Task management is one of the most important things in the classroom. There are many ways to accomplish task management successfully, but they can also be costly to produce. However, they need not be. With these simply do it yourself projects, you can make task management a breeze without spending a lot of your hard earned money.
Cups
You’ve heard of the game “Red light, Green light,” but now you can use the same basic concept to better manage classroom tasks. You can purchase red, yellow, and green cups, or you can use markers or paint to cover the bottoms of white styrofoam cups. Give each student one of each color of cup and have them stack them with the red cup on the top. The cups represent the same basic concept as the game. If the student has a red cup showing, it means that they are still on the given task; for example, if you have assigned them to read a passage, they are still reading. The yellow cup indicates that they have a question and need your assistance. The green cup means they have completed the given task and are ready to proceed to the next task.
Paper
Construction paper or cardstock can be used to very easily manage the task of getting to know students and reviewing for tests. Simply cut out squares, circles, or some other shape from the paper. Next, if you have access to a laminator, you can laminate these shapes and use dry erase markers or vis-a-vis markers to write on them. If laminated, these can be used over and over easily. For “getting to know you” questions, simply write informative questions on the back of each and stick them question-side down to the board or wall. Have each student take a set number and then take turns answering them. For test review, you can write the questions on the back and a number on the front and have students pick the number to answer a question. You can also line them up, divide your class into teams and play games such as Jeopardy.
Calendar
Either purchase a calendar or make one yourself and laminate it; then hang it on the wall and create a monthly task chart. For younger students, you can write out who will be line leader or pass out papers and so forth on the calendar. This will eliminate any arguing or having to choose because it is planned out and everyone can see when it is their turn to do the given tasks. Have a student’s name for each of the given tasks that will need to be completed throughout the day. For older students, you can make a slightly altered display. Instead of a monthly calendar, make a chart that will tell them what the objective for the class will be, what they will be expected to do, and any homework they may have. Objects like these can help to keep older students focused on what they will be doing and let them know what is expected of them to prepare for the next day.
If you have any DIY Classroom Tips & Tricks that work well for you, we’d love to hear about them!
