I still remember my first year of teaching. I had everything planned down to the last detail—lessons, activities, even seating arrangements. What I didn’t plan for, though, were the words that would come out of my mouth over and over again. Every morning, I would say, “Thank you for coming—have a great day!” And every day, I found myself repeating, “Inside voices!” and “Walking feet!” more times than I could count.
As the years went by, I started to notice that there were certain phrases I said at least 100 times a year—phrases that became second nature. Whether it’s keeping the classroom in order or encouraging my students, these are the lines that have become the soundtrack of my teaching career. Sound familiar?
“Inside Voices!”
Let’s start with a classic. Whether it’s during group work or a class discussion that suddenly gets a little too lively, this is every teacher’s go-to. It’s the universal phrase to remind students to lower their voices without making them feel like they need to stop talking altogether. If you haven’t said this at least 100 times, are you even teaching?
“Walking Feet!”
From the classroom to the cafeteria, or from the gym to the bus line, “Walking feet!” is a constant. It’s a gentle reminder that while running might be fun, it’s not exactly safe—especially in the middle of a crowded hallway. Bonus points if you’ve managed to say it without adding, “…or someone’s going to get hurt!”
“Eyes on Me!”
Whether you’re about to give instructions, share something important, or just need to get everyone back on track, “Eyes on me!” is one of the most effective attention-grabbers in the classroom. Sure, you might have to say it multiple times, but it usually works. And when it does, it feels like a little victory.
“We Walk in the Hallway”
Speaking of hallways, how many times have you said this one? It’s the polite way of reminding students that there’s a right way to move through school, and it’s not at full speed. By now, they should know the rule, but somehow you still find yourself repeating it. Daily.
“Great Job!”
Ah, the power of positive reinforcement. This one never gets old. Whether it’s for a stellar answer, neat handwriting, or just trying their best, teachers love to encourage their students. Sometimes, “Great job!” is the fuel students need to keep going. And let’s be real—saying it makes us feel pretty good, too.
“Is That a Good Choice?”
This reflective question is a classroom favorite. When a student is teetering on the edge of a poor decision (whether it’s talking out of turn or choosing the less-than-stellar snack), this phrase helps them pause and think. Teachers use it all the time because it encourages kids to reflect on their behavior without being too harsh.
“Use Your Words”
Especially with younger students, “Use your words” is a must-have phrase in the classroom. When emotions run high, it’s easy for little ones to express frustration through actions. This gentle reminder helps students articulate how they’re feeling instead of acting out. And if you’ve said this 100 times, you’ve likely made it through some tricky moments.
“Stop Touching Each Other!”
Whether it’s playtime, sitting on the rug, or standing in line, this phrase pops out more often than we care to admit. Sometimes it feels like students are magnets, constantly getting too close to one another. And while we understand their energy, maintaining personal space is non-negotiable in a classroom setting.
“Thank You for Coming—Have a Great Day!”
Ending the day on a positive note is crucial. As students pack up and head out the door, teachers often send them off with this friendly farewell. It’s a simple but important way to show gratitude and keep the mood light, even if the day has been a little tough. After all, every student deserves to end the day feeling appreciated.
“Raise Your Hand”
Nothing quite says “classroom management” like this little phrase. It’s a classic that helps maintain order and ensures every student gets their turn to speak. It might feel repetitive, but it’s essential for creating a structured environment. You’ll say it 100 more times before the year is over, and that’s okay.
“We Don’t Run in the Classroom!”
Running is for recess, not the classroom. Yet somehow, students seem to forget this almost daily. This phrase is one of the most frequent reminders, especially when enthusiasm gets the better of them. You’ve probably said it in a calm tone, a louder tone, and maybe even while chasing after a student who’s forgotten the rule.
“What’s Our Rule About That?”
Instead of just telling students what to do, this phrase gets them thinking. It’s an opportunity for them to recall the classroom rules on their own. It encourages responsibility and reflection—two qualities every teacher is trying to nurture, even if it means asking the question 100 times.
“Let’s Try That Again”
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Whether students didn’t follow instructions or got a little off track, this phrase gives them a chance to reset and do it right. It’s patient, it’s constructive, and most importantly, it’s repeated—a lot.
“Quiet Down, Please!”
Sometimes the volume just sneaks up on you. “Quiet down, please” is the gentler way to bring the noise back to a reasonable level without completely shutting down the fun. And in a room full of excited learners, you’ll definitely need this one in your back pocket.
“I Need Your Attention, Please”
When the distractions take over and focus slips away, this phrase is your savior. You’ve probably said it countless times in a day, but when it works and the class refocuses, it’s worth every repetition.
“Take Out Your Materials”
The start of every lesson calls for this staple phrase. Whether it’s pencils, notebooks, or textbooks, you’ll say this at the beginning of nearly every class to get students prepared for learning.
“Let’s Use Our Best Work”
Encouraging students to put effort into their assignments, this phrase is a subtle motivator. It reminds students to take pride in their work and aim for their best—because you know they can do it!
“Eyes on Your Own Paper”
When it’s quiz time or independent work, this phrase comes in handy. It’s an essential reminder for academic honesty, ensuring students stay focused on their own tasks without sneaking a peek at their neighbor’s work.
“We’re All Friends Here”
Classroom dynamics can get complicated, especially with social conflicts. This phrase helps promote kindness and reminds students that they’re in a space where everyone should be treated with respect. It’s a powerful line that fosters a sense of community.
“Let’s Take a Brain Break!”
Students need mental breaks, and this phrase is the perfect way to let them know it’s time to recharge. Whether it’s a quick movement break or a few minutes of quiet time, these moments are just as important as lessons.
Conclusion
Yes, we say these things over and over again. But each phrase has a purpose. They keep the classroom running smoothly, keep students safe, and help them grow as learners and people. So the next time you find yourself saying “Walking feet!” for the 100th time, remember—it’s more than just words. It’s what makes teaching work.
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