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Code Word: Classroom Management Strategy

Hey, Friends – Keep reading for a quick tip and a freebie!

Do you just GO NUTS (be honest) when you are giving directions to your class about an interactive notebook and the kids immediately rush to take out their supplies? Or how about when you are explaining how to do something, and they impatiently start moving when you are taking?!

DRIVES ME BONKERS!

In order to stop the rush so that the kids can focus on listening to the directions, I implement this classroom management strategy called: Code Word, in order to ensure keep the kids focused.  

I have the sign down below hanging up in my classroom and point to it when it’s time to be ‘code word’ ready. 

 

Each day I rotate through the students and they can pick the secret code of the day.

When it is time to give directions I say something along the lines of, “LISTEN! A Code word will follow!”

You can also choose to do this with an academic vocabulary word as your code word—Do you want to use this for your own classroom? Click {HERE} or the link below!

Also, don’t forget to pin this image so you can always access this freebie!

Amber

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13 Comment

  1. Reply
    Lovely Nina
    May 12, 2016 at 10:17 am

    Awesome idea, I'm sure your students love it!

    1. Reply
      Lorraine
      May 30, 2022 at 10:45 am

      It says it denies access for me to open it when I click the link

      1. Reply
        Amber Calderon
        January 23, 2023 at 2:48 am

        Hi Lorraine! Apologies for the trouble! I’ve updated the files and you can access the free download by clicking here!

  2. Reply
    Recipe for Teaching
    May 16, 2016 at 2:08 am

    I love this idea and I printed it after your shared it on Instagram!! My students LOVE it and it's such a great way to change up our classroom management for the end of the year!!! Thank you for sharing such a great idea!
    ~Heather 🙂

  3. Reply
    Amy
    July 11, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    So cool! I think I’ll combine this with another method I use… I ask a curriculum-related question and the answer becomes our code word. For example, I’ll say, “When you hear the name of our state capital, go!” Then I’ll say one or two words that are frequently but mistakenly named in our classroom as our state capital, before I actually say the right one.

  4. Reply
    Mel
    July 15, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    I absolutely adore this and what makes it even better is that it matches my colors!
    Thank you <3
    M

  5. Reply
    Belinda McGaha
    August 4, 2016 at 2:55 am

    I’ve used a code word, but never had such a cute poster to write it on!! Thanks for the freebie!!!

  6. Reply
    Sherry Duarte
    August 14, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    When I taught primary grades, I used a similar strategy, “Magic Word”. I had to say the magic word following the directions before students could begin. They love helping me select an academic word, or a seasonal word. Now that I’m moving up to 4th grade the “secret code word’ is going to be perfect. Thanks for the printable too.

  7. Reply
    Yari
    August 25, 2016 at 12:58 am

    I started doing this with my kiddos this year and they absolutely LOVE IT! The great thing about it is that they really pay attention to me while I am giving directions because they just can’t wait to hear the code word. haha Genius idea!

  8. Reply
    Amanda | Maple Alps
    March 8, 2017 at 2:16 am

    I LOVE THIS!! Definitely saving this idea to use!

  9. Reply
    Ashley
    August 6, 2018 at 2:51 am

    I started using a code word for my transitions last year in my Kindergarten class. I love that you made such a cute print out display for me to post the secret code word. Thank you.

  10. Reply
    Christine Mcneil
    October 22, 2022 at 2:29 pm

    Do you have another way to open the code word image? It won’t allow access through my google drive.
    Chrissy

    1. Reply
      Amber Calderon
      January 23, 2023 at 2:40 am

      Hi there! Apologies for the trouble! 💕 I’ve updated the free file and you can access it by clicking here!

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