If you pick up any educational resource on classroom management strategies, you can find hundreds of “recipes for success” developed by veteran teachers. Instead of following a prescribed set of rules that may work for some, it’s important to realize that there is no clear cut formula to ensure a successful classroom. However, the first step should involve getting to know your students, while at the same time creating a safe and engaging learning environment. What better way to do that than by making the students an integral part of the process of creating that environment.

As more teachers are turning to the digital community to find resources to supplement their classroom instruction, finding relevant content has proved to be somewhat of a challenge. However, YouTube has launched a new “Teacher Channel” where educators can watch, upload or share their videos at no charge - http://www.youtube.com/teachers.

The channel contains resources for elementary, middle and high school level, with lessons in each of the major subject areas. In addition, there are also playlists of videos that align with common core standards. Teachers can personalize playlists that are relevant for each student's learning needs, which will allow students to access additional explanations of lessons outside of class.

The first days of school can be overwhelming for many students, as it brings about many changes, such as getting used to a new schedule, riding a bus, new teachers, or even a switch to a new school building. However, there are activities that we teachers can facilitate that will not only assist with making that transition a bit easier, but can also make those students want to come to school each day.