UM Printables Blog
Practical teaching tips, classroom strategies, and resource guides for teachers, homeschoolers, and special educators. Learn how to use our printables effectively and discover new approaches to common classroom challenges.
How to Set Up a Calm-Down Corner in Your Classroom (Complete Guide)
A calm-down corner is a designated safe space where students can go to self-regulate their emotions before they turn into disruptive behavior. Here's how to set one up that actually works.
In this article:
- What is a calm-down corner and why does it work?
- What you need for a calm-down corner (the essentials)
- How to introduce the calm-down corner to your students
- Common calm-down corner mistakes to avoid
- Calm-down corner and PBIS / MTSS alignment
All articles
How to Set Up a Calm-Down Corner in Your Classroom (Complete Guide)
A calm-down corner is a designated safe space where students can go to self-regulate their emotions before they turn into disruptive behavior. Here's how to set one up that actually works.
Pythagorean Theorem Worksheets for 8th Grade (Free + Premium)
Looking for Pythagorean theorem worksheets for 8th grade? Here's a complete guide to what to teach, common student misconceptions, and where to find free and premium resources.
Decodable Passages vs Leveled Readers: What's the Difference?
The science of reading has shifted how we teach early literacy. Here's the difference between decodable passages and leveled readers — and when to use each one.
IEP Data Collection: The Special Education Teacher's Complete Guide
IEP data collection doesn't have to be overwhelming. This guide covers the three main data collection methods, when to use each, and how to make it sustainable.
Social Stories for Autism: How to Use Them in Special Education
Social stories are one of the most effective tools for supporting students with autism. Here's how to use them, how to write them, and where to find ready-made bundles.
Executive Functioning Skills: A Teacher's Guide to Building Them
Executive functioning skills are the mental processes that help us plan, focus, and manage tasks. Here's how to build them in students of all ages.
SAT Math Prep: 10 Strategies for a High Score
The SAT Math section doesn't have to be intimidating. Here are 10 proven strategies to help your students score higher, plus free and premium prep resources.
Phonics Worksheets for Kindergarten: A Science of Reading Approach
Looking for phonics worksheets that actually align with the science of reading? Here's what to look for and where to find free and premium resources for kindergarten.
Teaching Financial Literacy in High School: A Complete Guide
Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills you can teach high school students. Here's a complete guide to what to cover and where to find resources.
ELL Newcomer Curriculum: Supporting Beginner ESL Students
Newcomer ELL students need a specific type of support when they first arrive. Here's how to build a newcomer curriculum that helps them feel welcome and make rapid progress.
ADHD in the Classroom: 15 Strategies That Actually Work
Students with ADHD can thrive in your classroom with the right strategies. Here are 15 evidence-based ADHD classroom strategies that actually work.
Teaching Forensic Science in High School: Engaging Lab Activities
Forensic science is one of the most engaging high school electives. Here's how to teach it with hands-on lab activities that students will never forget.
Emergency Sub Plans: No-Prep Activities for Middle & High School
Every teacher needs emergency sub plans ready to go. Here's what to include, how to organize them, and where to find no-prep activities that actually work.
School Counselor Organization: Documentation & Session Notes
School counselors juggle hundreds of students, dozens of sessions, and mountains of documentation. Here's how to stay organized and keep meaningful records.
Teaching Digital Citizenship in Middle School: A Complete Guide
Digital citizenship is one of the most important subjects in middle school today. Here's a complete guide to what to teach and where to find resources.
Free 8th Grade Math Worksheets: Printable Practice for Every Unit
Looking for free 8th grade math worksheets? This guide covers every CCSS 8th grade math unit with links to free printable practice resources.
Free 7th Grade Math Worksheets: Printable Practice for Every CCSS Standard
Looking for free 7th grade math worksheets? This guide covers every CCSS 7th grade math domain with links to free printable practice resources.
Free 6th Grade Math Worksheets: Printable Practice for Every Unit
Looking for free 6th grade math worksheets? This guide covers every CCSS 6th grade math domain with links to free printable practice resources.
Free Printable Behavior Charts for the Classroom (Teacher's Guide)
Looking for free printable behavior charts? This guide covers the best free behavior tracking tools for teachers, including daily logs, weekly trackers, and parent communication forms.
Free Phonics Worksheets for Kindergarten and First Grade
Looking for free phonics worksheets aligned with the science of reading? This guide covers CVC words, blends, digraphs, and sight words for K-1 classrooms.
Essential Special Education Resources for Teachers (2024 Guide)
The essential special education resources every SPED teacher needs — from IEP data collection to social stories, executive functioning, and life skills curriculum.
Free Teacher Printables: 67 Resources You Can Download Today
Browse 67 free teacher printables you can download right now — no TPT account required. Includes behavior logs, reading logs, math worksheets, and more.
How to Teach Algebra 1: A Complete Guide for New Teachers
Teaching Algebra 1 for the first time? This complete guide covers sequencing, common student misconceptions, differentiation strategies, and the best resources.
Free Reading Comprehension Worksheets for Elementary Students
Looking for free reading comprehension worksheets? This guide covers decodable passages, close reading activities, and differentiated resources for K-5.
Free Math Worksheets for Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Looking for free middle school math worksheets? This guide links to free printable resources for grades 6-8 covering every CCSS domain.
Classroom Management Strategies That Actually Work (2025 Guide)
Tired of classroom management advice that doesn't work? Here are evidence-based strategies that actually work, plus free printable tools to implement them.
Free Parent Communication Log Templates for Teachers
Need a parent communication log for your classroom? Download 5 free printable templates — phone call logs, email trackers, conference forms, and more.
Free Algebra 2 Worksheets and Resources for High School
Looking for free Algebra 2 worksheets? This guide covers polynomials, rational functions, logarithms, conic sections, matrices, and more with links to free resources.
Best Teacher Resources for 2025: What's Worth Your Money
What teacher resources are actually worth buying in 2025? This guide highlights the best resources by category — math, reading, behavior, and more.
How to Use Choice Boards in the Classroom (Complete Guide)
Choice boards give students agency while ensuring they practice essential skills. Here's how to create and use them effectively in any classroom.
Free Substitute Teacher Plans: Emergency Sub Plans That Actually Work
Emergency sub plans that actually work — no prep, self-explanatory, and meaningful. Plus free templates for your sub binder.
Free Social Studies Worksheets and Resources for Teachers
Looking for free social studies worksheets? This guide covers primary source analysis, geography, world history, civics, and more.
Free Career Readiness Activities for Middle and High School
Looking for free career readiness activities? This guide covers career exploration, soft skills, resume writing, and entrepreneurship for grades 6-12.