My first day back at school after an extended absence. I had an extra two weeks away before school finished (for 4 week mid year break) due to knee surgery, needless to say going back into the classroom today was a reality check! I was thrilled to see all my lovely little people however I was not so thrilled to see what lay ahead to get us back into a 'clean and ready to work classroom'!!!!
It was time for Mystery Piece!!!
I use a strategy for cleaning up that I call 'Mystery Piece' it works like this....
I ask all the children to tidy/fix things in the classroom that need to be picked up ...pencils on the floor...books...papers...chairs pushed in ... tell the students that I have chosen a 'mystery piece' and then set them up to tiy/fix the room while I count from 10 backwards (and help with the tidy/fix up)....by the time I get to 0 they need to be back at their seat or sitting on the mat. I choose one student - the one who has chosen the item I have chosen.
I like to spead the 'winner' around so that everyone has a turn so I do keep a checklist so I can manipulate the winner if needed.
I give clues as to who the winner is using Language and Math concepts...and students sit down if the clue doesn't apply to them...eg this person has 6 letters in their name...they are wearing long sleeves....
The winner is the student left standing...the prize varies but I like to do things that the students love ...being the first to leave the room at the end of the day - with a friend they have choosen .... sitting in the special Golden Chair for 'Read to Self' time.... Line leader with a friend they choose....
All classes have things they like so the reward is easy...and I have an easy way of getting the room tidy!
I don't have any photos of the before and after....maybe next time....
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