Let’s talk about how some simple structure tips can change your days!

As a special education teacher, my job is to make sure my classroom runs effectively and efficiently so my students can learn.  One of the most effective practices I use in my classroom is structure.  By creating a structured environment, I can decrease negative behaviors, lessen student anxiety, and increase the independence of my students. In addition, structuring my classroom allows me to manage my paraprofessionals easier and my classroom eventually runs like a well-oiled machine.  

But, structure in my classroom goes beyond setting up my center spaces.  My structure includes these very simple yet effective visual supports. Keep reading to learn more!

Color Code It All

My first simple structure tip is to color code.  In my classroom, I color-code everything that has to do with my students.  Their schedules are color-coded, their desks are color-coded, my centers are color-coded, and their names are color-coded.  To complete this task – I used this amazing pack of Astrobrights paper.  

Color coding my classroom allows my students to be much more independent and decreases so many of the prompts that are used.  With color coding, students learn to identify their color which is incredibly beneficial for students who do not recognize their names, yet. In addition, color-coding my centers using duct tape allows students to quickly and easily find centers that correlate to the color icon on their schedule.

Line Order Visuals

This simple structure tip was created to decrease unnecessary and constant behaviors/arguments that happen when little children want to be first in line.  My classroom has seen many a meltdown over being the line leader.  Thankfully, creating a line order visual for my students has helped significantly decrease these behaviors.  Students learn that this is something that is non-negotiable in the classroom.  They have also learned that the line order will change every week so they will eventually get a turn to be the line leader.  

Color-coding comes in handy again here, as student names are color-coded and placed on each number.   You can find the floor numbers that I use in my classroom here.

Quiet and Leisure Time Visuals

My final simple structure tip I want to share is my structured quiet time and leisure time.  When there is any “downtime” in the classroom, it still needs to be structured.  Every day after my students come back from lunch, we do Quiet Time.  Students sit at their desks, rest, and quietly use the restroom.  To help my students understand what is expected of them, I use a visual and a countdown timer.  This has helped tremendously during quiet time.  

Finally, my students spend 30 minutes alternating between Chromebooks/iPads and play center for 15 minutes at a time. When I first implemented this leisure time in my classroom, there would be behaviors and meltdowns when students needed to start at the undesired choice or when it was time to switch from one to the other.  I created a leisure time visual with student names so they know where their name is, is where they start.  During leisure time, I play a countdown timer and students switch after fifteen minutes.  No more behaviors! 

For more structure tips and tricks, read this post from Sasha.  Thanks for reading!