Benjamin Franklin said, “Lost time is never found time.” Starting a new school year can be exhilarating and exhausting. It’s easy to get wrapped up in rituals and routines and lose track of time. Schedule charts and classroom jobs are a huge part of my classroom organization.
Organization at the Beginning of the Year
Through my introductory math module, I work to accustom students to my new school schedule through lessons on time. Teaching students to become proficient in time management and providing resources to reinforce my instruction helps with the transition between lessons, activities, and resources.
Students are provided with an analog schedule pocket chart to ensure effective transitions between subjects. Prior to implementing this routine, I found myself, all too often, answering the same questions about time, such as; when can we, what time will we, or how long until. A picture schedule with times provided has eliminated the need for students to ask such questions.
Having students understand that time is an important component to transitioning has helped my class become prompt. Incorporating classroom jobs to help with this organization has only enhanced my timely transitions.
Having students take ownership of the classroom through jobs can build a sense of community and responsibility. Teaching student accountability during the first week of school through modeling each job provides consistency throughout the school year. Understanding my students desires helps maintain effective roles.
As students mature, I find their desires change. To ensure my kids continue to take an active role in my classroom, I have students reapply for jobs each nine weeks. Understanding my students’ desires and disdain for various positions and making assignments accordingly, ensures that all kids are willing participants in making our classroom a success. Allowing the kids to become proficient helps maintain an attentive group of young professionals.
Throughout my career, I’ve searched for ways to organize my classroom and transfer ownership to my students. The role I find MOST effective for my daily organization is a time manager. I can easily get lost in the excitement of a lesson, small group instruction, or craft activities. Simply providing the time manager with a signal to communicate with the teacher has helped my ability to remain prompt!
Determine which roles will benefit your daily routines. Brainstorm ideas with students on how to effectively meet your organizational goals. Guide discussion, maintain control, develop routines and encourage enthusiasm!
About the Author
Cheryl Saoud is a second grade teacher from Jacksonville, Florida. Cheryl is an author for both Primary Graffiti and Teaching Blog Addicts. She would like to invite you to visit for many creative teaching ideas.
Love this post! Thank you for sharing with us! 🙂 You are wonderful! 🙂
Way to go Cheryl! You are certainly one of the most organized teachers I’ve ever met so this article is perfect for you to share some of your wisdom with others. I love the picture idea, too! Keep inspiring others- you are truly a phenomenal educator.
I certainly need to work on adding more jobs for the students to do to take more ownership in the classroom. Excellent ideas Cheryl!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing