I made a pretty big effort the last couple of days to get my students to have a greater sense of urgency when completing transitions. So far it's been fairly successful, though it's still a journey and they need to be more consistent. I also implemented another strategy I didn't mention in the previous post - to get the children to tell each other about the word of the day, problem of the day and the weather. It keeps them involved, even if it doesn't speed things up. Well, it does speed things up in that while they are telling each other those things, I can move the laptop from the back mat to the front mat and have it all ready to go for shared book.
The strategies have worked mostly when I've been insistent on them going fast. They have been getting excited when I tell them - just before the sound to end the Daily 5 round goes - that we need to try to break our record. They were actually cheering today when they got to the mat in 59 seconds. However, I wasn't doing it all the time, and those times they were very laxadaisical with their movements. I wish I spelled that word right.
I've also started recording the times so we can compare, and will be making a chart for the week. They have definitely turned around the last few days and things are going well in that regard.
I also tried counting down from 10 during cloak bay runs and only having 10 students in there at a time. I've been less on the ball with this particular change, but when I've been able to supervise it has gone well. Some tears, but that's kind of the point. Those kids won't be wasting time again. I need to continue to be on top of that, even though there are things I need to do while they are getting their snacks and lunches.
Overal, I'm quite pleased with what I've done. I just need to make them habits now, so it's easier in the future.
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