Arrange the classroom to allow for various work spaces, such as for reading, art, and writing. Either use tables, mats or group a few desks together to make each work area. Decorate these spaces accordingly; the reading area should have limited distractions, while an art area ought to have a special bulletin to display student work and a writing area must have sight words posted on the walls and furniture. Separate spaces allow smaller groups of students to work simultaneously and provide plenty of opportunities to rotate tasks.
Teach social skills and problem prevention strategies on the first day of school and then repeatedly review these behaviors throughout the school year. Learning how to interact with other classmates is an important step when working within a large group of young students. Additionally, as students learn how to work through their own problems, the teacher is able to focus on instruction rather than classroom manners.
Review classroom procedures and the day’s schedule every morning. A teacher’s procedures are the foundation to successful interaction between the students and teacher, as well as between the students themselves. For kindergarten students, the concept of school is very new and overwhelming if not presented in a clear manner. Furthermore, young students succeed when they can anticipate what is to come with a well-established routine.
Establish clear rewards and consequences for student actions. All classrooms need rewards and consequences to function effectively, and they are a necessity for large classes. Students need to know the limits, as well as how to behave with others and respect their rights. Explain the rewards and consequences early on and stress the value of cooperation and consideration.
Employ songs to redirect the students and bring them back to a state of control. For example, sing the following when the students have become distracted during instruction: (to the tune of Frere Jacques) “Are you listening? Are you listening? Yes I am. Yes I am. With a quiet mouth and body. With a quiet mouth and body. Hands in our laps. Hands in our laps.” At first the song will be completely song by the teacher when order needs to be brought to the class; however, as the students become accustomed to the song, they will join in singing when they hear the teacher. At this point, the students’ focus will return to the teacher and order will be restored.
Communicate regularly with parents to foster an environment of collaboration. As the number of students increases, so too does the amount of parent questions surrounding the classroom. Consistent communication is vital to limiting the number of parent enquiries. Send home a “homework folder” Monday through Thursday. The homework folder contains unfinished as well as finished school work. Send home a “news folder” every Friday. The news folder contains information such as important school news, field trip slips, and a weekly teacher update. The weekly teacher update is a letter from the teacher, highlighting instruction covered in the past week, strategies parents can use at home to supplement instruction, as well as what is to come next week. Additionally, utilize email to further foster convenient communication and encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom for additional support.