Mini Stop Lights for Classroom Management

(and FREE Printable)

I really love my first graders. I love their enthusiasm and excitement about everything we do, but their chattiness often gets in the way of learning. I wanted to have a visual signal to place at their individual work spots that would remind them when it is okay to talk and when it is time for quiet. I have seen stop lights used in many classrooms and they seem to be quite effective. So, I took that idea and turned it well, mini. Here is how I did it.

First I cut out yellow, red and green squares (about 1 and 3/4) from cardstock.

I then taped them together into a strip.

I cut black paper into 5 inches by 2.5 inches rectangles and cut a hole in the middle.

I then folded the black paper inward in the back as shown above and secured it with tape.

Then I slid the colored strip of paper into the black paper with the hole to create the stop light.

I created one light for each student and it will be placed at their workspot. Before beginning work time, we will talk about which color light our sign should be on and what that means.

Green: Okay to talk

Yellow: Whispers only

Red: Silent

I am hoping this system cuts down a bit on the socialization during work time and that it begins to help my students develop that inner voice that tells them when it is time to talk and when it is time to be quiet.

Want to try this in your classroom or home? Here is a FREE printable.

Click on the image below to download.

To assemble: Cut out the colored strip and the black square. Cut out the white circle inside the square. Fold the black square backwards around the colored strip and affix with tape. If you choose, laminate the pieces separately before assembling.

Enjoy!

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