Classroom Management Series: How Class Experts Can Save Time!

Have you ever wished that there were 3 of you in the classroom?  6 of you?  20 of you?  I have.  I have had those lessons where I couldn't even remember the next question I needed to answer.  I finally figured out a solution...Class Experts.

What are Class Experts?

Class experts are students who show great strengths in a topic or skill.  They are the students who can divide easily, read history books, and build Legos with ease.  They are the ones who write beautiful letters, write intriguing stories, read tons of books, and can handle stressful situations.  Most importantly they are the ones who can answer the question, "Can you help your classmate?"  Class experts are the mini yous!  They are the ones who can help the flow and pace of the lesson and save you tons of time!

How to Determine Class Experts

Of course the obvious answer is - from observation, scores, and assignments.  But class experts are more than just "getting- it kids."  The class experts are the ones who have a passion for the topic or skill. They are the ones who are willing to help guide their friends and not do it for them.  And they are the ones who can help share the passion for learning.  Before adding a student as an expert be sure to ask them if they are willing to be the expert.

Keeping Track of Class Experts (FREE Class Expert Form) 

You will need a list for keeping track of the class experts and this list needs to be one that both you and the students can easily access.  This form can easily be created, placed on larger paper, or you can just download my editable form here.  (You can edit these by placing a text box over the space you want labeled or just write your information on the printed form.)

Be sure to post  your classroom expectations for class experts.  Here are my expectations.

1. Ask an expert to help you through a problem, tell you a story, proofread your work, or watch to make sure you are performing a skill correctly.
2. Do not over demand the time of the class expert.  It is important that they get their work done too.
3. Use a class expert during appropriate times.  If the "green light" in not posted, do not interrupt an expert.
4. Don't expect them to do the work for you. This is your chance to get help quickly.
5. Share the knowledge. Pass on the wonderful skills and information you learn.

I hope this simple tip will help you mange your important teaching time.  Want more from the Classroom Management Series?  Just click the titles below.  FREE downloads are available to help guide you through the strategies.

Classroom Management Series: Are Your Students Self-Assessing?

Classroom Management Series: 5 Tips for Managing Writer's Workshop

Happy Teaching,

Jessica

Credits for Class Expert Form: 

KG Primary Penmanship and KG Blank Space Sketch

Digital Papers - JennyL Designs

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Behavior Buddies!

Happy December, Y'all! This is Chandra from Teaching with Crayons and Curls! This year my firsties have LOVED LOVED LOVED spending the day with a stuffed animal. Our class uses a classroom economy similar to this one from True Life I'm a Teacher and they use their money to purchase coupons. The 'Furry Friend' (spending a day with a stuffed animal) coupon is one of their favorites, so I knew I had to use this to my advantage!

Meet our class Behavior Buddies- Listening Lion, Happy Hippo and Positive Pig! Aren't they adorable!?

Students earn these Behavior Buddies when they are showing positive behavior! I usually choose one student per day to spend the day with each stuffed animal. Usually, they are chosen at the end of the day and they get to spend the next school day with that Behavior Buddy. The furry friend stays with them throughout the day in OUR classroom. They don't go to recess, specials, or lunch. Just makes things a little easier (and cleaner!).

We've been using them for a few weeks now, and my students have started nominating each other to spend the day with a Behavior Buddy! I mean, how adorable and KIND is that!? It all started with one sweet little firstie saying, "Mrs. Dills, I think Sarah should get Listening Lion because she has been such a great listener today!" Yep, I made a HUGE deal about that!

When students earn a Behavior Buddy for showing positive behavior, I also want to make sure that this is communicated to their families! So, I created certificates that the student can bring home to show their family! It's a great way to build that positive school-to-home relationship!

I ordered all of my furry friends off Amazon. But, you can grab stuffed animals anywhere! Wal-Mart, Target, and the Dollar Store. There are many different animal options in my pack!

Since it's so close to Christmas, I thought it would be fun to introduce holiday themed Behavior Buddies. You can grab this pack for FREE in my Teachers Pay Teachers store! Just click here or on the image below!

I hope these cute little friends help promote positive behavior in YOUR classroom!