FREE Digital and Printable Classroom Management Clip Chart
Looking for a classroom management strategy that is simple to use and keep up with? If you are a preschool or early elementary school teacher I suggest you try out this clip chart! Clip charts are an awesome way of holding students accountable for their behavior because they are a great visual and easy to understand.
I have been using this clip chart in my Kindergarten classroom for years now and have had a lot of success with it. My students are constantly engaged with the clip chart because they know that they can always be moved up or down. They truly feel a sense of accomplishment when they clip up and are extremely motivated to change their behavior if they ever get clipped down below green.
How to Effectively Use a Clip Chart with Your Students
Students typically start each day on the color green or “Ready to Learn.” They can move up or down the clip chart based on their behavior. If students are showing role model behavior they clip up, but if they are making poor choices they clip down. Here are the levels in order:
- Superstar (Pink)
- You Rock (Purple)
- Great Job (Blue)
- Ready to Learn (Green)
- Warning (Yellow)
- Last Chance (Orange)
- STOP! (Red)
I chose these colors based on the color of the rainbow, but if you would like to print your chart on different color paper or color it in yourself I have created a black and white version as well.
Review Expectations and Model Your Classroom Clip Chart
If you are using the printable version of this clip chart in your classroom, I suggest that you place this chart in a spot that is easily accessible to you and your students. For example, since my students and I spend most of our time on the carpet, I placed my clip chart right next to my teacher chair. This way you can limit distractions by easily clipping students up or down.
When introducing this clip chart make sure to explain each level. A great way to do this is to model different behaviors and discuss with students which color they would move to based on those behaviors. For example, when in the hallway you could say, “Monica is using walking feet, her hands are by her side and she has a bubble! If we were using the clip chart I would clip her up to blue.”
For the first few days try not to clip anyone to orange or red (you want your students to buy into how great the clip chart is… not to discourage them!). Also make sure to manage your students expectations about clipping up to pink… students should be going above and beyond what is expected of them in order to reach “Superstar.”
Giving Students Praise and Positive Reinforcement
Most students thrive on positive praise, which is why this clip chart may become your new best friend. The excitement never seems to wear off when a student gets to clip up. Here are a few reasons why a student could be clipped up:
- A student shows role model behavior
- A student shows an act of kindness towards his or her peer
- A student receives a compliment in the hallway from a staff member
- A student tries his or her best and/ or overcomes an obstacle
When a student gets to clip up make sure to explicitly tell the class why. It gives other students a chance to change their behavior and reminds students what the expectations are.
Giving Students Clip Down Warnings without Distracting from Your Teaching
The most daunting type of behavior management system is when you feel like it takes away from your teaching. Luckily, I have found that you can use a clip chart nonverbally, saving your time and energy. Here is how you can continue teaching and address unwanted behavior at the same time:
- Give a student a warning by touching their name on the clip chart
- Make eye contact with a student as you clip them down
- Make a general statement (I love seeing so many students sitting quietly. 3 seconds to sit criss cross with a bubble or I am going to start clipping down)
In most circumstances, I suggest that you allow students to clip up to green once they have changed their behavior. It is important that students turn their day around, but it could be very difficult and unmotivating for them to do so if they remain below green.
Getting Your Clip Chart Setup for Your in Person or Online Classroom
Whether your district is starting off the school year with distance learning, going hybrid, or will potentially switch to a virtual classroom platform you may be wondering how to keep some sense of structure and normalcy for your students. This is why I created a resource that can be used either digitally or in the physical classroom.
Materials for the Printable Version
If you are using this resource in your classroom, then you can print out this clip chart in color or black and white (directions are below). Here is a list of materials that you may choose to use:
- White or color printer paper
- Laminating sheets
- Scissors and tape
- Clothespins
- Marker
Going Digital for Distance Learning
If you are going digital I have included 2 templates to choose from. They have the same wording and colors for each level, but different options for your students’ names. For the first option, simply double click the boxes labeled, “Name Here,” to type your students’ names. The second option has student numbers, but you can also edit them to be students’ initials.
Depending on the size of your class you may choose to delete or add more name boxes to your digital clip chart. To delete the name boxes simply right mouse click on the box and then click, “delete.” To add more boxes click on the name box you would like to duplicate, then copy and paste the box.
Easy Google Slides Instructions for this FREE Digital and Printable Clip Chart
If you are new here then you may not know that I am OBSESSED with Google Slides. You will find that all of the resources on this blog are made with Google Slides for a number of reasons…
1. You can create and edit resources on your Google Drive that automatically saves your work. Unlike most editable resources, this one SAVES the changes you make. This means if you edit the Google Slide to add your students name to the chart, you can go back into this resource the next day and the names will still be there… YAY!
2. You can access all of my resources in your Google Slides so you never have to worry about losing or misplacing them.
3. Wherever you are (at home, in school, the library etc.) and whatever device (laptop, PC, Chromebook, Ipad, smartphone, etc.) you can access Google Slides.
4. You can organize all of your files by subject or month and add my resources to whichever folder you see fit.
If you are already familiar with Google Slides, then you can scroll to the bottom of this post and click the rainbow button labeled, “Click Here for FREEBIE,” to access this FREE Digital and Printable Classroom Management Clip Chart. However, if you would like a quick step by step of how to use this resource, then keep reading!
Using Google Slides to Access this Free Digital and Printable Classroom Management Clip Chart
After downloading this product you can make a copy for yourself. This is super helpful because you can pick and choose which slides you want in your presentation. For example, you can split this resource into two separate copies… one Google Slide with all of the Digital resources and the other Google Slide with all of the printable resources.
1. Click the rainbow button labeled, “Click Here for FREEBIE.”
2. Once the Google Slide opens in another tab, click on File → Make a Copy → Entire Presentation. Then, click the yellow button, “OK.”
3. Delete any slides that you do not want in the presentation you just made. You can do this by clicking on the slide to highlight it, then then right mouse click and hit Delete.
P.S. – Don’t worry, you have the original downloaded in your Google Drive already so if you accidentally delete a page you can always go back in the original and copy and paste it into the slide.
4. If you are using the printable clip chart for your in person class, then go ahead and print the pages you want (make sure to select landscape in your printing settings). If you would like to use the digital version, then you are going to want to…
- Choose the digital template you would like to use
- Click on each textbox and insert your student’s name where it says, “Name Here.”
5. Make sure your clip chart is easily accessible when teaching
- Add it to other google slide presentations by copying and pasting the slide
- Leave the tab open so you can easily switch from your teaching slide to your clip chart
- Place it in the front of the classroom by your teacher chair
The Moment You’ve Been Waiting for… Click Below for this FREEBIE!
Click below to access this FREE and EDITABLE clip chart. Read above in the section, “Using Google Slides to Access this Free Digital and Printable Classroom Management Clip Chart” if you need help navigating this resource with Google Slides!
