Tag Archives: sponge
Classroom Management: Always Have a Plan B
Yes, the unpredictable happens, but we can at least predict which types of events might occur. Fire drills, lock downs, drug dogs, power failures, tornado drills, bomb threats, hallway incidents, and an out-of-control student all unpredictable disruptions to your class. Even predictable disruptions like Homecoming events, assemblies, and club photo days can cause classroom chaos. How are you expected to teach when the power is out or half the class is in the yearbook room mugging for the camera? Continue reading
Emergency Sponge Activities
College teacher preparation classes and years of classroom experience still haven’t taught me how to cope with the unexpected things that might crop up in the classroom. However, when a student has a seizure, when a visitor comes to the door, or when we have extra time, I always have a spare emergency sponge activity to soak up the unplanned time and use it toward learning.
Have these activities prepared in advance, complete with instructions. I put mine on the overhead projector, but you can store them on your computer to project or pass out in a handout, too. If you have a guest or substitute teacher, include a few of these in your substitute teacher binder. He’ll appreciate the help. Continue reading
