Sparklers!

Today I am revisiting this blog post that has continuously been my top viewed post for the past two years {you may have also seen this image posted on Pinterest}!  It's a great classroom management post and a good way to get you thinking for next year {for those of you over-achievers}.

I have used this fun little classroom management tool in my room for four years and it is HANDS DOWN the BEST way to get your kiddos transitioned in a timely and quiet manner.  I've used this with both my first graders and kindergartners.  

This year {since I went back to kindergarten and no longer had individual desks, instead had tables} I placed the magnetic holders on my dry-erase board in front of the class.  It worked just the same...wonderfully! :)

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I love playing little 'classroom management' games with my kiddos!  My first graders LOVE to play the "beat the teacher" game.  How to play "beat the teacher:" I have an area on my dry erase board where I write "Mrs. McHaffie vs. Class," every time a student calls out an answer or something of that nature I get a tally mark.  Every time the students raise their hands, THEY get a tally!  Whoever has the most tally at the end of the day wins!!  So simple and easy and the kids LOVE it and it really helps with calling out!

Sparklers is a version of a game I was introduced to when I was interning.  These cute little "sparkle balls" as my kiddos call them are from your local craft store.  I got the magnetic holder to place on each group of desks {I've grouped together 5 desks to make a "clump island" :)  }  from the Dollar Tree!!

Here's how the Sparklers work:  When we transition from one area of the room to our individual desks, each "clump" has an opportunity to earn a sparkler for their "island."  Once the "island" has earned 6 sparklers they earn some type of reward.  They earn a Sparkler by going to their desks quickly and quietly, getting out their needed materials, and showing me they're ready to work and/or listen for directions.  This helps with making transitions run smoothly and we are able to get right to their next lesson!  

Their rewards are NEVER food and/or candy. I reward with them with things like: a choice of a new eraser or pencil to add to their 'toolbox' or I might let them be the first to line up for the rest of the week.  Something easy and simple like that!  The best part is... the kiddos L O V E it and really encourage one another to earn Sparklers for their group!!  It's so fun being in first grade!

Any cute and fun classroom management ideas from the "peanut gallery"?  :)