Time on Task by Roz Goodman

Although we teachers face many challenges in the classroom, time on task has many challenges within itself.  Every single day, I look for ways to better classroom time spent engaging students in learning. 

One thing is for certain, student and teacher preparation play a huge role.  At the beginning of the year, I did give out pencils to students.  I never did the trade thing because it took too much time.  I found however that some students would wait until 10 minutes into the period and stop the flow of learning by asking for a pencil.  Now, I do not give pencils.  I give points for showing up to class prepared.  They must take responsiblity and ask a fellow classmate for a pencil.  It seems trivial but saves 5-7 minutes a period.

I have found for my preparation, it depends on the class.  I sometimes place the warm-ups and other materials needed for the lesson on the table for them to pick up on their way to their seats.  I do find that most of the students know that whatever is on the table, they need. (protractor, ruler, worksheets, colored pencils and so on)  I will normally stand at the door with the warm-up and give directions for the other materials.  This avoids some students getting up and stalling instructional time to get materials. 

I use a timer daily.  The students know how much time becuase I use a timer up on the smartboard.