Top 10 Classroom Management Strategies

Let’s face it— classroom management is part strategy, part survival, and a whole lot of learning as you go! It’s certainly not one-size-fits-all—and any teacher will tell you, what worked flawlessly one year might totally flop the next. Whether you're just starting out or heading into year 20, one thing’s for sure: every class is different. That’s why having a toolbox full of strategies (that actually work for you) is essential! Once you’ve got that toolkit, you’re ready to observe what flows naturally with your class, adapt to the energy of your students, and build a classroom routine that works for everyone!

These are our top 10 classroom management strategies that we’ve been using in our Schoolgirl Style classroom makeovers this year—and why we love them! Yes, these products are super cute, but don’t let the aesthetic fool you. With over 50+ collective years in education, our team stands behind every item in this list because they’re not just adorable—they’re functional, teacher-tested, and made to make your life easier!

Top 10 Classroom Management Strategies

1. Color-Coding

We used our color-coding system throughout our School Days classroom makeover—and we’re obsessed with the impact it had! Color-coding is one of those strategies that makes your classroom run smoother almost instantly. Each student gets assigned a color, and it follows them everywhere—folders, journals, bins, table groups, line-up spots, and beyond. It simplifies transitions, organizes materials, and boosts independence. You can choose to go as little or as far as you’d like when it comes to how many parts of your room you want to use the color coding for! Bonus: it looks so good when everything coordinates. ROYGBIV? Yes please!

2. Line-Up Spots

Lining up seems simple… until you realize half your class has never done it before! Our Line Up Spots create visual boundaries that help students understand where (and how far apart) to stand. Whether you’re teaching Kindergarteners new routines or trying to curb chatty behavior or touching in upper grades, these spots are game-changers. We included dots for door holder, line leader, caboose, and “lights,” which also ties into classroom jobs—and if your kids have assigned numbers or colors, the system becomes even more streamlined. We tape them to the floor with clear packing tape for durability (and less peeling!).

 

3. Dismissal Tracker

Goodbye crumpled notes and forgotten changes—hello, sanity! A Dismissal Tracker is one of the most helpful tools you can add to your daily routine. We recommend hanging by the door so students can clip their name to the correct dismissal method each morning as a part of their arrival routine. Need to make a change midday? Just move the clip! It’s easy for kids, substitutes, and even helps with taking attendance. Simple, visual, and effective!

4. Voice Levels

 

Having a visual cue for classroom volume (along with all things your students are learning) is everything! Our Voice Level Set make it super easy to establish expectations and hold students accountable. We hang ours in a central spot and added small battery-operated lights in each level so students always know the current noise level. No more repeating “hocus pocus everybody focus” or whatever other catchy attention grabber your class likes a million times a day! Just flick the light and let the visual do the talking.

5. Classroom Jobs

Classroom jobs do way more than check tasks off a list. They give students ownership, build responsibility, and boost classroom community! Even the smallest job—like passing out papers—feels huge to a student when it’s their turn. Our Classroom Job Displays are as functional as they are fabulous, and tie perfectly into your classroom theme (because we love a decor moment with a purpose)!

6. Daily Schedule Display

Our “What Are We Doing Today?” Daily Schedule might seem simple, but it’s one of the most powerful classroom tools! Having the day laid out visually helps set expectations and eases anxiety—especially for students who thrive on routine or struggle with transitions. Going over it during your morning meeting is quick, easy, and effective! Students feel more prepared and confident all day long!

 

7. Table Numbers

Labeling table groups helps with everything from group work to material distribution to behavior management! Our Table Numbers are designed to coordinate with our color-coded classroom system, so they blend in beautifully while doing major behind-the-scenes work. Want to use them for reward systems or table points? Go for it! These labels and colors are versatile and powerful! 

We loved how they looked paired with lanterns and cutouts during our latest School Days Makeover! 

8. Teacher Waiting Room

Raise your hand if your desk turns into a traffic jam during work sessions! This Teacher Waiting Room puts an end to that! Instead of crowding around to ask for help, students take a number and wait their turn—so you can help each one calmly and without pressure. It gives nervous students space, minimizes distractions, and keeps your classroom running smoothly. Trust us: this one is a game-changer!

 

9. Small Group Light Signal

We love using a light to signal when small group instruction is in session! We incorporated small lights near the small group tables in both our Pretty in Pastel and School Days classroom makeovers! When the light is on, it’s a nonverbal cue to the rest of the class that the teacher is busy and shouldn’t be interrupted.  You can use lamps, sconces, or even battery operated table lights! This simple tool reinforces boundaries, encourages independence, and keeps centers running without unnecessary interruptions. It’s communication—without saying a word! 

10. Using Shelves as Boundaries

We love using Kallax shelves from IKEA to create natural boundaries throughout the classroom! They help define the flow of centers and separate spaces for different purposes—all while doubling as both storage and flexible seating! One of the best parts? They’re short enough to maintain clear sight lines, so you can always see the entire room, and students never lose view of the whiteboard or anchor charts. These shelves are especially great for making areas like the library feel more cozy and enclosed, or giving the writing center a designated “zone” that supports focus. It’s like creating little rooms within your classroom, all designed with purpose and function in mind!

Tip: Use foam boards to create extra bulletin board space on the back on these shelves!

To Wrap It All Up:

At the heart of every well-managed classroom is a teacher who’s found systems that work for them! These strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all—but they’re flexible, functional, and designed to support you. We hope this list gives you new ideas, fresh inspiration, and a few “why didn’t I do this sooner?!” moments.

Ready to try some (or all!) of these strategies? Show us your classroom management wins using #SchoolgirlStyled!