Tips for STEM Classroom Management During Stations

You’re ready to start stations in your classroom, but what about the classroom management during stations? 

In the previous blog post, we discuss why you need a station rotation in STEM. Click here to read.

Classroom management of stations is essential for students working the whole time, using materials correctly, and trying new experiences.

Also having students in small groups can help with social distancing and using materials that you may only have a limited amount on. 

Click HERE for your free STEM Station Rotation Planning Guide.

STEM Station Blog Series:

• Part 1: Why You Need a Station Rotation
• Part 2: Tips for STEM Classroom Management During Stations (this post)
• Part 3: Must-Have STEM Station Rotation Ideas

Classroom Management During Stations | #1 Teach Station Expectations

Be very explicit in expectations as to what will be accomplished at a station. The goal is to have students be independent during this time, so keep directions 1-3 steps.

Typically, I’ll host 4 stations that students will rotate through over the course of two days, 45 minute classes. When factoring in explaining the stations and clean-up in between, each station is around 15 minutes long. Students complete two stations a day. 

If needed, post station expectations where it’s located. For example, when my primary students are using Bee-Bots, I have the expectations on how to use those near the station (after we go over them of course!). 

Classroom Management During Stations | #2 Simple Materials

To help with the independence and clear expectations, keep station materials simple. Having limited items will help students get to work quicker as well as the clean up. 

When using Osmos, I have the iPads set up, the app ready on the screen, and the corresponding pieces open and ready. It’s very clear for the students what materials they will need and which app they will be using to get started. 

Classroom Management During Stations | #3 Kid-Accessible

Everything needed at the station should be kid-accessible. Unless it’s a teacher-led station, students should have easy access to all of the materials needed for the task. 

Students shouldn’t be relying on the teacher to grab materials for the station time. This hinders independence.

Have a designated area in the room where all required materials are set up. If it’s not possible to leave materials out in between classes, have previous classes help set it up before they leave. Or often, I’ll add items to stations while the previous class is in their clean-up stations. Use that time wisely and creatively. 

Classroom Management During Stations | #4 Use a timer

Use a timer that the class can see. It shouldn’t be a mystery for students how much time they have left to work. Especially for students who have a hard time with transitions.

Some students will want to keep working at their station and not switch. Having a visual timer can help all students prepare for the next steps and what they can accomplish in the given time frame. 

 My favorite timer is Classroom Screen. It’s free to use and there are other widgets that can be used on the screen in conjunction with the timer. 

 If students feel that there isn’t enough time at their station, consider repeating the stations again. Switch out some of the activities slightly, but keep the same format. 

Classroom Management During Stations | #5 Keep track of kids

If you are teaching within a specials rotation, or even if stations are in your regular classroom, keeping track of where the kids are is super important.

Trust me. 

Someone might be absent one day, get pulled for a group… really anything! Simply write the names of the kids in the group on the whiteboard or on a station rotation digital chart.

 This will ease headache and arguing as to who completed what station. 

Classroom Management During Stations | #6 Clean Up Completely Before Rotating

This step is one of the most important. Students need to clean up fully before rotating. I’ll tell students, “Clean up and stand at your clean station.” 

 I’ll walk around to each group and ensure all the materials are put away and correctly. This is also the time if students need to wipe down and clean pieces with cleaning wipes. 

For younger students, here is the process I use:

• Timer goes off
• “Clean up and stand at your clean station.”
• Students clean up, teacher walks around to stations to ensure things are being put away correctly
• When cleaned, student stand at clean station
• Teacher checks all stations one more time
• All stations clean
• Teacher says, “If you are at the Technology station, raise your hand!”
• Students at station raise hand
• Teacher says, “Please point to the Engineering station”
• Students point, don’t move yet
• Teacher says, “If you are at the Engineering station, raise your hand!”
• Students point, don’t move yet
• (Use same process for all stations) Once every student is pointing to next station, they will walk to new station

This may seem annoying at first, however, these explicit steps will help ensure materials are put back where they need to be. This also helps students learn to be respectful of the space and the tools at hand. 

Classroom Management During Stations | Let Me Help You Plan!

Planning out your STEM Rotations doesn’t have to be difficult. Click here to grab your FREE STEM Rotation Planning Guide. Inside are templates and ideas to get you started with implementing your first round of STEM Rotations!

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Guide before you go!

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

• Why You Need a Station Rotation in STEM by Naomi Meredith
• Must-Have STEM Station Rotation Ideas by Naomi Meredith
• How to Start a Makerspace by Naomi Meredith
• Best Robots for Kids for STEM & Technology Lessons by Naomi Meredith
• STEM Activity for Elementary Students | Engineer Inspiration by Naomi Meredith