Are you looking for preschool classroom management tips or ideas to make your teacher life easier? You’re not alone! I get hundreds of questions about classroom management from preschool teachers around the world each year.
One of the biggest challenges all preschool teachers face year in and year out is classroom management. That’s why I gathered all my best tips in one place for you here. If you’re ready to up your classroom management game, keep reading!
Preschool Classroom Management
Classroom management in preschool and pre-k is more about the classroom culture and environment than it is about managing young children. Your classroom culture includes how you react to the actions and behaviors of your students. It also includes how well you have established your classroom rules, routines, and procedures, as well as how you connect with your students.
The classroom environment is about setting up your classroom in a way that encourages hands-on exploration and discovery through the use of clearly defined learning centers.
Classroom Routines
When it comes to creating predictable classroom routines that really work in the early childhood classroom, it’s important to identify those routines first. Here’s a list of some of the most important routines you’ll need to establish in order to have a well-managed classroom.
- Bathroom Routine
- Hand Washing Routine
- How to Care for Books Routine
- Fire Drill Routine
- How to Be a Good Friend Routine
- Clean Up Routine
- Centers Routine
- Cafeteria Routine
- Playground Routine
- Making Good Choices Routine
Each of the routines listed above include detailed teacher instructions to make it as easy as possible for you to implement successfully in your own classroom. The most important thing you should know about establishing routines and procedures in your classroom is that it’s never too late. It doesn’t matter if it’s mid-year, end of the year or any time – just do it!
Classroom Management Ideas
One of the most effective classroom management techniques for any early childhood classroom is the visual picture schedule. Having a visual picture schedule that you use and reference regularly throughout the day is the key to having rock-solid classroom management in place.
A good classroom management routine provides balance between active and passive learning time. For example, during circle time, you’ll want to follow any passive activity such as reading aloud, with an active one such as music and movement.
You’ll also want to be sure to incorporate small groups into your daily schedule. Small groups allow you to target your instruction to meet the needs of individual students.
Classroom Management Chart
The one thing you don’t need when it comes to classroom management is a behavior management chart or daily behavior report. There are many types of charts out there, but you don’t have to waste your time or money on any of them. Instead, spend your time and energy on establishing those rules, routines, and procedures and setting up a warm and welcoming classroom environment.
Class Rewards
Another way to save yourself lots of time and money is to avoid gimmicks like filling jars and buckets with marbles or warm fuzzies to “motivate” your kids to earn class parties. Forget about token rewards like the treasure chest and focus on establishing those rock solid rules, routines, and procedures instead.
Classroom Music
If you want things to go smoothly in your classroom then using music throughout the day is a must. Using songs and music not only helps your kids get their wiggles out, it can help improve attention and focus. Songs can also help make transitions much easier.
I am so thrilled to see your advice about the behavior chart!! I taught Early Ed degree students for 40 years and it is rare to see this recommendation against the use of behavior charts and trinket rewards. Thank you for offering the best advice on achieving social competence by establishing an engaging, positive classroom environment!