10 Annoying Teacher Problems & Simple Classroom Fixes That Actually Work

Not every problem is a big problem.  Not every routine needs a system.  Sometimes, we make things more complicated than they need to be.  These small issues and annoyances can add up and could be the straw that broke the camel’s back.  

Believe me, I have blown up and lost my mind over forgetting to take attendance–again.  I have felt the walls, or rather the stacks of papers, closing in on me.  I have felt the shame of passing back papers that have been sitting in the outbox for weeks. 

After all these years in the classroom, I have realized that the simplest solution is usually the best.  It’s okay to pass the job on to someone else, and small changes can make a huge impact.

So instead of giving you another giant list of things to implement, let’s troubleshoot 10 annoying classroom problems and find a realistic fix for each one.

1. I Forget to Take Attendance

Why it keeps happening…

Attendance is so easy to forget because the start of class can feel hectic.  Often, students want to touch base with you, you are checking folders or planners, and you’re making sure students are ready to start the amazing lesson you have planned. 

Attendance is the last thing on your mind.

The Real World Fix

Work attendance into your existing routine.  If you are looking for a way to get students started quickly in class, utilize my To-Do List strategy…add attendance to that list.

If that isn’t an option or you use a different system at the start of class, assign an attendance monitor.  Sounds like something straight from the 1950s, I know, but your upper grade and middle school students will covet the responsibility.  Let a student take attendance, and hand it over to you to submit.

Real World Rule

If you repeatedly forget something, don’t rely on your memory; build it into a system that is already working for you. 

2. I am Always Running to the Copy Room at the Last Minute

Why it keeps happening…

We have all had that moment of panic once we realize we don’t have the assignment, task, ISN tape-in, that we need to successfully conduct our lesson. It isn’t like you want to be constantly running to the copy room; it isn’t because you procrastinated…it is because you need to connect your copying to your lesson planning process. 

The Real World Fix

While you are planning, keep a separate notepad, sticky note, or scrap of paper near, and write down a copy list. Write out the copies you need, the amount, if they are front to back, etc.  Believe me, this will take only a few extra seconds.  

I always lesson plan on Thursday, copy on Friday. 

Even better…get parent volunteers to come and make your copies on Fridays.  Parents want to help; you just need to ask!  They can come whenever on Fridays (so you don’t have to fight the copy room traffic), and you can focus on your students, grading, or whatever else you need to do.

Real World Rule

There is nothing wrong with getting help.  Upper grade and middle school parents want to help; they just need the opportunity.

3.  I Never Remember to Check Student Folders

Why it keeps happening…

Teachers typically have students turn their folders in, but we all know that there is never extra time in the classroom.  Although you plan to sit down and go through each student’s folder, it always gets pushed to the back burner.  So stop collecting the folders and streamline your system.

The Real World Fix

Stop collecting folders; stop making checking folders entirely your responsibility.

When your students come into class and see their To-Do List, there are specific items they are expected to get out daily, no matter what:  ISN, pen, pencil, planner, etc.  Add folders to that list.  Create the expectation that folders are out and open on your students’ desks when they enter.  You can check folders as you walk the room at the start of class, pass out any items that you need to send home, and folders will be done while students are finishing whatever they need to do in the five minutes before your lesson starts.

Real World Rule

If students can own part of the routine, let them.

4.  I Always Forget to Pass Back Papers

Why it keeps happening…

Although passing back student work is important, it definitely sits low on the priority list.  Plus, this task of passing back papers can be time-consuming, can cause students to get off track, get distracted, and get to socializing.  This is a task that cannot happen every day.

The Real World Fix

Pass papers back once a week: same day, same time.  Work this activity into your lesson plan, and let your parents know what your paper pass-back policy entails.  Turn an occasional task into a routine.

5. I Am Drowning in Papers!

Why it keeps happening…

Teachers are always prepared, and that means that we make extra copies (just in case).  Create a home for those extra copies, because we know in the end you will absolutely use them. 

The Real World Fix

There is a simple and realistic way to organize extra worksheets, flyers, handouts, and more: The Extra Papers Bin.  This easy filing system helps you to keep papers organized and accessible while keeping them off your desk.  All you need is a crate and numbered file folders.

6. My Students Take Forever to Get Started

Why it keeps happening…

You know how upper grade students are: if you give them an inch, they will take a mile!  If you leave any type of wiggle room in regard to your start of class routine, your students will take it and find an opportunity to socialize or get off track.  You have got to set the tone of academics and productivity within those first five minutes of class!

The Real World Fix

Have a To-Do List on your board every single day.  You don’t need an elaborate start of class routine or tons of seat work…you just need a predictable routine that students can master quickly and execute independently.

Real World Rule

Predictability saves time.

7.  I Can’t Keep Up With Missing Work

Why it keeps happening..

As students get older, there are more assignments completed each day, and if a student is absent, forgets to turn something in, or doesn’t put their name on something, their grade can really be affected.

The Real World Fix

I always keep a paper roster and write down student grades throughout the week. I grade whenever I can to keep up on things, so I write down student scores on a paper roster, which in turn helps me to clearly see which students have a blank space.  I know as soon as possible which students are missing the assignment and can inform them ASAP.

I also enter my grades into the digital gradebook on the same day each week.  Both parents and students know that I enter grades on Friday and can check them each week.

8. Students Constantly Interrupt Me

Why it keeps happening… 

If your upper elementary and middle school students are constantly interrupting you, take it as a sign that they are engaged and want to communicate.  The problem is that they don’t have the proper tools.

The Real World Fix

I have my students use silent communication via hand signals.  This absolutely works, yes, even with the older students.  Granted, I am not using Quiet Coyote, but a much cooler approach to hand signals.  The key is to choose hand signals that you and your students are comfortable with, and to reinforce and use the hand signals often.  

Real World Rule

If the teacher does it, students will follow.

9.  My Transitions Take Forever

Why it keeps happening…

Transitions often take forever because there isn’t a clear signal and expectations of what a transition looks like are murky.  Confusion during transitions normally occurs when students are unsure of their role and how much time they actually have to complete the transition.  

The Real World Fix

Use a consistent signal that is only used when you want students to stop and transition.  I use cooperative learning in my upper grades classroom, and when I need students to move to the next activity or transition to the next part of our lesson, I only have to give one “ding!”  

My desk bell (yes, like at a hotel) is loud and clear, and students know that it means it is time to move to the next activity–quickly.  Now, you don’t need to use a desk bell, but any quick, distinct sound will work, and use it ONLY for transitions.

10.  I Can’t Keep Up With My Own Lesson Plans

Why it keeps happening…

You are likely creating from scratch each week.  If lesson planning is taking you hours every week, I have a simple solution to save you time and get you meticulously planned in about 45 minutes.  Stop reinventing the wheel; don’t start from scratch each lesson.

The Real World Fix

Use the same lesson plan structure for every class, subject, topic, period, whatever!  Using the same lesson plan structure for everything takes the guesswork out of lesson planning.  You are able to streamline your lessons and will avoid feeling overwhelmed because you know what is coming.  Students love this too; the same routine offers comfort.

Real World Rule

Predictability isn’t a bad thing; it’s a productive thing.

How to Troubleshoot Almost Any Classroom Problem

No matter what your problem is, you can work through it, simplify it, and create a routine that will make life easier.  You just have to ask yourself:

• What is going wrong?
• Do I have a system in place?
• Can I simplify that system?
• Do I even need this routine or system to complete the task?
• Can I pass this task responsibility on to a student?
• What tools can I use to remind me of this task or simplify this task?
• What is the simplest version of this task?  Can I implement it?

Are you ready to troubleshoot your own classroom?  

Download the REAL WORLD TEACHER TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE: SIMPLE FIXES FOR EVERYDAY CLASSROOM PROBLEMS

You can print it and use the troubleshooting worksheet the next time you catch yourself feeling frustrated, the next time you forget to do something for the tenth time; this can help.

Your classroom doesn’t need more complicated systems.

Sometimes the difference between a frustrating routine and one that works is one small change.

Small changes. Big impact.