If you're a primary school teacher, you know that some useful primary classroom hacks can make everyone's day more rewarding. We happened to come across some of them from online community manager Samer Rabadi at Edutopia. In the article 7 Teacher-Tested Hacks For Elementary Classrooms he writes:
"Teachers post great ideas on Instagram for everything from keeping your room clean to getting kids moving. We’ve collected a few, plus hashtags you should follow."
The two main hashtags Samer is referring to are #teacherhacks and #classroomorganization. Now, let's look at a few of these primary classroom hacks he suggests for every busy "early years educator." You can get the rest of the tips from his article on Edutopia.
1. The Clean-Up Game
This hack is about turning the arduous task of cleaning into a game the kids will love.
2. Germ-Proof Tissue Boxes
When considering primary classroom hacks, the issue of germs always seems to come up. Often viruses and ailments can run rampant in a primary classroom, but @teacherovertherainbow suggests a smart solution. All you do is mount your tissue boxes so they can't be handled but tissues can still be taken out by tiny hands. "You’ll need an under-the-shelf storage basket and a pair of needle-nose pliers or wire cutters to cut a gap for the tissues," Samer writes.
3. Flash Card Pockets
If you use flash cards then primary classroom hacks that focus on quick organization are best, like this one from @mrsdscorner.
4. Tap Lights for Noise Level
Visual cues work wonders with modern learners, especially younger ones. This is a great wall-mounted way to manage noise levels in the primary school classroom. Basically, a series of taplights indicates acceptable levels of classroom ruckus or voice volumes. "After you’ve discussed your expectations about voice levels for different activities—silent for choice reading, for example—use the lights to remind students which level they should be using at any given time," suggests Samer.
5. Give Them a Break
Make learning breaks fun in the classroom with primary classroom hacks that focus on interactive games involving movement. Samer describes a game called Switch here:
"Students make two lines facing each other. The teacher calls out an activity, a hobby, or anything else the students may like to do or an item they may have. If the students like or have whatever it is, they switch sides."
Get more tips from Samer Rabadi's article 7 Teacher-Tested Hacks For Elementary Classrooms on Edutopia. Meanwhile, have you got any interesting primary classroom hacks you'd like to share? Let us know!