A Calmer Classroom: Decluttering Routines and Starting Strong
Click here to watch the YOUTUBE version of this post.
Welcome to our yearlong series on Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers. Each week we will give you a new piece to the classroom management puzzle to have in place when you need it this school year. Think of it as a Lego kit just waiting to be built.
Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers: A Calmer Classroom: Decluttering Routines & Starting Strong
Welcome back to Classroom Management By Design for the Primary Teacher– where we breathe new life into classroom management and remind ourselves that we deserve ease, joy, and a little quiet in our teaching day. I’m your host – a fellow K–3 teacher and your virtual mentor – coming to you from the gentle stillness of summer break.
Right now, you might be curled up on the couch, iced tea in hand, exhaling for what feels like the first time in months. That end-of-year fatigue is real. And even as your body finally slows down, your mind might still be stuck in last year’s chaos. Maybe you’ve found yourself asking, “How can I make next year feel lighter… more consistent… calmer?”
Let’s explore that together.
This week is all about decluttering your classroom routines, rebuilding your behavior systems with calm confidence, and starting the year strong with clear, kind expectations. And don’t worry – this isn’t a to-do list. It’s a “to-un-do” list. 😉
Let’s dive in.
Decluttering the Noise
Let’s talk about the clutter. Not the stacks of paper on your desk – we’ll save that for another episode – but the invisible clutter: the routines, transitions, reward systems, songs, jobs, and tasks that slowly piled up throughout the year.
It starts with good intentions – you add a fun calendar song, a sticker chart, a line leader chant – but by October, it’s exhausting. Sound familiar?
Let’s make this summer your reflection season. Ask yourself:
What routines energized our classroom?
Which ones drained us?
What could be simplified or combined?
Think of it like cleaning out a closet. If a routine doesn’t fit anymore, or it doesn’t spark joy or purpose – let it go.
I’ll give you an example. One year, I did a daily “student news” segment. Cute, right? But it always turned into off-topic chatter and ate up valuable time. The next year, I swapped it for a weekly morning meeting. Lighter. More focused. Calmer. Boom.
Here’s the takeaway: Do less, but do it better.
Keep what works. Let go of what doesn’t. And create a rhythm that makes the day feel peaceful – for you and your students.
Calm & Consistent Behavior Systems
Now, let’s shift into behavior. Not the kind where you’re on a power trip with clip charts and warning cards. We’re talking about a calm, consistent system that works with your energy.
First pillar: Calm.
Your energy sets the tone. If you’re anxious and rushed, your students will mirror it. But if you’re calm and grounded – even when chaos hits – they feel safe.
And calm doesn’t mean robotic. It means controlled, responsive, and steady.
Here’s a trick I use: when a student starts spiraling, I pause. I breathe. Sometimes I take a step back before I respond. Or I ask a simple question like, “Can you try that again with kinder words?” That calm cue tells their brain: you’re not in trouble, but you are expected to do better.
Second pillar: Consistency.
This one’s tough. Because when we’re tired, it’s so tempting to say, “Just this once…” But kids notice. And the moment we’re inconsistent, they’ll test those limits again.
So, set clear expectations. Enforce them kindly and every time.
You don’t need a lecture. Just say, “That was a choice that doesn’t match our rule, so here’s what we agreed happens.” And then… move on. No shame. No grudge.
You’re the calm captain of the classroom – steering steadily, not shouting through the storm.
Starting the Year Strong
Let’s imagine that first week of school. Freshly decorated room. Nervous, excited little faces. You have a golden window to set the tone.
Here’s how:
1. Frame Rules as Expectations
Ditch the “don’ts.” Instead, say:
“We show respect.”
“We stay safe.”
“We try our best.”
Define what those look like. Use real-life examples. Little ones do best with clarity.
2. Co-Create the Norms
Even in kindergarten, students can contribute. Ask them, “What kind of classroom do we want to have?” When kids help create the expectations, they’re more likely to live them.
3. Model Everything
Routines don’t teach themselves. Want a quiet line? Act it out. Want them to clean up fast? Practice it. Over and over, with joy. 🎉
4. Use Logical Consequences
Not punishments – consequences that teach. Hurt someone? Make amends. Break a material? Help fix it. Stay calm and be fair. Every time.
5. Align Systems with Your Energy
If you’re burnt out by afternoon noise, build in silent reading. If sticker charts overwhelm you, simplify. Choose systems you can maintain – even on tough days.
Because the best classroom management system? One that honors your well-being, too.
Let’s pause for a deep breath. 🌿
How are you feeling now? Maybe a little more hopeful? A bit lighter?
You don’t need to overhaul your whole year. You just need a few mindful shifts – a smoother routine here, a clearer rule there, and a habit of pausing before reacting.
You already have what it takes. You care. You reflect. And that makes you a powerful teacher.
📌 If you want a step-by-step guide, I’ve created a free Back-to-School Calm Start Checklist. It walks you through everything we talked about today, in a friendly, doable way.
And hey – I’d love to see you at my upcoming free online Calm Classrooms Training. Think of it like a teacher retreat – for your peace, your purpose, and your plan.
Until next time, rest well, teach with love, and remember: you are enough, just as you are.
Here’s to a calmer, brighter school year ahead.
Manage Student Behavior in 5 Minutes a Day!
Do you see student behavior going through the roof right about now?
Have you tried EVERYTHING and NOTHING seems to work?
Trust me, I've been there!
This is EXACTLY why I created The Student Behavior Scenario of the Day Cards for primary teachers. You will improve student behavior AND your classroom management in just 5 minutes a day!
As teachers, we can't assume that students know how to behave or what is expected of them and so often that is where things go wrong for us. (We all know what happens when we ''assume", but yet we still do it anyway.)
These cards changed EVERYTHING for me in the primary classroom because students LOVE talking about behavior AND they want to meet your expectations.
Best of all, each card has scenario of the day, reflection questions, and possible consequences that teachers can use in each situation.
GRAB YOUR FREE SAMPLE HERE: Student Behavior Scenario of the Day Cards
DID YOU KNOW…
Did you know I organize a FREE Facebook Group for Mastering Classroom Management? We are gearing up for our school year quarter sessions, so if you’re looking for a simple way to improve your classroom management join the already 200+ teachers that have signed up: Mastering Classroom Management Facebook Group
Your ebook GIFT: Empowering Primary Teachers: Effectively Manage Disruptive and Violent Behaviors in the Classroom
FINALLY…
If you enjoyed the tips in this post, you might also enjoy this series of videos Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers:
Unlock the Key to Supporting Neurodivergent Learners - Without Overwhelm
Finished Early? Now What? 10 Brilliant Ways to Keep Students Engaged Without the Chaos
A Guide to Creating an Intrinsically Motivated Classroom
Expanding AI's Role in the Primary Classroom
Unlock the Power of AI in the Primary Classroom
Supporting a Student Being Bullied
What to do With a Bully in the Primary Classroom
Don’t forget to follow us over on Instagram!
Teach~Relax~Repeat
Lauren
