How It Works

A visual cue that manages movement—so you don’t have to.

💡 What It Is

The Headband Strategy is a classroom management system built around one simple visual cue: your headband.
When the headband is on, students know that certain routines—like restroom breaks or movement—are allowed.
When the headband is off, it’s whole-group time: no movement, no interruptions, full focus.

It’s festive. It’s functional. And best of all? You don’t have to say a word.

✅ Step 1: Put On Your Headband

An illustrated woman putting on a Halloween headband with a pumpkin on top, with instructional text on how to wear it, featuring a speech bubble with a pumpkin face.

As soon as the headband goes on, your students know—the restroom is open! Typically, I wear mine when it is not whole group time.

Each month features a festive, seasonal headband to match the mood—hearts in February, shamrocks in March, pumpkins in October… you get the idea! It’s a simple, visual way to keep routines running smoothly (and stylishly) all year long.

✅ Step 2: The Headband Signals the Rule

Cartoon girl with black hair, pink heart headband, sitting at desk in classroom, smiling. Instruction on wall about wearing headband and restroom being open.

Here’s the rule:

  • Only one boy and one girl may leave the room at a time.

  • Students grab a colored cone (optional) and place it on their desk.

  • No need to ask — if the headband is on, they’re good to go!

👦🟦 Boy = Blue cone
👧🟥 Girl = Red cone

It’s a silent signal system — no hand-raising, no disruptions.

✅ Step 3: Headband Off = Learning is in session

A classroom scene with a smiling female teacher standing in front of students at desks. The teacher has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a beige top. There are four children sitting at desks behind her, each smiling and looking toward the camera. The classroom has large windows and beige walls. There is a speech bubble that reads, "Step 3: headband off, learning is happening."

When the headband comes off, it’s time to focus. That’s the signal for students to stay seated, listen carefully, and hold questions or restroom requests—unless it’s an emergency or you invite them to share.

🎯 This clear boundary helps protect your teaching time, keeping things calm, respectful, and distraction-free.

📝 What You’ll Get in Every Package:

Each package comes with:

  • Festive/Holiday Themed Headband(s)

  • A “How - To” on The Headband Rule strategy card

  • 2 Digital & Printable Posters for your classroom

  • An Editable & Digital Letter for parents