Keeping a classroom schedule on track can be tricky, and many teachers find themselves frustrated with wasted time. We collected responses from several teachers who offered their own tips for keeping track of, and organizing the time they have with students. Check out some of these tips from real teachers for classroom time management.
Teacher Tips for Keeping Track of Time in the Classroom
Feeling organized often starts with having a schedule, but what happens when the class gets carried away and all of the tasks aren’t accomplished? See what real teachers are doing to keep themselves on schedule.
Time Management for Teachers
These real teacher tips offer ideas for how teachers are reminding themselves to check the time. Some teachers are reaching for kitchen timers, and others are using their phones.
“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 Class
Sometimes time flies by, but it helps to keep the whole class on track. These real teachers are posting the schedule on the board, or even using 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.
Creative Time Management Methods
Not sure a timer is the right method for you? Check out these more 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.
“Starting 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 Available Online
If you’re in the market for some unique time management tools for your classroom, check out the options available online. School Specialty offers a range of tools to fit different age groups and your preferences. Use precious minutes in the classroom wisely by helping you and your students stay on track.
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