Sweet 'N' Sauer Firsties

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

5 Steps for Building a Student Centered Classroom

A student centered classroom allows you to create an environment where the support and achievement is high and the class practically runs itself. Think it sounds too good to be true? It’s not! And I want YOU to experience the amazing, beautiful way your classroom should be designed – and that’s centered around your students! You all will benefit greatly from this set-up AND you’ll never want to go back. So if you want your students to be strong independent learners while you are stress free and happy, let’s get into how to set this classroom up! 

building a student centered classroom blog post

Step One: Organize Your Room To Foster Independence 

First things first, set up your classroom in a student friendly way so that THEY are in charge of their learning. One main goal of your student centered classroom is that it *almost* runs itself so that YOU have time to facilitate and support your learners. They are the ones that need to be exploring, learning, practicing, and growing INDEPENDENTLY! It is the student’s needs that should be at the forefront when organizing the classroom. It is important to have a well organized space where students can navigate easily, for books, supplies, centers, etc. If you want to delve even further into the classroom set up portion of building a student centered classroom, I can help support you every single step of the way. Learn more HERE! Remember, functionality first, and THEN spruce it up with all the cutest Target goodies! It may seem scary to turn your classroom over to twenty-five plus children, I know! However watching them truly know how to operate the class, while learning in ways that work best for them, is anything but scary, it’s magical!

Classroom Setup labeling bins with student numbers Calm Down Spot

classroom organization tips guided group organization

Step Two: Create a Climate of Kindness and Support 

Building a positive, and supportive classroom climate helps ALL students thrive and grow. Lead with love and focus on relationships before content. I believe this is definitely a number one priority as an educator. Get to know your learners and as a class, begin to build a positive, kind, and healthy classroom community. This takes time, energy, and work. However, taking the time to do this at the beginning of the year will make for a classroom that works well together and helps lift each other up throughout the entire year. There are a number of ways to help build your community such as, engaging in team building activities, making a habit of hosting morning meetings and connection circles, and teaching various social and emotional skills. Start from day one and continue every day to ensure a strong, positive, and thriving classroom community.  

Classroom Community Ideas Classroom Community Ideas tips for building a classroom community

Rock, Paper, Scissors Championship Cup Stacking Challenge Social Emotional Learning

5 steps to building a student centered classroom

Step Three: Go Slow to Go Fast 

This means to go slow in the beginning and take ALL the time to teach ALL the things to your learners. Take TIME to establish routines and procedures- and by time I mean SIX WEEKS. That may seem like SO much but trust me, you’ll be thanking yourself later! I talk heavily about this in my Building a Student Centered Course and it really is the secret sauce to having your classroom *almost* run itself. If you take the time with students to build those rules, routines, and procedures, this will help your students hit the ground running when it comes to instruction. How? Because they know what is expected of them. Thinking through things like carpet time procedures, hallway procedures, and bathroom procedures, are just a few but very important things to think about. You can also check out this blog post HERE to learn more specifics about teaching routines and procedures to students. Let’s be intentional and make a plan with the Back to School Teaching Timeline checklist!

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!

Making Good Choices Activity social emotional learning Kindness Activity

the benefits of a classroom promise teaching routines and procedures

Step Four: Implement a Workshop Model

A workshop model helps meet the needs of ALL students. It is an amazing combination of hands-on learning activities and direct instruction. It embodies differentiation and student choice and children stay engaged and learning. There are many different ways to implement a workshop model, but it generally consists of direct instruction in the form of a mini lesson, followed up with ample time for practice in a student centered setting. The workshop is ended with a ‘debriefing’ that includes a recap and reflection on student learning. It is no secret that students thrive when they are able to make choices. It is also no secret that teachers have to differentiate because each student comes with their own needs. This workshop model allows for both of these to happen simultaneously. 

Another great reason to implement this model is because it supports a deeper understanding of concepts. The purpose of the mini lesson is to bridge learning from previous lessons, discuss learning targets, and the skills that are being taught. The beautiful thing about a guided workshop is that it is FLEXIBLE. You can set it up however you like that works for you and your students. Think of your workshop as a literal “shop” of “work” where students can explore and engage in activities that are aligned to the skill being taught. You, as the facilitator, will set up activities for students to engage independently, while you can observe and step in to guide or help as needed. It is a GAMECHANGER for student achievement.  

Make a Ten Strategy

Peer Editing Primary Writing Checklists

Step Five: Have Fun!

 Don’t ever underestimate the power of being silly and making the most of your time with students. Get creative in your engagement strategies, allow students to freely be them and make them feel comfortable bringing their own creativeness to the table. Make learning an overall marvelous time! Teaching is full of many challenges, lessons, and yes even tears…so make the most of it and have FUN with your students. You will only have this group of students one time so make the best of it! Be silly, laugh, and enjoy your year. 

sight word activity  

Are you feeling completely overwhelmed and not sure where to start as a first year teacher? Have you been teaching a while but still always manage to feel stressed at the beginning of the year? I strongly encourage you to join the Building a Student Centered Classroom course that will have you totally planned for your first six weeks of school with everything thought through. Get in the course and you’ll also have access to the Beginning of the Year Teacher Survival Guide at a discounted rate as well as some other amazing bonuses including a supportive teacher community. The course goes into extensive detail on how to successfully set up your classroom for the entire year. You’ll learn how to successfully set up your classroom in a way that flows and stays organized, strategies for building a positive classroom community, and all kinds of information on classroom management and instruction! The course will have you SET and help take some of the stress and pressure off.

I really hope you enjoyed learning 5 steps for building a student centered classroom! 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.

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!

11
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 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

It really is a special experience! 🥰 Learn mor It really is a special experience! 🥰

Learn more about the benefits of read alouds 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 #teacherinspiration  #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #childrensbooks #readaloud
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

Latest on Facebook

Lindsay Sauer

2 hours ago

Lindsay Sauer
It really is a special experience! 🥰Learn more about the benefits of read alouds 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 #teacherinspiration #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #childrensbooks #readaloud ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

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

Lindsay Sauer

15 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

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...