Routines
are Important
Our
students benefit when they know what the routine will be. When we expect their
attention and focus, we provide to-do lists that answer.
· What
work?
· How
much work?
· When
will I be finished?
· What
is next?
We
forget sometimes that students need such a list even when working 1:1 with
their teacher. This to-do list for teacher time has written directions with a
check-off format. The numerals match work folders and the store activities
include work on skills using real money to purchase items. The checkmark or X
that students place in each box when they complete an activity lets them know
that activity is finished. Choice, the last entry, lets students know what is
next: choosing among options of high interest to them.
Not
only are students’ attention, concentration, and retention improved through use
of such a to-do list; they also feel less anxious when they know what will
happen and when they will be finished working. When the student is less anxious,
we see fewer behaviors and these reduced behaviors also are a result of the
student seeing what he will get to do next. For example, they may see that
their favorite activity will soon be coming.
For
this and other wonderful ideas about structure and routines, and how/why we use
these structures please visit www.tasksgalore.com!
