Classroom Management

When transporting elementary-aged students to another area, this idea works masterfully.

The teacher forms a right angle with his/her arm (fist to the sky) and pumps it up and down and mimics a train sound, "choo choo." He/she then says, "all aboard the quiet train." At this point, the teacher should remind students of the inherent rules for riding on this locomotive:

"this is the quiet train and I am the train captain...if I hear anyone talking, you will be dismissed to the back of the line and become the caboose. When boarding the train, if I observe any running, pushing, or shoving you will receive a ticket to the caboose."

The teacher should walk up and down the line (train) to enforce the rules of the activity. This is also an opportunity to give "I" messages to pinpoint positive behavior. For example, "I like the way my 3rd grade train is in a straight line, and I haven't had to move anyone to the caboose."