guesswork.
Pro tip: Do a lot of practicing and re-practicing in the first few weeks of school. Revisit routines regularly—especially after long weekends or breaks.
4. Set Up Routines (And Stick to Them)
Routines are your best friend. They help students know what to expect—and that gives them confidence and structure.
Here are a few routines to nail down:
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Morning arrival: Where do students put backpacks? What do they do after they enter?
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Transitions: How do they move from reading to math? What’s the voice level during transitions?
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Bathroom breaks: How do students let you know they need to go?
Post visual reminders around the classroom, and practice, practice, practice. Predictability leads to calm.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement
Catch students being good! A simple compliment or smile goes a long way.
Ideas:
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Verbal praise: “Thank you for following directions so quickly.”
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Class points or stickers.
Positive reinforcement doesn’t mean you never correct behavior—it just means you're more focused on what’s going well. And the more you celebrate it, the more it happens.
6. Keep Early Finishers on Task with the “I’m Finished, Now What?” Board
One of the biggest classroom challenges is managing students who finish their work early. If you don’t have a plan, they’ll make one—and it usually involves talking or distracting others.
That’s where my “I’m Finished, Now What?” board comes in!
This simple yet powerful classroom management tool gives students a clear set of choices when they complete their work. It keeps your classroom running smoothly and encourages independent learning.
Examples of “I’m Finished” choices:
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Read a book
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Work on a puzzle
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Write in your journal
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Draw a picture
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Practice math facts
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ST Math or a tech-based option
The best part? You can customize the board to fit your classroom needs. Add choices that reinforce academic skills or social-emotional growth.
You can grab this ready-to-go board from my store OneFabTeacher.com.
7. Use Visual Supports
Visuals are key in elementary classrooms. Students at this age are still developing executive functioning and memory skills. Visual reminders help them stay on track without constant teacher redirection.
Try:
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Visual schedules
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Super Improver Wall
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Voice level posters
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Transition timers
The more you can visually reinforce your expectations, the more independent your students will become.
8. Be Consistent (But Flexible)
Consistency builds trust. If your expectations change daily, students won’t know what’s coming—and that causes anxiety or misbehavior.
That said, every class is different. If something isn’t working, give yourself permission to adjust. The goal is not perfection—it’s progress.
9. Reflect and Refocus
Even the best teachers have tough days. Classroom management isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of thing—it’s ongoing.
10. Keep It Simple and Grace-Filled
Above all, remember this: your students don’t need a perfect teacher. They need a present one. Classroom management isn’t about being strict or getting everything right—it’s about creating a space where your students can be safe, grow, and shine.
If you have a rough day (and we all do!), give yourself grace and start fresh tomorrow. The magic is in the reset.
You Got This!
Classroom management isn’t a one-size-fits-all system. It’s a mix of structure, love, patience, and creativity. With a few strong tools—like clear expectations, visual supports, and positive reinforcement—you’ll set the tone for a calm, connected classroom.
And don’t forget to lean on resources that lift you up, too. My eBooks and classroom management tools were created by a teacher (me!) who knows how overwhelming the job can be—but also how beautiful it is.
Check out my top classroom management resources at OneFabTeacher.com, and let’s make this year your best one yet.