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Classroom Behavior Strategy that Works: Give Table Groups and Points a Try!

Tips for using table groups as a classroom behavior management system in the classroom. Includes free team signs to hang and record points.

classroom behavior system - table groups

Table Groups: The Classroom Behavior Strategy that Works!

Today I’m going to talk about one of my most favorite classroom management strategies: Using table groups as a classroom behavior strategy. I will also explain how we use them to earn points. 
I have my class set-up into 4 pods/groups of desks. You can choose to have as many groups as you’d like for your classroom structure and layout. 
Hanging over the top are 4 different colored pompoms hanging (red, green, yellow, blue). You can make these easily yourself using tissue paper and following a DIY tutorial, like THIS. 
classroom behavior system - table groups pom pomsclassroom behavior system - table groups pom poms and signs
Hanging from the pompoms are colored signs saying the group name and color.  
classroom behavior system - table groups signs
classroom behavior system - table groups signs

Table Groups for Classroom Behavior

To coordinate, those pods also have matching colored containers on their desks that hold materials.

classroom behavior system - table groups setup

Here is an image of my desk set-up with the table group signs hanging over the desk pods with corresponding table caddies.  

I also put mini signs on the whiteboard. Under each sign, I add points for each group as tally marks. I love that this is something small and doesn’t take up a lot of room on my board (I don’t have a lot of space left!). 
I’ve laminated and stuck magnetic tape on the back of each sign and I keep it at the top of my whiteboard, where it doesn’t take up a lot of space. 
classroom behavior system - table groups points on whiteboard

How the Classroom Behavior System Works

How it works is each group earns points throughout the week. They earn points for many things like leaving desks neat and tidy, working quietly, working hard, being bucket fillers, remembering to put up chairs, and lots more!

This class management technique is a teacher’s best friend because it is simple and encourages teamwork. The kids really work hard together and encourage each other to work hard and do their best! At the end of the week, the team with the most points earn the team trophy on their desk for the whole next week and those students get to pick a coupon from the coupon box. I also award the whole class when every group earns 40 points for the week. It works and it’s super easy to run! (And, just in case you didn’t know – Class Dojo offers a way to keep track as well)

FREE Table Group Signs to Easily Implement

I’ve included the signs as a FREEBIE for all interest to print, laminate and try out! This freebie includes 4 full-size signs to hang over tables in the 4 primary colors. I’ve also included the 1-page sheet that has all four mini signs on it, which is great to use on your board to keep track of points.

If you are interested in my table group signs to use in your classroom and want to start using table groups as a classroom behavior strategy, please click the image below!

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Reader Interactions

19 Comments

  2. Elyse

    Thanks Lindsey! Post a pic when you have it up…would love to see it!
    Talking while working is a pet peeve of mine but unfortunately a reality when teaching little ones 😉
    Elyse 🙂

    Reply to this comment

  4. Elyse

    Thanks Jacqueline! They are really easy to make if you use patience. 😉
    I just grabbed about 12 sheets of tissue, cut into a square, did the back and forth fold and then cut the ends either round or pointed…up to you. Then I tied a pipe cleaner around the middle and started to separate one page at a time until complete. I think I found a tutorial with photos on pinterest if you are interested!
    Elyse 🙂

    Reply to this comment

  6. Deanna

    Love this idea! And I also love that you are not “rewarding” them with toys or candy. I simply do not understand that. When working with 5’s the other day, one asked me “how much will you pay us (VPK bucks) to be good?”. Not good strategy at all!

    Reply to this comment

    • Proud to be Primary

      Not a good strategy at all…been there though! As we teach, we learn what works and what doesn’t. Ultimately we want kids to be intrinsically motivated to behave and not for any reward. I use coupons as rewards but they don’t know when they will receive them and I use them more as surprises. 🙂

      Reply to this comment

  7. Katy

    Hello! Love these! Curious… I have six tables in my classroom and was wondering if you have a template that can be edited to add two more colors???

    Reply to this comment

  8. Brandi

    Would it be possible to get the signs in a few additional colors as well? I have 5-6 groups depending on how many kids I have.

    Reply to this comment

  10. Tami Smith

    I am so glad I found your article on classroom mangement. Last year was horrible and I have been teaching for 22 years. I have a split transitional kinder & kinder. They were so disrespectful. They knew nothing would happen to them that was real serious. I tried everything I could and nothing worked. This gives me a lot of hope for this year. Thank you for sharing! Tami

    Reply to this comment

  12. Karen Crowder

    I can’t wait to try these with my block classes in 4th grade! I’ve used something similar, but I always fall short on knowing good things to use as rewards. Any ideas on rewards for olders? I do use class dojo, but mainly as a communication tool.

    Reply to this comment

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