100+ Top Tips for Preschool Classroom Management [from top teachers in the field]

This list is the ultimate guide to preschool classroom management from top teachers! Learn how to control a classroom without yelling, effective preschool behavior management strategies, and get a handy preschool classroom setup checklist for a calm, organized learning space. Transform your classroom today!

Managing a preschool classroom might seem like a magical balancing act, but the truth is, every seasoned teacher has their go-to tips for making it work smoothly—without raising their voice!

In this guide, we’re diving into top tips for preschool classroom management straight from the experts.

Whether you’re looking for ideas on how to control a classroom without yelling or setting up the perfect preschool classroom setup checklist to keep little ones engaged, these tips cover it all.

We’ll also touch on behavior management strategies and creating a behavior plan template that’s realistic for preschoolers.

Get ready to build a calm, fun, and organized classroom where students (and you!) can thrive all year long.

Preschool Classroom Management

Each of these tips have been given by preschool teachers deep in the trenches themselves, we’ve all encountered behavioral problems but since the year 2020, we’ve all had our fair sure of more! In this post, I will outline the problem and then some tips to manage it. Each of these problems were given by teachers themselves and others have chimed in to help tackle it.

Problem: Cleaning Up in Centers

Top Tip: To make center clean-up a breeze, set clear expectations from the start by reminding kids that each activity ends with tidying up. Use visuals like labeled bins to help them know where items go, and play a fun clean-up song as a cue to start.

Encourage clean-up as they finish each center to keep the mess down and consider rewarding good efforts with points or appointing a rotating “Clean-Up Captain” to help motivate the group. These simple steps make clean-up smoother and more fun for everyone!

Problem: Managing Transitions

Top Tip: Use a visual or auditory cue, like a chime, song, or countdown timer, to signal transitions. Try to keep routines consistent and include clear visuals (like a daily schedule) to ease anxiety.

Problem: Short Attention Spans

Tip: Break activities into short segments with interactive elements, like songs or movement breaks. Keeping lessons engaging and short helps little ones stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.

Problem: Frequent Interruptions

Tip: Teach hand signals or a simple “I need help” visual card for students to use when they have questions. This minimizes interruptions during activities and allows you to respond without stopping the flow.

Problem: Behavioral Outbursts

Tip: Designate a cozy “calm-down corner” with soft seating, sensory toys, and breathing cards. This gives children a place to cool down and self-regulate, fostering emotional awareness and independence.

Problem: Teaching Sharing and Turn-Taking

Tip: Incorporate games that emphasize turn-taking, or use a visual cue like a “sharing timer” or a “talking stick.” Praise positive sharing behavior to reinforce kindness and patience.

Problem: Noise Levels Getting Too High

Tip: Set a noise level chart (like “whisper voice,” “inside voice,” and “outside voice”) with pictures for students to follow. You can also introduce “quiet time” signals, like a hand raise, to cue students.

Problem: Wandering Attention During Circle Time

Tip: Give each child a designated “spot” (like a carpet square) to help them understand personal space. Rotate interactive tasks, like helping hold a book or being the “weather checker,” to keep them engaged.

Problem: Difficulty Following Directions

Tip: Use simple, clear instructions paired with visual cues. Try to limit directions to one or two steps at a time, modeling each step, and encourage children to repeat the directions to reinforce understanding.

Problem: Limited Participation in Group Activities

Tip: Assign simple classroom “jobs” that give each child a role, such as passing out materials or being line leader. When they feel they have a purpose, they are often more excited to join in and help out.

Problem: Constant Requests for Attention

Tip: Create a “check-in” system, like a special “teacher meeting” chair or time slot, where students know they can talk to you one-on-one. This helps them learn patience and reduces constant interruptions for attention.

Problem: Kids coming to school smelling like smoke / marijuana (controversial topic)

Top Tip: I had a really tough situation come up at school recently, and I’ve been thinking a lot about how to handle it. A few kids in my class have been coming to school smelling like smoke—some even marijuana. It’s heartbreaking because not only is it a health issue, but other kids have started pointing it out, and you can imagine how that might make these little ones feel.

I knew I couldn’t just ignore it. My first step was to address it delicately. I wrote a letter to all the parents—not calling anyone out, of course—but explaining the impact this could have on their child. I emphasized that the smell of smoke or marijuana can stick to clothes, bags, and even hair. I also highlighted that kids are noticing and commenting, which could make these situations even more uncomfortable for everyone involved.

Here’s what I wrote in the letter:

Dear Families,

I hope this note finds you well. I wanted to reach out about a sensitive but important topic to ensure we’re fostering the best environment for all our students.

Recently, some children have been coming to school with strong smells of smoke (and in some cases, marijuana) on their clothes or belongings. This has led to other children making comments, which could create uncomfortable situations for the students involved.

I understand that life gets busy, and this may not always be something you notice. However, I kindly ask that before sending your child to school, you ensure their clothes, bags, and jackets are free of strong odors. A quick wash or airing out could make all the difference.

Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming space where every child feels comfortable and supported. Thank you for understanding and working together on this.

If you have any questions or concerns, I’m here to help. Please feel free to reach out.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

In the classroom, I’ve also been trying to handle it discreetly when it happens. I got a non-toxic air freshener to spray near the child’s belongings and let them air out in the hallway if necessary. I made sure to keep the focus on making everyone comfortable without shaming anyone.

It’s not an easy issue, but I think a combination of direct but kind communication with parents and creating a supportive environment for the kids can make a difference. I just want these kids to feel safe and respected at school, no matter what challenges they may be facing at home.

What do you think? Have you ever dealt with something like this?

I hope these tips make managing your classroom centers a little easier and more enjoyable! Be sure to check back here often—I’ll be updating this article regularly with new ideas, fresh strategies, and even more helpful resources. Here’s to a smooth, fun, and organized classroom!

Teacher Hacks and Resources

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