Starting the Day Right!

We all appreciate that knowing what comes before us is both reassuring and work efficient ; not only for us as the educator but also for the students. I am sure that there are some anxious students who breathe a sigh of relief when they see an agenda for the day....."She does know what she is doing! "

I also know that depending on the circumstances you may not know what is happening for the whole day due to a whole lot of reasons that are beyond your control. When this happens I just plan the time through to the next break with the children. This way we both have control over the pacing as well as the content that will be covered. It also gives you time to get organized after the next break!

Older children enjoy a vertical display of the sequence of the day on the whiteboard with or without times. I often plan this with the class, letting them know that this is the work expectation and asking if there is any other finishing work they would like time to work on or any other activity I have not included. This is their learning space and I am working with them to make it the best it can be for the day. This atmosphere of collaboration usually brings out leadership skills in the older children as you show them respect and in return you would like to be shown respect. This is also when I use the magnetic clock face. I often place a tick in the box as you finish that activity as a visual display of the day’s achievements too. It helps to keep everyone on task. I am sure they enjoy knowing what is coming up next as well as seeing what has been achieved for the day.

For younger children I record the day in simple pictures or words. A child colours the star beside the item as we work through the day . This can also act as a reward for a hard working child at the end of that activity to colour the star on the whiteboard. Little ones like the visual structure too.

So whether you do a vertical or a horizontal agenda it is easy to add any reminder notes into the visual representation of the time. I make constant use of a magnetic clock face I always carry too. I display the time that rotation or activity will finish. Children are able to cross compare the clock face on their classroom clock to the static clock face to know how much time is left. I also use the static clock face as a visual reminder to a child who may be anxious about an appointment time eg dental appointment is at 2:30pm. By putting the time on the clock face the child feels calmer and I am reminded of the appointment as well!

Sometimes all these little things add up to be big things that make your day run smoother and the children feel that atmosphere too. If you liked this tip please leave a comment or if you have some others to share please feel free to leave a comment also. Our profession is a sharing profession.

So live,laugh and learn,

Happy days.

Carmel