Are you looking for a simple, positive, effective classroom management system? Listen as Caitlin shares her favorite method for managing classroom behavior and routines. The best part? It requires very little effort to implement!
In this episode, Caitlin discusses her “15-Minute Strategy,” in which students earn seconds with the goal of getting to 15 minutes. After their goal is reached, students earn a class-chosen reward! The benefits are ample, and Caitlin will outline them all.
It’s a simple system that rewards rather than penalizes, creating a team mentality among students. So if you want the details on how to use a system that will increase accountability, streamline routines, and ensure great behavior on sub days, take a listen!
Tune in now to hear:
- [01:20] If you find this episode helpful, read this blog post for more info!
- [02:50] How a well-managed classroom is a more fun and engaging classroom
- [03:30] Caitlin gives an overview of her “15-Minute Strategy”
- [04:30] Caitlin explains how her students earned seconds, with the goal of reaching 15 minutes
- [06:00] How students earn a reward the class has chosen (a party, a game, kickball outside, etc.)
- [07:30] Caitlin explains that over time, the students begin to politely redirect each other
- [08:00] How this system creates a great incentive for students to earn a good review from substitute teachers!
- [08:50] Why is this strategy better than many others? It’s so much easier to keep track of!
- [09:20] Caitlin answers common questions about this strategy
- [13:30] Caitlin shares her favorite reward she’s ever given a class
- [15:20] Join Caitlin and Jessica next week as they help listening teachers get a grasp on grading!
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12 Comments
I’m starting this Monday!! Love it!!!
Hi! Thanks for this strategy! I’m confused about the earning “15 minutes” – 15 minutes of what? If they’re earning a class party, is that only lasting 15 minutes? Like how do you describe it to your students when they ask what 15 minutes time they are working toward? Thanks!
Hey Maggie! As the teacher you get to pick what the reward will be and the duration of it. So, you’ll be able to explain it to your kids once your decide. Hope that helps!
Do you have a set list of ways to earn time along with corresponding seconds?
Hey Joy! We don’t have a set list. Just do what works for you.
How often does the term end and the students have NOT earned the reward? Do you just start over the next term? Do you ensure that they earn it by ramping up the rewards at the end?
Hey Ashley, in my experience they always earn the reward because they’re super pumped about receiving it. Especially when they pick the reward themselves.
This is a great strategy. I originally learned about this in a PD from Fred Jones which he calls PAT – preferred activity time.
The kids get to choose a preferred activity- usually games or just going outside to play. I’ve also used silly trivia kahoots or gimkits. Give the kids a couple things to vote on as their activity. This has worked like a charm for 12 years for me, even during my time as a substitute!
Awesome ideas! Thanks for sharing.