Terrific Transitions |
"Do Now" In a sectioned off part of my chalkboard I have an area referred to as the "Do Now" assignment. When the students enter the room, they know to look there first and begin the assignment. Each day the assignment changes. One day I might have them writing in their journals, on another day they might work on a brain teaser. Additionally, I have a poster displayed that lists things they can do when they finish their assigned work. The title of the poster is, "What Do I Do Now?" Suggestions include: read a book, do a math problem, memorize a poem, draw a picture, and so on. I also keep a basket under the poster filled with reproducibles such as short "brain puzzlers," "minute mysteries," etc. as well as poetry books.
For subject transition or just to get the student's attention, I count "1" and the students sit up; "2" and they put their heads down. (This lets everyone know that I have something to say or that it is time to put away things); "3" and they sit up with hands folded and listen to me. Each table that follows the process will get a point towards a reward at the end of the day. This is a very quick way to talk with the children, give directions, or change subjects. The kids love it because they know that they are doing the right thing and that they may earn a sticker, eraser, or some small thing. They will quietly remind an absent-minded partner, "She said two!" That's all it takes. So simple. So quiet. So effective.
The best tip for time management with small children is to set an egg timer for however long the project/assignment is. Tell students the amount of time they have and give instructions to clean up when the bell rings. I teach kindergarten and this is an excellent way to transition from one activity to another.
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