Classroom management is one of the most essential aspects of successful teaching. It can truly make or break your experience as an educator. If your classroom feels chaotic, unstructured, or stressful, even the best lesson plans will fall flat. But with the right Classroom Management Resources, tools, and strategies in place, classroom management becomes the foundation for a thriving, joyful, and productive learning environment.
As someone who entered the teaching profession during one of the most challenging times in modern education history—the height of COVID-19—I can tell you firsthand just how vital strong classroom management skills are. This article will walk you through real-life classroom management strategies, tools, and resources that I’ve used, refined, and relied on in both virtual and physical classrooms.
My Story: Learning Classroom Management the Hard Way
When I began my teaching credential program, everything was online. Schools were closed, and Zoom became our new classroom. My entire credential program and student teaching experience were conducted virtually. I never stepped foot into a physical classroom during my training.
It wasn’t until schools began to reopen that I stood in front of actual students in person. And that’s when the reality hit me like a ton of bricks: I had no idea how to manage a real-life classroom. Sure, I understood educational theory. But when it came to managing physical space, redirecting behavior, and setting up classroom systems—I was completely lost.
That was my wake-up call. Classroom management wasn’t just a nice-to-have—it was essential. It wasn’t about controlling kids. It was about creating structure, fostering safety, and laying the foundation for learning. Without it, progress was impossible.
The Truth: Classroom Management Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Let me bust one big myth: there is no universal approach to classroom management. Every class is different. Every group of students brings their own personalities, challenges, and needs. What works like magic for one group might flop completely with another.
That’s okay.
The key is to stay flexible, reflective, and responsive. Pay attention to your students. Adjust your systems when needed. Classroom management is about meeting students where they are—and building systems that help everyone succeed.
1. Start with Teaching Routines — Explicitly
One of the most powerful classroom management resources at your disposal is a strong set of routines. But more importantly, those routines must be explicitly taught.
Here are just a few basic routines to establish right from the start:
- Where do students place their backpacks?
- How do they enter and exit the classroom?
- Where do they get supplies?
- What do they do when they finish early?
- How do they line up? Ask questions? Request a break?
These might seem like small details, but together, they form the backbone of a well-managed classroom.
Pro Tip: Ask Yourself These Questions When Setting Up Routines
- What do I want students to do when they walk into the classroom?
- Where should their personal items go?
- How will transitions look and sound?
- How do students know when it’s time to move on?
- How will students access support or ask for help?
Once you have the answers, model them. Then model them again.
2. Use Fishbowl Demonstrations for Modeling Expectations
One of my favorite strategies is the “fishbowl” demonstration. If you’ve never tried it, it’s a game-changer.
Here’s how it works: You model a routine or behavior in front of the class—either with another adult (if available) or a student volunteer. The rest of the class observes. Then, students practice together. This strategy is incredibly helpful for teaching behaviors like group work, lining up, or using partner talk (like “Think-Pair-Share”).
Seeing it done makes expectations crystal clear. Plus, it provides an opportunity for students to reflect and ask questions before they’re expected to perform independently.
3. Integrate Brain Breaks Into Your Daily Schedule
One of the most overlooked classroom management tools is something super simple: movement.
Young learners (and honestly, students of any age) need time to move, stretch, and reset their energy. In my classroom, we take brain breaks using resources like:
- GoNoodle
- Cosmic Kids Yoga
- Simple YouTube dance or movement videos
- Quick stretching routines
Brain breaks help prevent behavioral disruptions by giving students space to regulate. They also make your classroom feel more joyful and engaging.
4. Use Timers as a Visual and Auditory Support
Timers are one of the most versatile classroom management resources I use every day. Whether you’re working with neurodivergent students, younger children, or students with anxiety, timers help provide structure and predictability.
I use them for:
- Clean-up transitions
- Independent work time
- Rest periods
- Turn-taking activities
You can use visual timers on the screen or traditional sand timers—whatever fits your style.
5. Create a Peace Corner (Also Called a Calming Corner)
A Peace Corner is a designated space in your classroom where students can go when they feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or just need a break. It’s not a punishment zone—it’s a self-regulation tool.
Here’s how to set one up:
- A soft rug or cushion
- A small timer
- A calm-down jar or fidget toy
- Visuals with calming strategies (breathing, counting, stretching)
- Optional reflection sheets
You don’t need fancy furniture. Use what you have. The goal is to help students recognize their emotions and manage them independently.
6. Leverage Visual Supports
Visuals are classroom management power tools. They reduce the need for repeated verbal directions and support independence. I use visuals for:
- Daily schedules
- Step-by-step task instructions
- Behavior expectations
- Transition signals
- Hand signals
For students who are neurodivergent, English language learners, or simply visual processors, visual cues make the environment more accessible and supportive.
7. Build Strong Relationships with Your Students
Classroom management isn’t just about structure. It’s about relationships.
When students feel seen, valued, and respected, they’re more likely to engage positively in the classroom community. That’s why I make it a point to:
- Greet every student at the door
- Learn their interests and hobbies
- Celebrate birthdays, milestones, and wins
- Listen—really listen—when they speak
Classroom culture is the secret sauce of effective management. When students feel they belong, they naturally begin to uphold classroom expectations.
8. Practice Responding, Not Reacting
This might be the hardest (but most important) mindset shift: respond, don’t react.
When behaviors arise—and they will—it’s easy to get frustrated or take things personally. But pausing to breathe and respond thoughtfully can change the dynamic in powerful ways.
Ask yourself:
- What’s the root cause of this behavior?
- What unmet need might be showing up?
- How can I respond in a way that builds safety and trust?
Staying calm helps you model emotional regulation and builds a more respectful classroom environment.
9. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Classroom management can be emotionally and physically draining. That’s why part of managing your classroom is managing yourself.
Here are a few self-care reminders:
- Drink water.
- Take your breaks.
- Journal your reflections.
- Reach out to colleagues.
- Set realistic boundaries.
You are the heart of your classroom. And your energy impacts your students. Protecting your well-being is an act of service to your students, too.
10. Your Classroom Management Starter Toolkit
Here’s a printable-friendly list of classroom management resources and tools to kickstart your success:
Routine Checklist
- Morning entry
- Transitions
- Dismissal
- Bathroom protocol
- Early finisher activities
Fishbowl Modeling Templates
- Group work expectations
- Partner routines
- Supply use demonstrations
Brain Break Playlist
- GoNoodle favorites
- Stretch and yoga videos
- Quick movement songs
Visual Timer Suggestions
- Online timers (Classroom Timer, Toy Theater)
- Sand timers or digital countdown clocks
Peace Corner Setup Guide
- Suggested materials list
- Example visuals
- Reflection sheets
Printable Visuals
- Behavior charts
- Class rules
- Daily schedule
- Noise level meter
- Transition signals
Final Thoughts: Classroom Management Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Strong classroom management isn’t about being strict or controlling—it’s about building systems, setting clear expectations, and nurturing relationships. It’s about helping students feel safe, supported, and empowered to learn.
And most importantly, it’s about giving yourself grace.
You’re going to make mistakes. You’ll try things that don’t work. That’s all part of the process. Keep learning. Keep growing. And most of all—keep showing up for your students.
They need you. And you’ve got this.
