A question I’m often asked is how to manage a classroom where students are engaging in different activities simultaneously. Many teachers worry about keeping children focused and preventing disruptions. I agree – classroom management is a real concern.

I like to think of classroom management as being like a orchestra conductor. There are many different parts and players, and when they work in harmony, it’s beautiful. If not, it can quickly turn into chaos!

Here are a few strategies I’ve implemented to support classroom management in a playful learning environment.

1. Build a Culture of Collaborative Learning

• Promote teamwork: Encourage children to see themselves as part of a learning community. Discuss why working as a team is important to create a classroom where everyone can learn.
• Model collaboration: Show examples of how to work together effectively. I do this through picture books, social stories, role playing and class discussions.
• Celebrate shared successes: Highlight moments when the group achieves something together. Recognizing these accomplishments builds a sense of community and shared purpose. I do this through group challenges.

2. Create Group Norms and Use Discussion Routines

• Collaborative rule-making: Involve students in setting expectations for behavior during playful learning activities. When children help create the rules, they are more likely to follow them.
• Establish clear routines: Use visual cues, signals, or timers to guide transitions and maintain focus. I give verbal reminders to let students know when it’s almost time to transition and I occasionally use a visual timer. Chimes are another effective way to get everyone’s attention – I love that it is a soft sound.
• Practice problem-solving: Teach children how to resolve conflicts. I use picture books, discussion slides, and social stories to model and practice these skills.

Investing time in establishing routines and procedures at the start of the year is essential. I revisit these expectations after school breaks and after a new student joins the class. I do this to ensure the routines and procedures remain fresh in students’ minds.

3. Identify Expectations for Material and Space Use

• Zones for activities: Divide the classroom into designated areas for different types of play. invite students to discuss which activities are best suited for each zone.
• Flexibility: Allow for flexibility within set guidelines. This provides students the opportunity to feel ownership and autonomy.  It also keeps the environment child-centered while maintaining order.
• Materials: discuss with students how they might use materials and resources in a respectful way. Reminding them that the materials are intended to help them learn and grow.

Teaching routines and procedures should be a core part of your lessons at the start of the year. Spending time on expectations and practicing these skills will pay off in every classroom and will be especially helpful in your playful learning classroom.

Each classroom is unique, so you may need to experiment to find what procedures work best for you and your students. I’d love to hear about the strategies and routines that work in your classroom.

Stay tuned for more tips on playful learning!

Happy Learning,

Lynda

You might be interested in my new guide

A Beginner’s Guide to Using a Playful Approach in the Classroom