Sweet 'N' Sauer Firsties

  • Sweet 'N' Sauer Firsties
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Course
  • Freebies
  • Contact

   3 Simple Ways to Stop the Overwhelm and Begin Creating Systems that Help Your Classroom (Almost) Run Itself!

Let’s face it. Teaching is an extremely rewarding profession, but we all know that it can get VERY overwhelming at times. Maybe it’s a few weeks into the school year, possibly a few months, but at some point that state of overwhelm creeps in. It’s totally normal, but it’s also important to make sure you take time to destress and create plans to help get things back in order. 

3 Simple Ways to Help Your Classroom Almost Run Itself Blog Post

Sometimes it may seem like a fairy tale to think about what the outside world thinks we teachers do- leaving right after school, getting restful sleep, and happy to walk in the room each day. What if instead of feeling like things aren’t working, there’s too much stress, and feeling tired ALL the time, you could instead make that fairy tale a dream come true?! Trust me when I tell you it doesn’t have to feel so stressful. It’s not only possible but together, we’ll make it happen! Let me share with you three easy steps to go from ‘doing it all’ to your classroom *almost* running itself!

#1: The Power of Labeling 

So let me just tell you my secret right now. The KEY to making classrooms *almost* run themselves, is allowing students to have the power and autonomy to do it all. Sound scary? It absolutely is! But don’t be TOO scared, because I promise when you learn to let go, it is ALL worth it! 

One SUPER simple way to empower students to have more ownership of the classroom is by labeling absolutely everything. Not only is this a great way to develop more natural ‘sight words’ for their classroom, it creates the autonomy for students to be able to navigate and learn independently. Don’t be afraid to spruce up your labels with visuals AND words! Do what your student’s need and watch the shift!! Organizing spaces for STUDENTS is one of the most crucial things you can do to start having your classroom *almost* run itself. 

labeling the classroom

 Let me paint a picture. Imagine you have a classroom, beautifully labeled in every way, and your students can use those labels to freely get what they need. This means, no more getting crayons or Band-Aids, interrupting whole group instruction for a broken pencil, or students wasting time because they can’t find something. Why? Because their classroom is set up for THEM! They can do it! Let them step into their power! With THESE editable labels, you can design and organize your space so that your students own the room. 

editable school supply labels

Editable School Supply Labels

Later we’ll get into how to teach students expectations so you don’t have to worry about them not treating materials properly, and/or using things they don’t need. So do it! Label ALL the things and see the workload it takes off of YOU! Just like we tell students, work smarter not harder, it’s time for us to take that advice too. 

#2: Making Mornings Marvelous 

Building a positive, and supportive classroom climate helps ALL students thrive and grow. No matter what time of the year it is, relationships ALWAYS take priority. Especially when you think about what the last three years have looked like in school! So how can we turn stressed monotonous mornings into marvelous ones? Two words… Morning Meetings! 

Classroom Community Ideas

Morning Meetings get students excited to be at school in the morning (which we know isn’t always the case), they help build and maintain connections, and it creates a dedicated space for emotional check-ins with students. The great thing about Morning Meetings is that they are SUPER easy to implement AND you can pick and choose different components of a morning meeting to fit your needs. Start with a few or even just one. As you and students learn expectations, add in more! It will quickly become one of the most cherished times of the day together. 

Now the biggest question is, how does this help my classroom almost run itself? The answer is simple. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Students don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” In order to have true autonomy and trust in your room, students need to feel loved and valued. It is a HUGE piece of your classroom almost running itself. THIS is going to be one of the most powerful tools you have. Once you have the solid relationships in place, everything else comes easy. 

how to create classroom management systems that work

#3: Expect the Unexpected

Remember when I said we’d get into teaching expectations? Well here we are with the icing on the cake! It’s time to talk about the importance of having high expectations for ALL students. How do we do that? By teaching them EXACTLY what is expected of them and SHOWING them what that looks and sounds like. 

Think about an area or procedure in your classroom that you know could be better. Maybe it’s sharpening pencils, transitioning to centers, or your whole group time? Whatever it is, using this “looks like, sounds like” framework is a quick, easy, and effective way to immediately change to desired behaviors. By explicitly modeling clear and concise expectations, students will know exactly what they need to do and YOU get to reap the benefits! Get back more time to do what you love… TEACHING! 

procedures anchor chart

Does this make you more excited to learn more?! In my FREE webinar coming up, I will teach you EXACTLY how to thoroughly think through the process of labeling, implementing morning meetings, and teach students expectations to have your classroom *almost* run itself. It is designed to give you everything you need to transform your classroom WITHIN the same week! Not only will you walk away with easy ideas to apply the next day in your classroom, but you will also walk away with TONS of FREEBIES to make your life easier! Join us at the webinar on July 6th at 12pm EST or July 6th at 8pm EST or July 7th at 3pm EST by signing up HERE! 

I really hope you enjoyed learning 3 ways to stop the overwhelm!  Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list! Not only will you get the most up to date tips, tricks, and classroom projects… and of course more fun FREEBIES including the Back to School Teaching Timeline FREEBIE! You will also have exclusive access to tons of digital how-to videos! If you would like to learn about this and other things happening in my classroom follow me  @sweetnsauerfirsties on Instagram. 

beginning of the year teaching timeline checklist freebie

Love this FREE resource?

Sign up now and get exclusive access to this freebie and many more in the continuously growing freebie library!

To follow me on TPT and get all the latest updates on HALF OFF new products, click HERE!

sweetnsauerfirsties

Love these ideas but don’t want to lose them? Don’t forget it, PIN it below!

Spread the Love

4
Shares

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

«
»

Back to School, Classroom Community, Classroom Management, Classroom Organization, Social Emotional, Teachers Pay Teachers 0

Newsletter

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe via Email

About This Site

A fun place to be apart of the educational journey. Full of all things teaching! The good, the bad, and even the ugly. Join my experiences and subscribe to my email list to get the most up to date tips and tricks.

Search

Categories

Latest on Instagram

Is it just me or does spring fever hit HARD in Mar Is it just me or does spring fever hit HARD in March for your students too?! 🙋‍♀️

You’ll love my newest blog post that dives into 10 fun, engaging, and EASY tips to tackle spring fever and thrive for the rest of the school year! 

If you subscribe, you’ll have exclusive access to a must have classroom management FREEBIE!

Be on the lookout all week for TONS of fun ideas... I’ve got you COVERED! 🥳
{🔗 on profile}
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #classroomfun #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #teachingtips #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #teacherinspiration #teacherhacks #teacherblogger #teacherblog #classroommanagement
Have you ever tried making a clock with students b Have you ever tried making a clock with students before? ⏰

Learn how to now in quick easy steps and save this post for later!

Want to learn more engaging telling time activities? Check out the blog post now with the link on my profile or drop a ⏰ and I’ll share the link!
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers #teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #makelearningfun #igconnect4edu #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #mathfun #classroomfun #math #teachingtips #teacherhacks #firstgrademath #tellingtime
I absolutely love this quote! How are you spendin I absolutely love this quote!

How are you spending your Sunday? 🥰

Image credit @kathleenskindergarten 
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #teacherselfcare  #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherfun #teachersonbreak
Are you enjoying March Madness?! 🏀 Bring some Are you enjoying March Madness?! 🏀

Bring some of that fun into your classroom with this new engaging and editable activity!

Students have a blast and practice skills.. what’s better than that?!

Check out this fun activity now with the link on my profile or drop a 🏀 and I’ll share the link!
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #phonics 
 #igconnect4edu #kindergarten #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #phonicsfun #classroomfun #mathcenters #studentengagement #mathgames #makelearningfun
Are you guilty of using math fact flashcards, time Are you guilty of using math fact flashcards, timed tests, or online programs for math facts?

I know I am! I’ll tell you I’ve tried ALL the things and they STILL couldn’t seem to build fluency with those facts. So what do you do when you feel you’ve tried everything and nothing works?

I’ll tell you! I just finished reading Math Fact Fluency and I would HIGHLY recommend it. 

We MUST support them with the strategies and concrete learning before we head to the abstract part of solving equations fluently. 

But how do we help our little mathematicians develop the skills they need to become fluent with those essential math facts? It comes in phases. 

Check out my newest post now about how to not only help your students master those important math facts but also help them develop a deep understanding of addition and subtraction and build a toolbox that will help them thrive! 

Check it out now with the link on my profile or drop a 🤩 and I’ll share the link!
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #teacherhacks #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherreels #primaryteacher #firstgrademath #teachertruth #teachershare
Let’s have a little would you rather fun! This Let’s have a little would you rather fun! 

This one is a toughy but... I think I would rather have every Friday off! 

Which one would you rather? Drop yours below! ⬇️

Image credit @theteachernextdoor 
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #tftpickme #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherfun #teachersonbreak
It’s #tptfreebie Friday! This week has been ALL It’s #tptfreebie Friday! This week has been ALL about ⏰! 

So of course I’m bringing you some fun hands on freebies to celebrate! 🎉 

If you haven’t, check out the blog for more fun ideas AND more freebies! Grab this SWEET freebie now with the link on my profile or drop a ⏰ and I’ll share the link! 
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #playbasedlearning #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #handsonmath #primaryteacher #mathcenters #mathgames #tellingtime
Have you ever tried a math around the room activit Have you ever tried a math around the room activity? 

They are SO much fun and students get to practice great skills!

Some of the benefits are 
⏰ Movement 
⏰ Hands On 
⏰ Practice for Key Skills 

Learn more about this Telling Time Write the Room activity now with the link on my profile or drop a ⏰ and I’ll share the link!
•
•
•
•
#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers #teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #makelearningfun #igconnect4edu #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #mathfun #classroomfun #math #teachingtips #tellingtime #firstgrademath #handsonmath
Anything else you’re adding to the list for this Anything else you’re adding to the list for this weekend?!

Image credit @reallygoodstuff 
•
•
•
•

#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #teachershare 
 #igconnect4edu #teacherssupportteachers #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #classroomfun #teacherinspiration #teacherselfcare #teacherquotes

Latest on Facebook

Lindsay Sauer

13 hours ago

Lindsay Sauer
Is it just me or does spring fever hit HARD in March for your students too?! 🙋‍♀️You’ll love my newest blog post that dives into 10 fun, engaging, and EASY tips to tackle spring fever and thrive for the rest of the school year! If you subscribe, you’ll have exclusive access to a must have classroom management FREEBIE!Be on the lookout all week for TONS of fun ideas... I’ve got you COVERED! 🥳{🔗 on profile}••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #classroomfun #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teachingtips #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #teacherinspiration #teacherhacks #teacherblogger #teacherblog #classroommanagement ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Lindsay Sauer

1 day ago

Lindsay Sauer
I absolutely love this quote!How are you spending your Sunday? 🥰Image credit @kathleenskindergarten ••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teacherselfcare #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherfun #teachersonbreak ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Lindsay Sauer

2 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
Are you enjoying March Madness?! 🏀Bring some of that fun into your classroom with this new engaging and editable activity!Students have a blast and practice skills.. what’s better than that?!Check out this fun activity now with the link on my profile or drop a 🏀 and I’ll share the link!••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #phonics #igconnect4edu #kindergarten #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #phonicsfun #classroomfun #mathcenters #studentengagement #mathgames #makelearningfun ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Lindsay Sauer

2 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
Let’s have a little would you rather fun! This one is a toughy but... I think I would rather have every Friday off! Which one would you rather? Drop yours below! ⬇️Image credit @theteachernextdoor ••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #tftpickme #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherweekend #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherfun #teachersonbreak ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Lindsay Sauer

3 days ago

Lindsay Sauer
It’s #tptfreebie Friday! This week has been ALL about ⏰! So of course I’m bringing you some fun hands on freebies to celebrate! 🎉 If you haven’t, check out the blog for more fun ideas AND more freebies! Grab this SWEET freebie now with the link on my profile or drop a ⏰ and I’ll share the link! ••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #playbasedlearning #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #handsonmath #primaryteacher #mathcenters #mathgames #tellingtime ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Latest on Pinterest

  • If you love hands on math activities for missing addends, you have come to the right place! The CRA math model is always where I start my lesson planning. I love this math workshop model for my first grade students. My early elementary students enjoy hula hoop math activities, hands on manipulatives, missing addends activities, and more. These can easily be used for math whole group, math small group, math centers, morning work, and fast finishers.
  • You may be thinking about end of the year activities for students but don’t forget to get your classroom organized before you leave for the summer! Today, I’m sharing my 5 teacher tips on what to do before you leave for the summer. A teacher organization hack is to make a list of all of the important things that you need to remember like passwords or where things are stored. Get your classroom organized, clean, and prep for the first week of school. Check out more end of the year teacher tips!
  • If you are looking for some new ways to help your classroom management in your elementary classroom, I got some great teacher tips for you! Today I’m sharing my top 10 classroom management must haves. Visual aids, attention getters, and classroom expectations are essential for elementary students. Another classroom management strategy is nonverbal communication. Don’t forget to have a good daily classroom plan. Check out my best classroom management ideas!
  • Are you looking for some engaging ways to teach your elementary students time? Today, I will share my best teacher tips on how to tell time for kids. I love doing hands on activities with Judy clocks, creating clocks for kids with hula hoops, and human clocks. Check out my tips for teaching time to the hour and teaching time to the half hour. My early elementary students do a great job practicing time with time check activities, time hunt, write the room activities, time games, and time bingo.
  • Are you even a teacher if you don’t know a lot of attention getters for kids? Today, I’m sharing my favorite attention getters for teachers to use in their elementary classroom. This classroom management strategy is essential to make your classroom run smoothly. You will find my top 10 elementary attention getters that your students will quickly learn. I have also included some great teacher tips on classroom management ideas for the early elementary classroom.
  • Are you even a teacher if you don’t know a lot of attention getters for kids? Today, I’m sharing my favorite attention getters for teachers to use in their elementary classroom. This classroom management strategy is essential to make your classroom run smoothly. You will find my top 10 elementary attention getters that your students will quickly learn. I have also included some great teacher tips on classroom management ideas for the early elementary classroom.
  • Are you even a teacher if you don’t know a lot of attention getters for kids? Today, I’m sharing my favorite attention getters for teachers to use in their elementary classroom. This classroom management strategy is essential to make your classroom run smoothly. You will find my top 10 elementary attention getters that your students will quickly learn. I have also included some great teacher tips on classroom management ideas for the early elementary classroom.
  • You may be thinking about end of the year activities for students but don’t forget to get your classroom organized before you leave for the summer! Today, I’m sharing my 5 teacher tips on what to do before you leave for the summer. A teacher organization hack is to make a list of all of the important things that you need to remember like passwords or where things are stored. Get your classroom organized, clean, and prep for the first week of school. Check out more end of the year teacher tips!
  • If you love hands on math activities for missing addends, you have come to the right place! The CRA math model is always where I start my lesson planning. I love this math workshop model for my first grade students. My early elementary students enjoy hula hoop math activities, hands on manipulatives, missing addends activities, and more. These can easily be used for math whole group, math small group, math centers, morning work, and fast finishers.

Copyright © 2023 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs

 

Loading Comments...