The ONLY Classroom Management Resource You Need

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years when it comes to classroom management. KIDS KEEP GETTING HARDER TO MANAGE. And the first thought is always to do more, but I know that your plate is already stacked a mile high, you have had a running to-do list that hasn’t been cleared since August, and you just want to SIMPLIFY! So do it! Yes…I know it doesn’t seem possible, but I am sharing with you (for FREE) my tried and true classroom management resource that helped me once and for all simplify my classroom management.

When it comes to classroom management…I have tried it all (Behavior Boards, Clip Charts, Sticker Charts, Student Trackers, Class Dojo, etc.). SO TIME CONSUMING! For the first seven years, I switched up my classroom management system EVERY single year, because I just couldn’t make it work. I even combined management systems…which gives me a headache just thinking about it. Three years ago, I actually found a behavior management system that has STUCK! Better yet, it has actually WORKED! I have used this classroom management resource game with both first and third grade students and have seen great success. So I know that it will work for you in your classroom if you are looking for something new to try.

Why Whole Group Classroom Management Works

I’m going to let you in on a little secret that might just change your life….are you ready? (*whisper voice*) You DON’T actually need an individual classroom management system. I know…I thought the same thing, “How will I reward my students who are actually following the rules and working hard? They will miss out on getting recognized.” I promise you, this system works. Incorporating this Beat the Teacher Classroom Management Resource into your day will only strengthen your classroom community instead of tearing it apart by individualizing rewards (which can sometimes, unintentionally, do more harm than good – i.e. students not following rules tend to continue to not follow rules or act out more intensely because they rarely earn a reward, or on the flip-side…get more rewards than students who are overlooked because they ARE behaving.)

Now, don’t get me wrong. Not every student will respond to this method. You will have outliers that will need SEL support and/or separate behavior plans. For the majority of students, you will find success with a whole group management system. In the past three years, I have only had one student who has needed a separate behavior plan in addition to this simple classroom management resource.

My Favorite Classroom Management resource

So let’s get down to the details. This classroom management resource is best knows as Beat the Teacher, Teacher vs. Students, or Yes/No. You will need a visual posted so students can easily see and keep track of points. I like to use two ten frames labeled teacher points and student points. It can really be as simple as recording tally marks on the whiteboard though. In the resource, I have included printable point markers that you can laminate and attach velcro dots to for easy assembly and clean-up. (I have actually just used a dry-erase marker in the past, too.)

HERE are my favorite velcro dots.

You can focus on one specific routine, transition, or rule to practice; or you can just simply add points throughout the day when students are demonstrating ANY desired behavior. As students need a reminder or another practice, give yourself a point on your teacher board. It’s really that simple.

Whole group classroom management game

Kids like variety, and to keep whole group classroom management exciting for my students, I incorporate games and rewards. So we begin the school year simple by working toward earning 10 tokens (a token is earned every time the class earns more points than I do). When the goal is earned, we have a class reward (so much easier and more fun/meaningful than individual rewards). I actually like to make the rewards monthly themed, like cookie decorating, pumpkin painting, ornament decorating, “indoor snowball fight”, St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt, etc. I use these reward boards from, True Life I’m a Teacher.

As the year progresses, we can increase the goal add in additional games like Tic-Tac-Toe, 4-In-A-Row, Behavior Land, Turkey Run (Chutes & Ladders), Snowball Fight Challenge, etc. This just makes things a little more exciting for the students. Get your hands on the Growing Bundle of Classroom Management Games. Each time I add a new game to the bundle the price increases. The earlier you purchase, the better deal you get as all the games created in the future will be FREE.

How to modify whole group classroom management

I said it earlier…not every student will respond to this system. Make sure that you really drive home that points are earned as a team effort. I always say, “We either win together, or learn together.”

You will have some students who get frustrated when another student doesn’t help the class earn a point. Use these moments as teachable moments to build classroom community and the sense that everyone is a team. Instead of blaming, use language like, “It’s okay. You tried your best, and you will get it next time.” You will naturally notice students begin to help the strugglers be successful. It will bring a smile to your face!

For our students with behavior factors that are beyond their control, be mindful about how strict/lenient to be with them. Some students will retaliate for the attention factor, and for these friends I just drop them back to an individual system that mirrors the whole group system for a time (the goal is always for them to return to the whole group system). They would get their own punch card, and I keep track of student/teacher points on a sticky note at the edge of their desk. If they beat me, they get a clip on their punch card, and they would work for the same goal as the class to earn their way into the class reward.

next step: download your freebie

As promised, HERE is your free download for the classroom management resource that will simplify your life and support your classroom community.

Want to up level your classroom management game?

If you are looking to master your classroom management from start to finish like a pro, don’t leave without accessing your FREE guide by clicking the link below. I go into detail about how to manage your classroom through an entire instructional block (whole group, small group, and independent time). Download your copy today to begin creating the classroom of your dreams.

Enjoy! And please feel free to ask any questions or let me know how it goes if you try it.