2 easy classroom management

Well, first, I have to tell you that I have had lack of pictures lately because I am currently packing up my classroom.  I have been asked to move to SECOND grade next year.  I've spent my entire career (of course, that's just 13 years) in K-1, so this is a big move!  The best part is that I'm moving back to my old room, that I was just in love with.  My current room lacks a lot of things... I'm not looking forward to moving a classroom when 7 months pregnant and during the humid, hot summer... but I know I have a great support system at school with many willing helpers.

Here are 2 things I do in my classroom that help keep me sane.  Hope that I can help you too!
 
1. Nametags.  I HATE how kids pick at their nametags.  It doesn't matter what you do, the little fingers ALWAYS find it.  Tape under, over, ends...  Velcro...  Last year, I decided to move the nametags to the sides of the desks, and use magnets.  We use our nametags for many things, from spelling names at the beginning of the year to using the numberline for math.  I didn't want anything permanent-so the magnets work perfectly.  The kids can take the name tags off at any time to put on their desks... you know, for substitutes or guest speakers--or to use to spell, add, subtract.

The best part??  No more dragging desks when it's time to move seats.  I have the kids take their belongings out of the desk and move their stuff and name tag to the new seat.  What used to take 15-20 minutes to drag desks, now take less than 5 to get settled!

2.  Table names.  Those table names should have a purpose.  Why have something hanging that kids look at ALL the time that isn't very useful?  I got these fabulous cards from Creative Teaching Press.  I laminated them and use a wipe off marker to rename the tables every few weeks.  I pick high frequency words that are tricky.  BUT, when I move to second grade, I plan on using vocabulary words and even some math facts!  The possibilities are endless, and since I can easily wipe off what's there, I can do whatever I want!

You can find these fabulous mini posters at Creative Teaching Press {HERE}!  They are WELL worth the money!  (There are also a variety of other designs that could work too!  My room has a lime and turquoise feel, so I went with the Dots On Turquoise!  They are the 10" cut outs!)