[Ask an Educator] Teacher-Trusted Classroom Hacks

Back-to-school season may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can't still pick up a new teaching trick or two. Last month, we turned to our amazing network of educators on Facebook and Twitter, where we asked you to tell us: What is the best teaching hack, best practice, or life lesson you learned last year that is now an everyday part of your classroom?

Over 150 teachers answered, but here are a few of our favorite responses:

Go paperless when you can:

I am trying to go paperless so if students are quarantined they easily have access to the material at home! You can't do it for everything, but when I can, I do.

— Mrs. B (@LitCoachB) September 13, 2021

Cultivate a growth-mindset environment:

The best practice I have learned, and continue to practice is creating an environment where it's ok to make mistakes and give second, or third chances. I make a huge deal about improvement.

— MzJd (@jcae2008) September 14, 2021

Yet another reason to love hula hoops:

Using hula hoops for students to sit in on the floor to maintain appropriate social distancing. They are very effective.

— Melissa Darrow, NBCT (@MelissaDarrow) September 14, 2021

Maybe they really are the magic words…

Praise and reward students for saying please and thank you to classmates. This is an unbelievably effective way to help foster stronger relationships between students and strengthen communication skills

— Linda Hirschmiller, M.S. Ed (@Hirschmiller) September 13, 2021

Start class off on the right foot, guaranteed:

Brain teasers to begin class and get kids in a positive growth mindset. For example, pointing with one hand and giving thumbs up on the other- then switching them. Harder than it sounds! But the kids keep trying

— Sarah Mauro (@SarahLMauro) September 13, 2021

Think outside the box:

Best practice I learned was making individualized learning task boxes that we are not currently using in class! My kiddos are more engaged and love working with their boxes. pic.twitter.com/iiIJJFeC9S

— Ms. Betty Jimenez (@Serenity2326) September 13, 2021

Yet another reason to love pool noodles, too!

I cut pool noodles in half and we drum together for brain breaks. The kids love it and they need it to get focus back.

— TeacherMentorFriend (@MollyHSTeacher) September 14, 2021

Good visuals are always a must-have:

Best teaching hack I have is to have visuals for our arrival and dismissal routines. My kindergarten class were unpacking and packing experts after only 3 days of school with pictures of the morning and afternoon expectations for them to follow independently!

— Laura Campion (@krazyfork) September 17, 2021

Make it FUN!

My hack: teach like a YouTube star! Seriously, some of the craziest things I’ve done have had the biggest impact. I let my students pie me if they beat their score. They were insanely motivated! I made videos that were short and funny and my students rocked grammar. Make it FUN! pic.twitter.com/ywLZhXp2B6

— Sherri Teaches 2nd Grade (@sherri_dutton) September 14, 2021

Rise and shine:

Morning meeting is essential…even in the upper grades. My class is more cohesive, calmer, and ready to learn when we take a few minutes to greet each other and nourish those relationships.

— Meagan Williams, M.Ed. (@MrsWmsClassroom) September 13, 2021

All this time the secret was hand sanitizer:

Using hand sanitizer to erase permanent marker!

— Nikki Jones (@mrsjones72812) September 14, 2021

A classic and a favorite:

Exit tickets are always my go to!

Been using it for years. Simple and effective for feedback.

— TwentyFive - Eight Coffee (@258coffee) September 13, 2021

Brilliant:

Seems like a no-brainer, but I write anecdotal notes each day in my planner- behavior, participation, what students got/didn't. With 5 preps it helps me recall what would be gone from my brain by the end of the week.

— Jaquelyn (@JaquelynC88) September 14, 2021

Thank you to all the educators who shared these tips and more! Keep an eye on our social media for more fun giveaway questions. Looking for more educator tips? Be sure to subscribe to our blog for daily updates!