Kindergarten Behavior Management Hacks That Actually Work

Managing behavior in a Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 1st grade classroom can feel like juggling apples, crayons, and glitter all at once. ✨ We all know that classroom management isn’t one-size-fits-all—what works one day may flop the next. But after years of trial and error (and a LOT of coffee ☕), I’ve found some behavior management hacks that actually work. These strategies are simple, effective, and designed for real classrooms filled with little learners.

Keep It Visual 🎨

Little learners thrive on visual supports. They need to see what’s expected.

• What you may have tried: clip charts, sticker charts, behavior contracts.
• What actually works: visual schedules and picture cues. When kids can see the steps in their day, transitions are smoother and meltdowns are fewer. For example, before carpet time, you can hold up a “sit criss-cross” card so your little learners know exactly what to do without repeating it 10 times.

Teacher Tip: Use real photos of your classroom routines (lining up, reading, centers) instead of generic clip art. Kids love recognizing themselves in the pictures!

These resources are a fun and engaging way to give students visual reminders of their daily schedule. Click the image above or visit my TPT store to check them out.

Blog post Kindergarten Daily Academic Schedule has more ideas and resources.

@kindergarten_chaos

🖼️Have you seen these Light Boxes? Definitely not a necessity in the classroom, but such a fun addition! I used mine to display the specials. The kids knew exactly where to look and they were able to tell each other where they were going for the day. 🤩 But you could also edit and add your own phrases or word of the day! #kindergartenchaos #kindergarten #backtoschool2023📓 #teacherideas #diyclassoom

♬ Gorgeous – Taylor Swift

Praise the Positives 🎉

We all know it’s easy to get stuck pointing out what kids aren’t doing. But focusing on the positive shifts the whole vibe of your classroom.

• What you may have tried: saying “no talking” or “stop running.”
• What actually works:catching kids doing the right thing and narrating it out loud:
  • “I love how James is raising his hand.”
  • “Look at Sofia sitting so quietly—she’s ready to learn!”

Pretty soon, everyone else wants that attention too, and the positive behaviors spread like wildfire. (4 Tips for Keeping a Positive Mindset in the Classroom)

Movement Breaks Are Magic 🕺

Wiggly bodies = wiggly behaviors. If you’ve taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 1st grade, you already know kids aren’t built to sit still for long.

• What you may have tried: powering through lessons (spoiler: doesn’t work).
• What actually works: planned brain breaks. A quick GoNoodle dance, a round of Simon Says, or even just a 2-minute stretch can reset the room and prevent bigger behavior issues later. (Blog-GoNoodle Ideas for the Classroom has more information.)

Choices, Choices, Choices ✅

Kids want control (don’t we all?). Giving them structured choices cuts down on power struggles.

• What you may have tried: saying “you have to do this now.”
• What actually works: offering two positive options:
  • “Do you want to write with pencil or marker?”
  • “Do you want to read at the carpet or at your desk?”

Either way, the task gets done, but your little learners feels empowered. Win-win. (4 Benefits of Allowing Student Choice in Kindergarten)

Routines Rule ⏰

The best classrooms run like well-oiled machines.

• What you may have tried: switching things up too often.
• What actually works: sticking to consistent routines. Kids feel safe when they know what to expect. I start the year practicing routines over and over—how to line up, how to transition, how to clean up. The more predictable the routine, the fewer the behavior problems. You cannot consequence a student when they do not know the expectation. (Super Ideas For Teaching Rules & Procedures In A Kindergarten Classroom)

@kindergarten_chaos

Advice from a veteran Kindergarten teacher…want this anchor chart and practice pages? #kindergartenchaos #classroom #kinderclassroom #teachertips #backtoschool

♬ Future – Official Sound Studio

Build Relationships First ❤️

Behavior management isn’t just about rules—it’s about relationships. Your students will behave better when they trust and feel connected.

• What you may have tried: being “all business” from day one.
• What actually works: showing your little learners that you care about them as people. Greeting them at the door, listening to their stories (yes, even the 10-minute ones about their pet hamster), and celebrating their wins. When they know you’re on their side, behavior improves naturally. (Build Positive Relationships With Little Learners)

Final Thoughts 🍏

Behavior management is a journey. Some days you’ll feel like a rockstar teacher, and other days you’ll wonder if anything works at all. But here’s the truth: with visual supports, positive praise, movement breaks, structured choices, consistent routines, and strong relationships, you’ll create a classroom where kids feel safe, respected, and ready to learn.

Remember—what works for one class may need tweaking for another. And that’s okay! The best classroom management systems grow with you and your students.

👉 Save these hacks for your classroom! Whether you’re teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 1st Grade, these tried-and-true strategies will help you manage behaviors with confidence (and maybe even a little less stress).

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