Classroom Management - Linky Party

I'm linking up with my bloggy friend, Leigh from Applicious Teacher to talk about my classroom management.

You know, I'm pretty much chef's surprise when it comes to just about anything in my classroom.  I've never found one 'anything' that works for me.  Daily 5?  Gotta tweak it. Centers?  I kinda do those my own way too.  So, it's no surprise that my classroom management is constantly changing, and doesn't hinge on one set system...it's more of a hodge podge.

My school is delving into Conscious Discipline this coming year.  I'm still a wee bit skeptical; but I can give anything a shot.  It's hard not to have the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality.  I feel like classroom management is one of my strengths...but, there some parts of CD that I really find interesting...it's brain based  and that part of it just makes sense to me.  So, we'll see...I could be singing a different tune come next year.  But for now, this is how I roll...

I find that at the beginning of the year, it's important to do two things. Build community and establish clear and defined limits. If it's too grey - our students don't know what to do with that.  I'm not of the "don't smile until Christmas" mentality, but I definitely let the kids know what's acceptable and what's not early on.

Along with that, we do something called "Snoopy Dollars".  The kids can earn stickers for various things and after ten stickers on their Snoopy Dollars they can "shop" in our treasure box.

We fill our classroom's bucket...

We fill out "think sheets"...

And, if needed, we have our own little plans that help us along.  Sometimes it's a "private office" {you know, sometimes you need your own space, away from others who might distract you, or you may distract}...or a visual timer...this one is my favorite.

Or it could be a wiggle seat to help contain {but allow} our wigglies...these are my favorites.  The kids also use them for Book Nooks during Daily 5.  

I did get the ClassDojo app last year but didn't use it.  After reading about it over at Hadar's blog I think I may give it a shot this school year.  

Of course there's the "Magic Word" ...

...that I usually pull out of my hat mid-year.  

So, yeah - pretty much chef's surprise.  I've got more under my sleeve...just like I'm sure you do!

More than anything, I think what helps me with classroom management is the connections I make with the kids.  The little stories I tell them about myself and my family.  The moments they share about themselves as people and make connections to one another. The conversations we have about being leaders, respecting others and their learning and of course, respecting ourselves....

Sporting something like this always helps...

You must own a pair of these glasses...wakes your snoozers up!!!!
Isn't that dog the cutest?!?

For other great ideas...go check out Leigh's linky party!