# data[].attributes.body
Finished/To finish later box

When work time or free time was finished the student was instructed to put his items in the finished box before transitioning. To finish later box may be used during transitions when the student has not had time to complete an assigned activity.

# data[].attributes.headline
Changing seating arrangement (moving desks)

# data[].attributes.subject
Changing seating arrangement (moving desks)

# data[].attributes.body
If you change seating options often, have the images visible to the class. This will help reduce time when changing the seating arrangement and also give extra support for those students who need it.

# data[].attributes.headline
Giving kudos/ shout outs to classmates at the completion of the current activity.

# data[].attributes.subject
Giving kudos/ shout outs to classmates at the completion of the current activity.

# data[].attributes.body
Have some sentence stems or simple phrases visible on the walls that show how students can give kudos for different things. This will help all students by giving examples, and especially the English language learners who need help forming sentences.

# data[].attributes.body
Visual countdown

It is helpful for individuals with ASD to “see” how much time remains in an activity before they will be expected to transition to a new activity or event.

# data[].attributes.body
If students are unable to do this because of a disability. Have them bring something else that they can leave at the door to create the same kind of mindful moment.

# data[].attributes.headline
Visible timer to countdown for when clean up should be finished

# data[].attributes.subject
Visible timer to countdown for when clean up should be finished

# data[].attributes.body
If you use this strategy, have the phrase "May I go to the bathroom" or the sentence stem, "May I..." somewhere visible in your classroom to aid English language learners.

# data[].attributes.body
Waiting outside the classroom.
On the walls outside the room, have some helpful words, images or lists that can review information for students who take more time or for English language learners. You could also have more challenging information posted (advanced synonyms for common words) that your gifted and talented students can use to expand their understanding while they are waiting.

# data[].attributes.body
Leave some toys and books outside the classroom to help make students quiet in the corridor.
This is a great time to incorporate books in different languages. If you have students who speak other languages, try to include some books in their mother language for them to look at while they wait.

# data[].attributes.body
This video shows an example of a teacher's entry routine. This transition appears to be well established for students. In this video, she:
- greets the students outside and gives encouraging wods
- greets all students with "Good morning" as they enter the classroom
- has established "Team Leaders" who help do things such as collect homework
- monitors as students complete the task she has set independently.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Navigator Schools Middle School Math Entry Routine

# data[].attributes.body
7 Ways to Reduce Bathroom Breaks in Your Classroom
For students who take advantage of bathroom breaks or seem to be going too often, this article outlines some ways to address this. Here are a few ways it discusses:
1.Make them work for it. For example, require them to do something such as sign in and out. This extra step may deter students who don't really need to go.
2. Make sure there is no medical issue involved.
3. Have a clear expectation in place- for example, students don't use the restroom 10 minutes before or after class.
4. Have a few set lines that allow students to have some "think time". By asking students to wait until after the instructions or activity finishes, they may realize that they didn't really need to use the restroom right then.
5.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The dreaded bathroom use issue! It can really throw off a lesson. In my 20+ years in grades 4-8, I've seen my share of "bathroom bluffs" and untimely "bathroom necessities". For the sake of survival, I had to develop strategies to improve my classroom management and reduce interruptions due to bathroom issues. I am happy to share them.

Use a sign out sheet. REQUIRE that the student fill it out and get it signed by the teacher. If students know there's a procedure, they realize that they'll have to "work" for it. And it will be that way EVERY time they use the restroom.

Here's a bonus: when a student wants me to sign the hallway passport, I can see how many times they've been out of class that day, week, month. If there is a trend, it's easy to spot. Which leads to my second tip...

If there's chronic use, I always say, "You sure need to use the restroom a lot. Have you been to the doctor recently? Should I let your family know there may be a medical issue?" Maybe there really is an issue. If so, the family will appreciate your observations. However, if there isn't a medical reason, this student is going to be more aware of bathroom use because you are noticing a problem. Remind students that recess, lunch, and passing periods are perfect times for restroom use. With all this time out of class, there should be very little need to "go" during class time.

There's no using the restroom 10 minutes before or after a bell (beginning or end of class). Most kids can wait 10 minutes. If they can't, and I know they really need to go, I'll let them use the restroom. However, I may ask them to do a job to make up for the interruption. Most students will try to meet class expectations, so set the limits and make exceptions when necessary.

Here are my lines for when a student asks to use the restroom during class: "Can you hold it for a bit? I'm just about to make a really important point, and if you miss it I'm afraid you'll be confused. So if there's a way you could wait, I'd sure appreciate it. If you can't, I understand."

This allows think time. They notice that I'm concerned about the impact of their leaving class. Many have never even considered that leaving the room can be problematic. Quite often a student will say they can wait. After several minutes have passed, if I see the telltale signs of needing to "go", of course I let them use the restroom. However, many simply forget that they've asked or didn't really need to go in the first place. This is the magic of a good line. Try it.

If it's the beginning of the year or there are chronic bathroom problems after lunch or recess, the line is the time to say, "If you haven't used the restroom and you need to do so, now is the time. Tomorrow (or next week) you won't have this option because it's time to start monitoring yourself. Please remember to use the restroom during your recess."

I love this idea. I work at a middle school, and bathrooms are places where a lot of messing around can happen. As a school we decided that all doors leading into the restrooms are to stay open. We have signs on the doors stating this policy. Amazingly, the bathroom issues have decreased dramatically because it is no longer an unseen area on campus. It really works!

Some students really push the system and need an alternative. One option is giving a student two passes at the beginning each day. All the teachers are in on the pass plan and know that if the student needs to use the restroom, one of the passes must be handed to the teacher. When the student runs out of passes, there's no more bathroom use that day. At the end of the day, the passes are returned to their first period teacher. It's the student's responsibility to make sure this happens. The system works because they're "in charge" of it and they may still use the restroom, but there are limits.

What's your best strategy for minimizing the dreaded bathroom issue?

Thanks to I Teach What's Your Superpower - Megan Favre for the graphics.

***

Marcy at It's a Teacher Thing has been teaching language arts and social studies in grades 4-8 for 23 years. Her blog, itsateacherthing.com, is filled with great information on general teaching issues, teaching reading in the upper grades and middle school, close reading, writing motivation, ancient civilizations, and much more. She loves creating differentiated products for busy 4-8 grade teachers so that all students can succeed. Stop by her store It's a Teacher Thing on Teachers Pay Teachers. Find her on Facebook and on Pinterest. And be sure to stop by her blog, too!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 Ways to Reduce Bathroom Breaks in Your Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The dreaded bathroom use issue! It can really throw off a lesson. In my 20+ years in grades 4-8, I've seen my share of "bathroom bluffs" and untimely "bathroom necessities". For the sake of survival, I had to develop strategies to improve my classroom management and reduce interruptions due to bathroom issues.

# data[].attributes.body
Give each student 3 or 4 Hall Passes each term. The student can use them when they want to go to the bathroom. If the do not use them (meaning they have reflected on the best time to use the restroom), you can offer an incentive such as dropping a homework grade.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching Strategy - Restroom Breaks for High School and Middle School Students

# data[].attributes.body
Keep It Clean!
Quick Ideas for
Clean-Up Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
More than a dozen ideas to make class cleanup both fun and productive.

Do you find yourself spending precious after-school time each day picking up crumpled papers, assembling abandoned puzzles, collecting forgotten art materials, storing classroom supplies? Have you tried classroom clean-up time and decided it wasn't worth the chaos or the loss of learning time? Maybe all you really need to turn class cleanup into a fun and productive activity is a little help from some creativity colleagues. The following teacher-suggested clean-up activities should get you started!

Before beginning cleanup, look around the room and pick out an item that needs to be put away. Announce to students that you have chosen a mystery item and that whoever puts it away will win a prize.

Select a class clean-up song. When they hear that song playing, students know it's time to start cleanup. When the music ends, they must return to their seats immediately. Check out Songs for Clean-Up Time for some ideas or choose a favorite song of your own. One teacher we know uses a John Philip Sousa march and ends cleanup with a "pick-up parade."

Sing your own clean up song. Some teacher-suggested songs include: "Everybody pick up toys, pick up toys, pick up toys. Everybody pick up toys, in our classroom." (to the tune of London Bridge is Falling Down.) "If your name is Henry, please pick up. If your name is Ricardo, please pick up." (to the tune of If You're Happy and You Know It.)

Do you have a favorite clean-up or transition activity? Click here to share it on the Education World classroom management message board.

Post within each area of the classroom required clean-up tasks for that area. Each week, designate a clean-up captain for each area, and make the captains responsible for getting the tasks done. Provide captains with a supply of stickers to award to other students who pitch in to help.

Turn cleanup into a learning activity. Working as a group, instruct students to pick up five blockstwo items that are blueone item that begins with a "b"six items that are made of wood

Play Beat the Clock! Set a timer and tell students they must finish cleanup before time is up. When the timer rings, everyone must "freeze." If cleanup is complete, award the class 5 minutes of free time at the end of the day. If cleanup isn't complete, students must use the five minutes immediately -- to finish picking up. For younger students who are learning to tell time, you might use a regular clock instead of a timer. Students must be finished by 10:05, for example, to earn their reward.

Have students apply for classroom clean-up positions: Post a list of clean-up job descriptions and requirements, including a small treat ("salary") for each position, depending on its degree of difficulty. Each week, during writing time, have students write a letter applying for the job they want, describing their qualifications and why they think they should be hired for that job. You select the best candidate for each job -- making sure each student has an opportunity to hold each position at some point during the year. Classroom jobs might include chalkboard eraser, computer duster, fish feeder, plant caretaker, learning center inspector, line leader, bookcase arranger, pencil sharpener, paper passer, and so on.

Add a little fun to cleanup time by playing Go!Go! Stop! as students clean. When you say "Go," everyone works. When you say "Stop," they freeze.

Role-play during cleanup is fun for younger children. Invite them to act out their roles as busy bees, robot maids, trash-collection trucks, hauling helicopters, and so on. One creative teacher casts this spell on her students before cleanup: "Dinner will be franks and wieners, make these children vacuum cleaners!"

Make a traffic light out of cardboard. Color and cut out three cardboard circles; one red, one yellow, and one green, and attach double-sided tape to each. Display the "green light" during free time. Five minutes before free time ends, replace the green light with the "yellow light." The "red light" means free time is over and cleanup must begin.

Write the names of clean-up tasks on index cards. Have students close their eyes and pick a card, and then complete the task on the card they select. To add a little suspense to their selections, include a few non-tasks, such as "Relax in the reading center" or "Inspect the room when cleanup is done."

Play Simon Says. Give such commands as, "Simon says put the crayons into their containers" or "Pick up the blocks." Continue the game for a brief time after cleanup is complete to transition to the next activity.

Invite each student to "give you five" when cleanup is complete.

Article by Linda Starr
Education WorldÂ®
Copyright Â© 2004 Education World

11/08/2004
Updated 09/07/2006

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Keep It Clean! Quick Ideas for Clean-Up Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
More than a dozen ideas to make class cleanup both fun and productive. Do you find yourself spending precious after-school time each day picking up crumpled papers, assembling abandoned puzzles, collecting forgotten art materials, storing classroom supplies? Have you tried classroom clean-up time and decided it wasn't worth the chaos or the loss of learning time?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cleaning up at the end of class can be a nightmare because you have all these kids swarming about, some are really trying to do their jobs, some are trying to get away with talking to their friends or horse-playing, and some just sit there and want everybody else to clean up for them. I can dock points on their grade (on the rubric I have a spot for "Effort/Participation") because they didn't take responsibility!
Also, if a student left a mess I have been known to track them down and require them to come back to the art room to wipe up their spilled paint/clean up paper scraps, etc. (Also, I have been known to require the kids to copy the classroom procedures list instead of participating if they have made it a habit to allow others to clean up for them.) Finally, if a student complains about not being immediately dismissed when the bell rings that student has to wait to leave last!

No one leaves until everyone is "Seated, Quiet, and Clean" ........ Dismiss students one group at a time - the first group to have a neat table leaves first.

Also, dismiss an especially helpful student first or make an especially "lazy" student leave last.

Take a picture of how you want supplies to be stored and hold students accountable for returning them correctly.

Make a video about how you want students to clean up at the end of class.

Holly Lambeth Huber says, " A t the end of class (if there is a mess on the floor), I walk around the room and choose a 'secret piece' of trash in my head. Whoever brings it up to put in the trash can wins a new pencil, sticker, etc. Another teacher taught me this. Talk about a clean floor in a hurry!"

Here's a great idea to manage clean up during heavy mess days, such as paper mache: STAND ON A CHAIR! Or, stand on a table in the corner of the room so that you can see traffic flow, who is about to throw trash across the room and/or horseplay; THE STUDENTS KNOW YOU ARE WATCHING! This simple act will guarantee more attentiveness to behavior on the part of the kids 😉

"Frame" the directions, be very specific about what the kids are expected to do. Use the phrase, "When I say, GO!" to communicate when they need to start the procedure

Occasionally, provide surprise incentives for the kids who are going above and beyond the call of duty.

Thank the students who do what is expected, tell them they did well. I like to tell my 6th graders to give themselves a "little pat on the back!"

Stack materials to get them out of the way when not in use...l abel materials/cabinets/shelves/drawers for easy access....b askets or trays of materials on the table make it easier for student helpers to distribute or pick up... u se ice-cube trays to keep track of small things like erasers or small pencil sharpeners ave trash cans/buckets at each table for minimizing movement, etc.

From Katie Burford Bechtel: " 1 paper towel per student at each table for drying own brush when cleaning to change colors; 3 lb. coffee can 2/3 full of fresh water per table, 1 1 lb empty coffee can (for dumping dirty water into), tuna can for each kid - they fill from 3 lb. can. W hen not in use, they all stack inside the 3 lb. can so one set-up per table. At end of period, everyone cleans out own brushes, paint pans, wipes table with their paper towel and dumps tuna cans into 1 lb. can. One person empties that, one person refills 3 lb. for next class, one person throws away paper towels and everyone leaves paint pans open to dry a little before next class arrives. This works with 40 students in a class with one sink. ... Open paint pans also allows you to see that everyone has cleaned up their stuff. First tables cleaned, inspected get to line up first to leave. When used in HS, only first table gets to line up at the door."

Below is Pennsylvania middle school art teacher Sandra McCarthy's brilliant clean-up sign:

This is my laminated sign I made a few years ago - it is a great reminder for my kiddos and some days I can stand in front of it and point to the bit they still need to work on. Often, I don't have to say a word! They know that if they're not "SEATED, QUIET, and CLEAN" they won't be going anywhere, bell or no bell!
My advice from a middle school perspective:
Watch them like a hawk! They need to be the ones doing 99% of the work - not you - you need to be the coach, praising the ones who are working hard, reminding those lazy kids to get busy, pointing out areas the kids overlooked, etc. Also, dismiss them one group/table at a time (my tables are numbered by group) AFTER you have inspected their areas.
I tell them to sit back down when they are confident their area is clean, and I will come do the inspection. Teach them that they need to be responsible so that they can continue to enjoy their art privileges. It is not only disrespectful to YOU when they don't do a good job, it is disrespectful to the next class, too. Let the kids get up to do their jobs one or two groups at a time so you can monitor them better. I will dismiss them one group at a time most days after I have inspected their tables. When we are doing clay, I even use a laser pointer to point out the dried bits of clay they still need to clean up off the floor!
I would like to add one thing I have learned when using clay; it is imperative that there is no clay left on the floor due to the health hazard of dried clay bits being crushed underfoot and becoming dust. I have asthma, and I used to have water buckets with sponges for the kids to wipe the tables AND the floor at the end of class. However, this took too long and the kids are not as meticulous as I would like!

This year, I asked our custodian if I could borrow the mop and mop bucket while the clay was out, and he wound up just letting me have it for my classroom! At the end of every clay class, I have 2 student volunteers mop the floor (one student does 1/2 the classroom). Sometimes this does entail sending their next teacher an email to say they will be one or two minutes late!

Editor's note: Managing student behavior involves far more than Art Room Sound Effects, by Cassie Stephens (for transitions, motivation, and attention getters)
Organization and Clean Up, collection of articles, theartofed
4 Simple Tricks To Improve Your Clean Up Routine, by Kelly Phillips, theartofed
The Magic Word For No Hassle Clean Up, Erica Stinziani, theartofed

discipline techniques. In order to create an environment for student success, the teacher needs to provide quality instruction as well as appropriate motivation. Most importantly, the teacher needs to have the right attitude for disclaimer: leadership in the classroom. Finally, having a solid classroom management plan with rules and procedures set up from the beginning of the year is also extremely important - students need to be very clear about what the teacher's expectations are.

These are a set of ideas about being proactive in teaching based on classroom experience as well as various education authors. Many times there are circumstances in the classroom that are beyond any teacher's control, especially when serving at-risk populations or in environments where those in administration fail to provide effective leadership in a school. Sometimes, regardless of the prevailing theories about teacher responsibility, the teacher is not to be blamed for out of control students. Finally, we do NOT recommend that you put any of these strategies into practice if your administration disagrees with them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cleaning up at the end of class can be a nightmare because you have all these kids swarming about, some are really trying to do their jobs, some are trying to get away with talking to their friends or horse-playing, and some just sit there and want everybody else to clean up for them.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Secret To Perfect Transitions In 5 Simple Steps

# data[].attributes.subject
The Secret To Perfect Transitions In 5 Simple Steps

# data[].attributes.body
Here’s how in five simple steps:

1. Signal for attention.

When it’s time to wrap up an activity and transition to something new, the first step is to signal for your students’ attention. You can use a chime or bell if you wish, but I recommend a simple, “Can I have your attention, please.”

2. Use “In a moment.”

After waiting until every eye is on you, begin your directions with the words, “In a moment.” What this does is keep your students from moving on, mentally or otherwise, until you finish speaking. It signals to them that you have more to say.

Example: “In a moment, we’re going to begin a vocabulary lesson.”

3. Give your directions.

During this step you’ll provide the precise details. You’ll explain as plainly as possible what you want them to do in order to be prepared for the next activity.

Example: “When I say ‘go,’ you’re going to put away your science materials, clean off your desk, and meet me on the rug quietly.”

Note: “When I say go” is another strategy that encourages listening and keeps students from moving until you give your signal.

4. Use your “Go” signal.

After asking if there is anyone who doesn’t know what to do, give your “go” signal. The word ‘go’ is an action word that will immediately propel your students toward whatever objective you set for them.

5. Observe.

Your only job now is to observe and verify that your directions are being carried out. Resist the urge to offer reminders or encouragement or otherwise interrupt them during the transition.

If you’re unhappy with what you see, then send them back to do it over again.

# data[].attributes.headline
Funny video about exiting the classroom.

# data[].attributes.subject
Funny video about exiting the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
Respect student autonomy and have a bathroom pass for each gender. When students need to go to the bathroom, there is no need to disrupt the class by asking for permission. They can simply grab the pass and go. This helps them grow and become more independent. It also gives English language learners something that they can physically pick up to help them achieve their goal.

# data[].attributes.body
Use descriptive feedback to acknowledge positive behaviour during transitions of individuals, groups of students

Set group work station and independent work station

# data[].attributes.body
For students who require more structure and reassurance, develop and review social stories about what they need to do when making transitions from one activity to the next.

# data[].attributes.body
read and review the story with the student frequently and in different contexts

teach the skill embedded in the social story

directly and create opportunities to practise.

# data[].attributes.body
As students enter the classroom, they take their cellphones from their bags or pockets, turn them off and place them in a safe storage place by the teacher's desk, similar to the one pictured. They may get permission to use them during class for research, etc. The phone is then replaced.

# data[].attributes.body
Bringing music into the classroom can be a useful transitions. Going from independent work to group work or the other way around, might need a moment to "Shake It Off" as the teacher helps transition with the students into the next activity with some physical stretch or simply having the music on to "bop" to while moving onto the next area of the classroom and switching work stations. There can also be learned music transitions so students begin associating different sounds and music to know which type of activity is next.
**This can work with the Transitions of "Cleaning Up Activities", "Between Activities" and possibly as an "Entrance & Exit Transition"**

# data[].attributes.body
With an Entry Transition of storing your cell phone safely with the teacher, there is also an Exit Transition in place when reclaiming your cell phone.

# data[].attributes.body
As students may have taken off their shoes upon entering, when picking up their backpack, they will then walk out the door to retrieve their shoes and put them on before moving on to the next class. The incoming class will be waiting for the previous students to exit before entering and continue the Entry Routine/Transition

# data[].attributes.body
My classroom entry standards:
- I have a poster board at the front of my classroom that shows my expectations in order from the time they walk into the classroom until I begin my first lesson of the day int he first subject.
My board looks like this:
My Entry Expectations letter to you!
Dear Students,
This is how you should begin your day!
Step 1: When walking to your seat grab your packet of work that will always be sitting on the shelf to your right when you walk into the classroom.
Step 2: Take your packet to your seat and get your homework out on your desk. Step 3: Take your homework to the basket that is labeled homework on the same shelf that you find your packets for the day. Step 4: Return to your seat and quietly begin to work on the Do Now that is written on the middle of the board at the front of the classroom.  Some days my Do now will say to read a book, other days it will ask you to walk somewhere to pick up a worksheet to do.
When you finish with ever entry task that was given, pull out a book and get some of your reading time done with for the day.

-  I use scaffolding in this letter by slowly taking away hints until they are able to do it on their own. At the beginning of the school year I go over this letter of entry expectations with all of my students. I ask my students to practice the steps a few times.  I then tell them the if they ever forget what they are supposed to do next, "look at the entry expectation letter". This letter is also a great way of reducing the amount of time lost by having each step listed for them to look back on. By the end of the year, I will have the poster taken down.

# data[].attributes.body
There’s a Cell Phone in Your Student’s Head. Edutopia. (2019). https://www.edutopia.org/video/theres-cell-phone-your-students-head.

# data[].attributes.body
The pros and cons of mobile phones for students – What is your opinion on the use of mobile phones in schools? | SISD. Sisd.ae. (2018).  https://sisd.ae/pros-cons-mobile-phones-students-opinion-use-mobile-phones-schools/.

# data[].attributes.body
Baumgartner, M. (2018). Study.com. https://study.com/blog/should-i-play-music-in-my-classroom.html.

# data[].attributes.body
Another way of transitioning between activities is to begin with a learned and practiced Clap Response. Taking a bit of time with this will help as a brain break in between activities as well as the opportunity to gather the student's attention in order to give the next set of directions. Another transition tactic with a similar idea is a set and learned call-response with you and your students.

# data[].attributes.body
Watson, A. (2020). 50 fun call and response ideas to get students’ attention. The Cornerstone For Teachers. https://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/50-fun-call-and-response-ideas-to-get-students-attention/.

# data[].attributes.body
Playworks. (2014). Games: Attention Getters [Video]. https://youtu.be/78eiLtQjmss.

# data[].attributes.headline
7 Ways to Reduce Bathroom Breaks in Your Classroom. (2017, July 7). The TpT Blog. https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/7-ways-reduce-bathroom-breaks-in-your-classroom/

# data[].attributes.subject
7 Ways to Reduce Bathroom Breaks in Your Classroom. (2017, July 7). The TpT Blog. https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/7-ways-reduce-bathroom-breaks-in-your-classroom/

# data[].attributes.headline
Teaching Strategy - Restroom Breaks for High School and Middle School Students. (2016, November 1). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=2dqM6Vdf-oQ&feature=emb_title

# data[].attributes.subject
Teaching Strategy - Restroom Breaks for High School and Middle School Students. (2016, November 1). [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=2dqM6Vdf-oQ&feature=emb_title

# data[].attributes.body
Set a timer and tell students they must finish cleanup before time is up. When the timer rings, everyone must "freeze."

If cleanup is complete, award the class 5 minutes of free time at the end of the day.

If cleanup isn't complete, students must use the five minutes immediately -- to finish picking up.

# data[].attributes.body
Keep It Clean! Quick Ideas for Clean-Up Activities. (n.d.). Retrieved August 21, 2020, from https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev106.shtml