When I first started teaching, I knew that if I could get students working immediately when the bell rang, that I could plan well enough to keep them engaged and on task the entire period. The real problem seemed to be how to get them to come to class on time, with all their materials, and ready to work! I had students who just didn't care about being tardy. Even if they got to the room before the bell rang it seemed like it took them forever to sit down and start the warm-up. Additionally, when it was time to switch tasks they would not have their materials for the next activity. All of these issues led to the above checklist.
For some classes, I use the checklist with a ticket system, and they can redeem the tickets for rewards (I have put a picture of my rewards list below), but if the class is motivated by grades, you can use the checklist for points. Students have to be "In their seat when the bell rings, ready to work." At the beginning of the semester, I explicitly teach this. We have fun with it, and I have volunteers perform examples and non-examples of what this looks like. Sometimes it is necessary to reteach because "ready to work" is subjective. However, having one's materials and being seated is NOT subjective. I am fortunate in my classroom to have drawers, so each student is able to have a place to store their materials. Also, I don't care where they get their pencil from. Whenever I find a pencil/pen on the floor I put it in a holder on my desk and students are free to take one from there, and they can still get a ticket as long as they are in their seat when the bell rings. This is an effective way to get students on task immediately.
For some classes, I use the checklist with a ticket system, and they can redeem the tickets for rewards (I have put a picture of my rewards list below), but if the class is motivated by grades, you can use the checklist for points. Students have to be "In their seat when the bell rings, ready to work." At the beginning of the semester, I explicitly teach this. We have fun with it, and I have volunteers perform examples and non-examples of what this looks like. Sometimes it is necessary to reteach because "ready to work" is subjective. However, having one's materials and being seated is NOT subjective. I am fortunate in my classroom to have drawers, so each student is able to have a place to store their materials. Also, I don't care where they get their pencil from. Whenever I find a pencil/pen on the floor I put it in a holder on my desk and students are free to take one from there, and they can still get a ticket as long as they are in their seat when the bell rings. This is an effective way to get students on task immediately.
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