This manual contains techniques for creating successful teaching and learning environments in diverse elementary classrooms. Using humor, drawings, and a conversational tone, it provides suggestions for teaching effectively and efficiently. Special highlights include five-steps-or-less strategies that can be adapted into any classroom, an outline of best practices for every aspect of a typical school day, IDEA sections that tailor strategies to special education students, light bulb sections that highlight strategies for K-1 students, and proven tactics for non-English speakers and challenging students. Nine chapters include: (1) "Taking Care of Teacher Business" (e.g., room organization and planning); (2) "Creating a Positive Classroom Atmosphere" (e.g., decorating with themes and respect in the classroom); (3) "Working with Diverse Student and Family Populations" (e.g., working with non-English speaking students and families); (4) "With-it-ness" (e.g., teacher behavior and challenging students); (5) "Transitioning"; (6) "Taking Care of Classroom Business" (e.g., entering school, absenteeism, and classroom rules); (7) "Organizational Time" (e.g., desk cleaning and mailboxes); (8) "Rewards" (e.g., leisure time activities and lunch with the teacher); and (9) "Consequences" (e.g., identifying and dealing with challenging students). A suggested reading list is included. (SM)