Classroom Procedures That Support Student Development

Classroom management lays the foundation for a thriving learning environment. By building positive relationships, setting clear expectations, and maintaining consistent routines, teachers create structure, reduce disruptions, and foster student engagement. Proactive strategies help anticipate challenges and model emotional regulation, promoting mutual respect and accountability. With strong classroom management, educators reclaim time for meaningful instruction, and classrooms become spaces for growth, reflection, and joy. 🟥 Positive Relationships • In Action: Students are greeted by name, eye contact is intentional, and teachers model empathy and active listening. There’s space for student voice, whether through classroom jobs, reflection journals, or restorative conversations. • Impact: Trust flourishes. Students feel emotionally safe, which reduces anxiety and increases participation. A child who once hesitated to speak now volunteers to lead a group prayer or share a personal insight during a lesson. 🟧 Clear Expectations • In Action: Rules are co-created and posted visually, often with bilingual phrasing or symbolic anchors (e.g., “Speak Life,” “Honor Time”). Teachers revisit expectations regularly, using role-play or anchor charts to reinforce them. • Impact: Students internalize boundaries and begin to self-regulate. Transitions become smoother, and misbehavior is addressed with clarity rather than confusion. A student who once struggled with impulsivity now pauses and redirects themselves before acting. 🟩 Consistent Routines • In Action: Daily rituals like morning meetings, prayer circles, or exit tickets are predictable and purposeful. Visual schedules and timers support executive functioning, especially for neurodiverse learners. • Impact: Students thrive in the rhythm. They know what’s coming next, which frees up cognitive space for deeper learning. A student with attention challenges begins to anticipate tasks and complete them with growing independence. 🟦 Proactive Strategies • In Action: Teachers use proximity, nonverbal cues, and pre-corrections to guide behavior before issues arise. Lessons are differentiated, and seating arrangements are intentional to support collaboration and minimize conflict. • Impact: The classroom feels calm and responsive, not reactive. Students learn conflict resolution and emotional regulation by example. A student who used to shut down during group work now engages with peers confidently, knowing the environment is structured to support them. #TeachWithStructure #LeadWithRhythm

1. Refocus the Energy Then (2016): Redirect a student’s attention by engaging them in a task. Now: Invite the student into purpose. Example: Instead of: “Stop tapping the desk!” Try: “Can you help pass out the journals?” Or: “Let’s see who can get their materials out and ready the fastest—you lead.” Why it works: Children don’t always need a correction. Sometimes, they need a mission. 2. Give Students a Break Then: Offer short mental or physical breaks to reset focus. Now: Normalize breaks as brain regulation. Example: “You’ve been working hard—take two minutes at the calm table.” Or for younger kids: “Let’s visit the breathing corner.” Pro tip: Let breaks be chosen—not assigned as punishment. Empowerment changes everything. 3. Use Non-Verbal Cues Then: Use eye contact, gestures, or signals. Now: Make cues a shared language. Example: Tap the desk twice = Eyes on me. Hand on heart = Remember our classroom promise. Current child need: Visual learners, neurodivergent students, and anxious learners benefit from predictable, non-verbal systems. 4. Address the Disruption Quickly and Quietly Then: Handle problems without embarrassing the student. Now: Preserve dignity as a sacred practice. Example: Walk over. Whisper: “Can we talk for a second after the activity?” Avoid: Correcting in front of peers or making it a “teachable moment” at the student’s expense. Today’s child: They are emotionally aware. They remember how you made them feel. 5. Offer Kinesthetic Movement Options Then: Allow students to move or stretch to release energy. Now: Build movement into daily structure. Example: “Would you like to stand and work today?” “We’re going to learn this vocabulary while clapping it out!” Brain breaks every 20–30 minutes. Why it works: Movement builds memory. Motion strengthens focus. Stillness isn't always engagement. 6. Give Anonymous Reminders Then: Remind the class without calling out specific students. Now: Use inclusive language that invites reflection. Example: “I notice some folks need a reminder about voice levels.” “Let’s all check ourselves—are we focused or distracted?” New suggestion: Use self-assessment cues: thumbs-up, sideways, or down behind the back to check in. Keeps ownership with the student. ✨ Final Thoughts This generation is different. They’re more sensitive, more aware, more expressive. Disruption isn’t always defiance. Sometimes it’s a cry for connection, a need for movement, a test of trust. As leaders, we don’t just teach reading. We set the conditions where children can think, feel, and thrive. This summer, reflect deeply. What are you willing to change so children don’t have to be changed to survive your classroom? #LavertLines™ #TeachTheBrain #DisciplineWithDignity

🌱 “𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰. 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.” This line hit me hard—because that’s what great teaching truly is. I once had a student who struggled not with ability, but with fear—fear of making mistakes, of raising their hand, of being wrong. Traditional instruction kept nudging them to “speak up more.” But what actually worked? Giving them a safe space to think quietly, letting them submit reflections anonymously, then slowly offering low-stakes speaking opportunities. They bloomed—on their own terms. 🔍 This is what barrier-free learning looks like. Not pushing students harder, but asking: What’s in their way—and how do I remove it? Some powerful methodologies that support this mindset: ✅ Inquiry-Based Learning – Let curiosity drive the lesson. ✅ Scaffolded Instruction – Support step-by-step until confidence builds. ✅ Metacognitive Reflection – Teach students to know how they learn. ✅ Growth-Oriented Assessment – Focus on progress, not just performance. 🌿 Students don’t need force. They need conditions to thrive. #LearnerCentered #Pedagogy #InquiryBasedLearning #GrowthMindset #TeachingStrategies #HolisticEducation #Scaffolding #ReflectivePractice #BarrierFreeLearning

#Why Teachers Should Understand Students' Brains 1. Enhances Teaching Strategies -Knowing how memory works helps teachers plan effective repetition and retrieval practice. -Understanding attention span helps in lesson pacing and transitions. 2. Supports Individual Differences -Every brain is wired differently—teachers who understand this are better equipped to differentiate instruction. 3. Improves Behavior Management -Knowledge of brain development helps teachers understand impulsive behavior, emotional regulation, and respond with empathy. 4. Boosts Motivation and Engagement -Understanding dopamine and reward systems helps teachers use praise, feedback, and goal-setting more effectively. 5. Promotes Social-Emotional Learning -Teachers who understand the amygdala’s role in stress and anxiety can create safer, calmer classroom environments. 🧩 Key Brain Concepts Teachers Should Know (in points) #Neuroplasticity The brain can change and grow with experience. Teaching implication: Encourage a growth mindset and give students opportunities to learn through practice and feedback. #Working Memory This is the brain’s temporary storage space used for problem-solving and learning. Teaching implication: Avoid overwhelming students with too much information at once; present content in small, manageable chunks. #Long-Term Memory This is where knowledge is stored permanently. Teaching implication: Use repetition, connections, real-life examples, and storytelling to help information stick. #Executive Functions These include skills like planning, focusing, and self-control. Teaching implication: Help students develop routines, organize their tasks, and manage their time effectively. #Reward System The brain is motivated by rewards like praise and success. Teaching implication: Use positive reinforcement, gamification, and goal-setting to keep students engaged. #How Teachers Can Apply Brain Science in the Classroom 🎯 Use Retrieval Practice: Ask questions that make students recall information (e.g., mini quizzes, exit tickets). 🕒 Spacing Effect: Review material over days/weeks, not just once. 🧱 Scaffold Learning: Break down tasks into manageable parts to avoid cognitive overload. 🧘♀️ Regulate Emotion: Start class with calm routines; teach mindfulness or breathing for anxious students. 👯 Use Collaboration: Peer learning taps into social brain networks. 🎨 Make it Visual: The brain processes visuals faster than text (diagrams, mind maps, color coding).

Understanding Formative Assessment: Empowering Learning Every Step of the Way In the ever-evolving classroom, formative assessment stands as one of the most powerful tools for both teachers and students. Unlike summative assessments that evaluate learning at the end, formative assessments are ongoing, flexible, and meant to support learning during instruction. Formative assessment isn't just a method—it's a mindset. It’s about identifying gaps, adapting instruction, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey. Key Categories & Types of Formative Assessment 1. Teacher-Led Checks: -Observation: Informal monitoring during activities or group work. -Questioning: Open-ended or probing questions to elicit deeper thinking. -Mini Quizzes: Low-stakes assessments to measure concept grasp quickly. -Exit Tickets: Short written responses before students leave the class. 2. Student Self-Assessment: -Traffic Lights: Students indicate understanding using red (confused), yellow (unsure), or green (confident). -Reflection Journals: Writing about what was learned and where help is needed. -Checklists & Rubrics: Students use criteria to evaluate their own performance. 3. Peer Assessment: -Think-Pair-Share: Students discuss and clarify understanding before sharing with the class. -Peer Reviews: Giving and receiving structured feedback based on learning goals. 4. Collaborative Learning Activities: -Group Projects & Discussions: Encourage dialogue, problem-solving, and real-time feedback. -Concept Mapping: Visually organizing thoughts helps assess comprehension and relationships between ideas. 5. Digital & Creative Tools: -Interactive Polls & Quizzes: Use of tools like Kahoot, Mentimeter, or Google Forms. -Padlet or Jamboard Responses: Students post responses in real-time to visualize understanding. -Whiteboard Sketches & Visual Explanations: Let students draw what they know. --- Why Formative Assessment Matters: -Promotes active learning -Supports differentiated instruction -Encourages student agency -Builds a growth mindset Whether it’s a thumbs-up, an exit ticket, or a quick group brainstorm—formative assessment allows teaching to breathe with the learners, adapting in real-time and making education truly learner-centered. --- #FormativeAssessment #AssessmentForLearning #ActiveLearning #SelfAssessment #PeerAssessment #TrafficLightStrategy #ExitTickets #DifferentiatedInstruction #StudentCenteredLearning #EdTechInEducation #TeacherTools #VisibleLearning #ReflectiveTeaching #InstructionalStrategies

What are we doing to our boys? “𝑨𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌, 𝑬𝒍𝒊 𝒔𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒌. 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏.” That scene plays out in classrooms across the country. ADHD isn’t just a clinical label — for many students (boys in particular) it’s the reason school’s structure feels like a squeezing vise: long periods of sitting, high demands for sustained attention, and little built-in movement or processing time. Quick snapshot of the data: 🤨 About 1 in 9 U.S. children has ever received an ADHD diagnosis 🤨 Boys are diagnosed at roughly double the rate of girls 🤨 Students with ADHD face higher risk for academic underachievement, disengagement, and school participation barriers What’s happening in schools: 🏫 Many classrooms were designed for long, uninterrupted stretches of quiet seatwork. That model favors students who can sustain attention and sit still for long periods. 🏫 Kids with hyperactive/impulsive or combined presentations — statistically more likely to be boys — are penalized for behaviors that are part of their neurodevelopmental profile: moving, fidgeting, needing brief breaks, needing step-by-step prompts. Result: disruptive referrals, missed learning, shrinking self-confidence, and for some students, a path toward disengagement or dropout. Practical solutions that actually help (not just “try harder”): 📖 🚶Redesign the school day in small ways — frequent micro-breaks, movement between activities, flexible seating, and “brain breaks” after 15–25 minutes of focused work. 🗓️Instructional scaffolds — chunked assignments, visual schedules, timers, and clear rubrics so students know exactly what’s expected and for how long. 👨💻Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — offer multiple ways to engage, represent, and express learning so neurodiverse students can access grade-level content. MDPI 🧑🏫Train teachers in ADHD-friendly classroom strategies — proactive supports reduce “reactive” discipline and improve learning for everyone. School-based interventions have measurable benefits when implemented consistently. Frontiers 📝Screen early and act early — earlier identification + classroom supports often prevents cascading academic and social problems. Remember: 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 ‘𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐲’ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 — 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. #ADHD #Neurodiversity #Education #InclusiveClassrooms #BoysEducation

🔍 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐘𝐏 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 🌱 Creating a strong feedback culture in an IB PYP classroom is essential for student growth, reflection, and agency. Feedback should be constructive, continuous, and student-centered, allowing learners to take ownership of their progress. But how can we ensure that feedback is meaningful and engaging? Here are 𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 that can help foster an effective feedback culture in your classroom: ✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 "𝐅𝐢𝐱 𝐈𝐭" 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 – Encourage students to maintain a list of areas they need to improve. This strategy promotes self-reflection and goal setting. ⭐ 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐡 – A simple yet powerful peer and self-assessment tool where students highlight two things they did well and one area for improvement. 💡 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐰 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 – Students and teachers use "Glow" (positive feedback) and "Grow" (constructive feedback) statements to guide reflection and progress. 🔄 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐥 – Students rotate in small groups, giving and receiving feedback on each other’s work, ensuring varied perspectives and deeper insights. 📝 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 – A quick and effective way to gauge student understanding at the end of a lesson. Students write reflections or questions on a sticky note before leaving. 🔍 𝐈 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐈 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐈 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 – A structured reflection framework that encourages students to observe, inquire, and provide constructive feedback. 📌 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥 – A collaborative space where students leave anonymous or named feedback on their peers' work, promoting a supportive learning environment. 🚦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – A self-assessment tool where students use red, yellow, and green indicators to express their level of understanding and confidence in a topic. 🤝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫-𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 – One-on-one discussions between educators and students that allow for personalized feedback and targeted support. By incorporating these strategies, we empower students to develop their metacognitive skills, become reflective learners, and take ownership of their learning journey. 🌍✨ 📌 What feedback strategies do you use in your classroom? Share your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐀𝐩𝐩 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲:-. https://lnkd.in/gzX_x8Hj 𝐓𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐏𝐘𝐏 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭: https://lnkd.in/g2ijMEsW #inquiryClassroom #IBPYP #StudentAgency #FeedbackCulture #InquiryBasedLearning #IBEducation #Reflection #AssessmentForLearning #PeerFeedback #GrowthMindset

The TAPPLE Method – Keep Every Student Engaged. T-A-P-P-L-E 💡 “The best classrooms aren’t quiet—they’re buzzing with thinking, sharing, and accountability.” Definition of the TAPPLE Method A structured engagement cycle that blends classroom management with formative assessment to keep students active, alert, and accountable. 🔑 The Steps of TAPPLE T – Teach First → Present the concept clearly and briefly. A – Ask a Question → Pose a question about what was just taught. P – Pair-Share → Students discuss with a partner. P – Pick a Non-Volunteer → Call on a student who didn’t raise their hand. L – Listen → Pay attention to the response. E – Effective Feedback → Reinforce correct answers or guide gently to the right one. 📘 Classroom Example: Photosynthesis 1. Teach → “Plants need sunlight, water, carbon dioxide.” 2. Ask → “What do plants need?” 3. Pair-Share → Students discuss with partners. 4. Pick → Teacher calls on a random student. 5. Listen → Student responds. 6. Effective Feedback → Teacher praises & reinforces. ✅ Why Use TAPPLE? • Promotes equity → every student gets a chance • Encourages collaboration → builds confidence • Provides real-time formative assessment • Reduces behavior issues by keeping students engaged • Creates a positive, accountable classroom culture 💡 Quick Tip Use TAPPLE every 5–7 minutes in your lesson to keep energy high and learning active. How do you keep all your students engaged and accountable during lessons? 👇 Share your strategies in the comments! #TeachingStrategies #ClassroomManagement #FormativeAssessment #TeacherTips #WholeBrainTeaching #EngagedLearning #Cognia #BritishCouncil