One way you can maximize instructional time is to make sure your children understand your procedures and that they run smoothly. Review the following list of strategies for maximizing time. Use a "check mark" if this is happening in your room. Use a "star" if you need to revisit this procedure. Every single movement, direction, transition, etc. must have a plan that all students know. Everything from the supplies students will need for the lesson, organization of materials, where students can find things they need in the classroom, etc. When this is a well-oiled machine, you're maximizing time for your lesson and student's time on All governments responsible for school systems must consider the amount of instruction time that they should provide. The time that students spend in the classroom varies by a factor of two across the OECD (Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development) countries both in total compulsory instruction time and within specific subjects, such as reading, writing, and literature (). When students know exactly what to do during a Think-Pair-Share, for example, teachers maximize instructional time by focusing students on the conversation instead of on finding a partner or starting the conversation. During an observation for pacing, note any instructional routines used in the lesson, and collect evidence of students' engagement. tests, many schools have reduced instructional time in content area subjects. The Center on Education Policy in their March 2006 report, "From the Capital to the Classroom: Year 4 of the No Child Left Behind Act," found that 71 percent of school districts reported having reduced instructional time in at least one To maximize their students' learning time, they need to develop classroom procedures that are efficient and actually consider how students learn. There should be procedures even for routine activities like sharpening pencils or forming groups. The procedures should also aim at making those activities more fun for the students. Ice breaker- 5 minutes • "Five of Anything" • Teachers will be divided in a group of five by counting off to 5. • You have 2 minutes to identify 5 factors of a successful classroom. • After 2 minutes pass, groups will share the factors they came up with- 3 minutes. • Teachers please stay within your formed groups for further activity If you are giving students 30 minutes to write, set a 30 minute timer on the SMART board. Not only will this help kiddos to stay on task and use their time management skills, it will help you to time your writing conferences and to not accidentally go over time. 5) Transitions… Transitions… Transitions Teachers should develop efficient procedures for every aspect of the classroom. This includes routine activities such as sharpening pencils, turning in assignments, or getting into groups. ELIMINATE "FREE TIME" Most teachers give "free time" at some point during the school day. It is easy to do when we may not be feeling the best or we under-plan. Interestingly, teachers have found that implementing the instructional process of formative assessment can actually maximize time for teaching and learning. -Remember these major steps of effective formative assessment. -Clarify learning goals and criteria for success; Investigated the nature and extent of externally imposed interruptions to teaching and learning sessions in 12 s