We all know how fast the days fly by and how much we have to teach in just a few hours. I'm here to give you a few quick and easy-to-implement tips for maximizing the time you have with your students during instruction!
Transition time can eat away at your day in no time! Teaching your students the expectations of transitions can help you add a few minutes to your instructional time. Choose a signal. I like to use music. I choose a new song every week. I like to choose theme songs from TV shows because they are about one minute long. By the time the song is over, students should have their things cleaned up and be in their spot ready for the next set of instructions. I like to keep the same song for a week because it allows the students to become familiar with it and know when it is coming to an end.
People, these make my stomach hurt or 2 reasons. They are a management nightmare for me.
"Stop talking."
"No, you may not knock on the wall to the classroom behind you."
"Girls, hurry up in there!"
BUT HERE'S THE KICKER:
If you take 2 bathroom breaks during the day that last roughly 10 minutes each, that is 100 minutes every week. Let's say your calendar allows for 6 hours of time with your students for 180 days....those bathroom breaks translate into SIX DAYS OF INSTRUCTION.
So let them go when they have to go and teach on.
You might call it something different at your school, but basically this is a place for students to write down a question or thought they have while you are working with a small group or individual. When you are finished with your instruction, you answer the questions in the parking lot! This can be something simple like a spot on the board and the students use a dry erase marker to write. No supplies needed and no interruptions take place!
THIS has saved my life. I keep the step by step directions for an activity on the SMART board while the students are working, that way they can refer to them if they have a question. You can also display the options for things they can do when they are finished to eliminate the "I'm done! What can I do?!"
Maybe this should have been number one because it is SO important. If you are spending your instructional time cutting out supplies and sorting materials, you are wasting precious moments. I like to lay out my plans and materials I need for the next day in the afternoon before I leave. Obviously life is not perfect and sometimes I'm downright TIRED, but it helps so much! Then I don't have to stress about rushing to school in the morning to be the first person to the copier!
I know these tips aren't rocket science, but I hope they help you make the most of your time with your learners!
