Shop Subscribe

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

Classroom must haves for teachers plus essential teacher supplies, lesson plans and activities.

schoolyard-logo
  • Education Essentials
  • Inspiration & Planning
  • Learning Spaces
  • Topics
  • Search
  • < Previous post
    Next post >
    5 Essential Signs for Every Classroom

    Back to School
    School Specialty • Oct 6, 2015 • Last Modified: Nov 15, 2017

    5 Essential Signs for Every Classroom

    Decorating the classroom is an essential part of any educator’s back-to-school routine. For elementary school teachers in particular, classroom decorations can be an essential part of students’ school experience. Keeping important information in a large, colorful, easy-to-notice area will keep it fresh in students’ minds.

    Weekly and Monthly Calendar

    A good calendar is the lifeblood of a classroom. Children do well in structured environments where they know what to expect next. It’s a smart idea to maintain an up-to-day weekly calendar that is laminated so that you can update it with a marker. Include times of lessons and special classes. In addition to the weekly schedule, a monthly calendar can help students learn the days of the week and the seasons. At the beginning of each month, discuss upcoming holidays or special events associated with that season.

    Birthday Charts

    Birthdays are a big deal in the classroom. Give each student a chance to celebrate by creating a laminated birthday chart. Placing a small cupcake or balloon with each child’s name and birthdate will help you keep track. Don’t forget to celebrate summer birthdays in May or June before school gets out.

    Classroom Rules

    A classroom rules chart keeps everyone on the same page about the level of decorum expected of students. Consider the following rules: listening when others are talking, working quietly, keeping hands and feet to yourself, finding appropriate ways to express feelings, getting permission from the teacher before leaving the classroom, being responsible for your actions, and cleaning up a workspace when finished.

    Student Helper Charts

    Being a student helper can be a fun experience for young kids. First, it’s important to decide whether you will name a single classroom helper at a time or divide responsibilities between several helpers at once. Then, you’ll need a classroom sign that designates who the current helper is and who’s on deck. Consider the following roles: clean-up monitor, line leader, caboose (for the end of the line), librarian, board eraser, pledge leader, and zookeeper (if you have any classroom pets).

    The best student helper charts designate roles and allow you to place a laminated card or cutout with a student’s name in it next to the role. Go over roles at the beginning of each school day to ensure that students know what’s expected.

    Neat Work Prompt

    It’s easier for students and teachers alike if work conforms to a classroom standard of neatness. Hanging a chart reminding students to check spelling, erase mistakes, and circle correct answers helps kids remember the rules.

    Recommended

    Seize Today, Transform Tomorrow: Back to School Planning Starts Now

    Back to School

    Seize Today, Transform Tomorrow: Back to School Planning Starts Now

    Simple Everyday Ways to Help Kids Practice Math: Winter Edition

    Math

    Simple Everyday Ways to Help Kids Practice Math: Winter Edition

    Designing Effective Specialty Spaces in Schools

    Learning Spaces

    Designing Effective Specialty Spaces in Schools

    9 Easy Halloween Costumes for Teachers

    Celebrations & Themes

    9 Easy Halloween Costumes for Teachers

    Explore The Schoolyard

    Education Essentials

    Inspiration & Planning

    Learning Spaces

     

    TopicsShop Subscribe

    Copyright © 2023 School Specialty, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement · Social Media Statement · Do Not Sell My Personal Information - CA Resident Only

  • CATEGORIES

    • Education Essentials
    • Inspiration & Planning
    • Learning Spaces
  • TOPICS

    • Arts & Crafts
    • Early Childhood
    • Special Needs
    • Physical Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Student Resources
    • Organization & Storage
    • Classroom Management
    • STEAM & STEM
    • 21st Century Learning
    • Reading & Literacy
    • Healthy Students
    • Teacher Life
    • Back to School
    • Celebrations & Seasons
    • Out of School
    • News
    • Math
    • Science
    • Topics
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube