Close your eyes...
Picture the end of the school day....
What does it sound like?
What does it look like?
Did you break into a cold sweat just thinking about it?
It doesn't have to be that way! You can find calm at the end of an otherwise chaotic part of the day if you choose a MYSTERY FIRST GRADER!
I know this simple idea is nothing new...or maybe it is? I don't know, but it's one that I've used for years and it works like a charm.
Some might call it bribery - I call it genius.
Here's how it works:
*You announce that you'll be picking your mystery first grader
*You eyeball the room dramatically
*You mention that you'll be locking this person's face and name in your mind and they will never know who it is - until the very end of the day
*Pause for dramatic effect
*Eyeball the room one last time and then emphatically nod your head saying "Yup, they're in my brain and there they'll stay while I watch your every last move as you pack up for the end of the day".
*More pausing, nodding, smirking
And then they get ready...
Every minute or so you say something like...
"Oh my, my Mystery First Grader is _________________{doing a great job, having a hard time but I know they'll do better now, remembering to do everything they need to do, has it goin' on, etc. etc.}"
Mostly it's magical. Mostly they are putty in your hands.
Disclaimer: Unless you were completely caught up in a science experiment, looked up and noticed the bell was going to ring in two minutes. Then all bets are off. You're outta luck. It's the mad dash and Mystery First Grader can't slow down the hands of time - it's going to be frantic no matter what you do. Some days are like that.
Keep a checklist handy so that you give everyone a fair shake at being your MFG.
I have a treasure basket filled with small items donated by my kids, parents, friends & neighbors.
Or you could just give them a "Wowie Zowie". Or both. Or nothing but a bravo and a class cheer. It's up to you!
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| Click the picture to download. Kindergarten-Fifth |
May the end of your days be full of peace and smiles!
