Keeping a classroom schedule on track can be tricky, and many teachers are frustrated with wasted time. We asked teachers for tips for managing and organizing their time with students. Check out these real teacher responses on classroom time management.
Teacher Time Tracking Tips & Tricks
Feeling organized often starts with having a schedule, but what happens when the class gets carried away and all tasks aren’t accomplished? See what real teachers are doing to keep themselves on schedule.
Time Management for Teachers
These teacher tips offer ideas for how teachers remind themselves to check the time. Everything from a kitchen timer to a phone app can keep teacher tasks on schedule.
As a Special Ed Resource teacher I have students coming into my class and going back to their gen ed class all day. That wouldn’t happen on time if I didn’t have my timers set.
Debi M.
Time management is something I work on! I use the kitchen timers at my center for reading. The rest of the day I use my classroom clock to keep an eye on.
Kimberly I.
I have a small timer that beeps that the children like, but I always wished it was bigger so they could see it without having to hover over me to see the timer.
Jenna S.
Time Management for the Whole Classroom
Sometimes, time flies by, but it helps to keep the whole class on track. These real teachers post the schedule manually or use an online app to project the time onto the board.
I have a timer app on my iPad that I project on the board in the front of the room. It counts down so the students know exactly how much time they have for each activity that we do. When time is up, you can set it for an elephant to roar or a firecracker to go off. There are other options, too. The kids like it and it helps them to learn to manage their time (as well as to keep me on track, too!)
Robin C.
I post our schedule each day. My third graders are just beginning to become aware of things like timing and patterns in our schedule. They were the best at keeping me on track!!!
Kellie B.
I have an old school timer or even use my computer to sound off. Really the teacher is in charge of this but getting students in on keeping track of time gives them some responsibility that they usually love to run with.
Lindsey K.
Other Creative Time Management Tricks
Not sure a timer is the right method for you? Check out these unique ideas for keeping the class on track and finishing lessons on time.
I try to be very flexible with my ‘schedule’ allowing for those times when my kiddos just aren’t getting math and I don’t want to quit and have them leave being frustrated. Or when we are really into a story and they want to keep going.
Tracy S.
I have a timekeeper job and that student is in charge of the timer. One less thing for me to have to worry about and the kids love that job and responsibility.
Nina F.
I start with Sustained Silent Reading for 10 minutes. The students come in, put homework on the corner of their desk, take out their books, and read. It calms the kids down from anything that happened on the way to my class, allows for attendance to be taken, homework to be collected, and just a time to be able to get into an ‘English class’ state of mind
Angela L.
Classroom Time Management Tools
School Specialty offers a range of tools to fit your preferences, no matter the age group you teach. Keep yourself and your students on track, and use every minute!
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