Randi Kearney is a dedicated educator with over 18 years of experience in teaching and administration. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from NYU, Early Childhood units from UCLA, and a Master’s in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois. After spending a decade in the classroom, Randi transitioned into leadership roles, always advocating for student-driven, passion-based learning. She has presented nationally at SXSW Edu on incorporating student interests into early education and internationally through HundrEd on implementing sustainable school practices. A recipient of the Smotrich Award for Excellence in Teaching, Randi currently serves as Head of School at Vida School in Agoura Hills, CA. Her work has been published in various education journals, contributing to global conversations on effective teaching and learning.
In interviewing any number of educators across the world, you’d most likely find them united in one key takeaway. No two students are the same. No two students play the same. No two students learn the same. No two students respond to classroom management the same. Yet, professional development and teaching resources often suggest universal approaches or “scripted responses” to classroom challenges. The reality is more complex. Students are unique and challenging in different ways. You cannot script your way through teaching.
For example, some resources suggest offering choices to encourage compliance: “It’s time to line up – would you like to be first or last?” While this strategy works for some students, others might ignore it completely or even mock the attempt. That’s because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. Every student responds differently.
Many educators and other workers in the corporate field have more than likely participated in personality assessments during professional development. These frameworks might include Meyers Briggs, Enneagrams, or any other “quiz to find out” programs. The bottom line, regardless of which program an organization subscribes to, is that in a professional atmosphere, we acknowledge that adults work, communicate, and collaborate differently. However, research on childhood personalities remains limited, often oversimplifying children into basic categories like “Easy,” “Shy,” or “Spirited.” As educators, we know students are far more complex.
Dr. Stuart Brown’s work on play personalities offers valuable insights for classroom management. Here are eight personality types you might find in your classroom community, and tricks for how to motivate each of them:
The Competitor: Who wins matters. And these kids want to win. These kids love keeping scores. Games that end in a “tie” or with “participation trophies” will likely upset them. If you want to motivate these kids- turn it into a competition. “Bet you can’t line up by the door in 30 seconds.” Then you set that timer on your phone and watch them run.
The Joker: Silliness, nonsense, clowning around. Jokes. This child will likely be the class clown. Making other people laugh will fill their bucket. Need them to put their pencil case away? Take it, place it in a ridiculous place- say on top of a plant, say “well, that looks about right.” And start walking away. Ample giggles will follow. Let them pick a ridiculous place to put their pencil case and then you can laugh together as you put it back in the correct spot.
The Kinesthete: They just need to MOVE! Running, jumping, climbing, skipping, spinning. Board games, card games, or small motor-based art projects are going to make this little one want to scream. If you need to work out of them, you’re going to need to prepare by allowing them to run laps around the playground a couple dozen times before they come in from recess. Maybe they have to climb on a chair (they’ll be ok…I promise). Or race them to their desk. Get the kid moving!
The Director: Our little baby Type A’s. They want to organize everything. They want to plan the day and will absolutely remind you if you fall off schedule. They want to tell everyone what to do and how to do it. Give this kid jobs! Board eraser, paper collector, plant monitor. My favorite is to call these kids the “classroom facility manager” and let them clean the entire classroom during recess. Win-Win!
The Collector: Play is all about THE STUFF. How many stuffies do I have? How many stickers do you have? Teachers- we all know the one kid who has 5,000 little rocks and pebbles in their cubby. The rocks are their precious treasures, and they will notice if one is missing. Get this kid a purse or pants with pockets. Let them arrange their little treasures on a special shelf in the classroom.
The Artist/ Creator: They love to MAKE things. Our little artists who can color and paint and build for hours on end. As an educator, these children require their art to be respected and cherished. It might be hard to interrupt them if they are in the flow and you need to transition to a new subject. Find a safe space for their creation and ensure them it will be waiting for them when you return to art or free time.
The Storyteller: Imagination is key here! Creating detailed storylines in dramatic play. Singing and Dancing! Performing! Teachers- you know these kids. When you ask what a group is playing, you will get a long explanation: “I’m the Mommy. She’s the baby.
She’s the uncle and she’s mad. She wants to get a new kitty, but the grandma says no. I’ll be the grandma after I’m the Mommy. And then I’ll be the kitty too.” Need to get this kid to complete class work? You’re gonna be acting out Cinderella. Or any other fairy tale. Or maybe there’s a special “math” song or dance that accompanies dropping off their assignment at their desk.
The Explorer: These kids love to learn new things and see new places. Fun for them might be a hike, or a visit to a museum, digging in the backyard, or even reading a book about space. To get this child to complete work, entice them with something new they might learn along the way. Having difficulties getting them to keep track of their stuff?
Hide their workbox and make them go on an exploration to find it. Give them three clues and watch them light up!
Remember, students aren’t fixed in these categories. A “joker” during morning meetings might become an “explorer” during science. Meet students where they are at any given moment. Your classroom management should evolve based on the specific students in front of you.
Dr. Shefali Tsabary has an astute observation for parents that can be beautifully utilized for elementary classroom educators: Once you accept your students’ basic nature, you can contour your style to meet their temperament. Let go of your fantasies of yourself as a certain kind of teacher and instead evolve into the teacher your students need.
Students are magical, wild, sensitive, sweet, curious, and smart – each expressing these qualities uniquely. Meet them where they are while respecting their individuality. They’ll respond with increased engagement, respect, and enthusiasm for learning.