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The Power of Time

Do you have students who struggle to finish their work on time?  Every year I seem to have two or three who can’t seem to stay focused long enough to complete assignments.  Consequently, their work gets backed up with no end in sight.

Several years back I discovered (quite by accident) a great tool for getting these tasks accomplished with no leftover work at the end of the day.  This magic tool is a simple kitchen timer.  After I teach a lesson and give out an assignment I make sure my instructions are clear and that everyone understands what is required.  I do not immediately start the timer.  After I feel the students have had an adequate amount of time to finish the assignment, I ask, “How many people are still working?”  If several people raise their hands I know I’ve misjudged the amount of time needed and give a few more minutes.  Then I ask the question again.  At this point I usually only have two or three students still working.  I count the raised hands aloud so the students can hear me.  Then I set the timer for that number of minutes (2 students = 2 minutes).  I say “I’m setting the timer for two more minutes.  Please let me see your progress when the timer rings.”  This usually helps them focus and get the task accomplished.  Occasionally there will be a student who still won’t finish when the timer sounds but are almost finished.  In that case, I will set the timer for one or two more minutes to help them.

Here are a few other pointers to help get the work completed.

*Papers with many math problems give students with attention issues a feeling of instant defeat.  If at all possible give fewer problems.  Twenty problems are much easier to finish than 50 or 100 and you still accomplish the same goal.

*If it isn’t possible to reduce the number of problems, draw lines and separate the problems into groups of ten.  Have the students try to complete one group before the timer sounds.  They like the motivation of short term goals.

*Never let a student start the day behind on classwork.  This worsens the problem and, once again, makes them feel defeated.

*Consider using less paperwork and more hands-on work with manipulatives and centers.  Students benefit in so many more ways than by just sitting at a desk or table doing worksheets.

Once the teacher gets this system down it becomes routine and the attention struggles of the day tend to work out.  It has been several years since I had a student not finish work in my class.

I hope this method works for you and your students as well!

Leaps and Bounds!

I have always wanted a kidney table to do small reading groups but my budget and floor space just wouldn't allow for it.  Soooo....I cleared off my desk and put stools on the opposite side.  Now we have smaller reading groups and their reading skills have improved by leaps and bounds!  I have taught for 31 years and I have never seen such rapid progress in reading.  While my small group is reading we have Station Rotations which is the equivalent to centers. This is actually their favorite part of the day!

These firsties did a fabulous job on their first directed drawings!!!  I'm not sure who did the original directed drawing but I'd  love to give credit if anyone knows.  If you haven't done these types of work with your students you need to start now!  Just search Pinterest for directed drawings and you will find a multitude of choices.  In the past I have done Cat in the Hat, Rudolph, scarecrow, the Easter Bunny, the Grinch, and a snowman.

I'm BACK! (For real this time)

Okay, people... I have taken some time off from blogging (again) to build up my TpT store.  I am happy to say that I now have over 170 products available!  (yay) Now it is time for me to get back in the swing of blogging.  I am technically challenged so I am well aware that my tiny little slice of the internet is plain and not anywhere near as cutesy as yours... or probably ANYBODY's!  If you have any references for people who can help me cutie-fy this thing I would love to know about them!  Until then.....this is what you get! :)  Stay tuned....I will be posting A LOT so please follow my blog!  I need a follower or two!