I am excited to be teaming up with an amazing group of teacher bloggers, once again, to bring you the "Bright Ideas Link Up". This link up was created to bring you practical classroom ideas from a variety of teachers, from different grades and subject areas. I hope you find some great ideas that you can easily implement in your own classroom.
Enjoy!
Seeing that most of you are already on summer vacation, or very close to it, I wanted to give you a simple idea that is so easy to implement in your class next year.
This idea is so ridiculously easy, yet, when used consistently,can make a huge difference in classroom management.
This idea is so ridiculously easy, yet, when used consistently,can make a huge difference in classroom management.
The idea - Using To Do Lists in the Classroom
I find the hardest parts of the day are the transition times between classes. I don't know about you, but if my students came in, sat in their seats and waited quietly for me to tell them what I have planned for the class I would probably fall over in disbelief! This doesn't typically happen in a middle school classroom, so I have a suggestion on how you can make those transitions a little easier.
I write a "To Do" list on the board at the beginning of every class. It consists of a point form list of what needs to be accomplished within the class period.
I find that the simple act of writing a to do list, helps keep you, the teacher, and the students on task and really helps with time management.
After using to do lists consistently, I found that my students eyes automatically go to the list on the board once they walk in my room. It became a habit for myself, as well as the students. They know what we are doing, and they are actually ready to learn! I suggest that the first point on the list be an individual activity that students can start on their own during the time it takes for everyone to get settled.
The funny thing is, that students began to point out if I did something that wasn't on the list, or got upset if we didn't accomplish the whole list. Maybe I need a disclaimer at the bottom stating that the list is subject the change if the teacher sees fit!
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For even more bright ideas, please browse through the link-up below, and choose a topic/grade level that interests you. Thanks for visiting!
Great idea! I find when I feel like I am not getting anything done a to-do list is my go to method for feeling like I accomplished something and getting more work done.
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac