This was a great idea that I saw when looking for substitute teacher tools. This comes from Hannah Braun at The Classroom Key.
I used this the other day and cannot figure out why I never thought of this before. This is a transition for cleaning up the room. When subbing with a fifth grade class, the students somehow managed to add a hundred scraps to the floor! I was amazed at how they did that in a few moments. I was upset and worried how this would look when the teacher came back. So I used this transition tool to help me out.
The Magic Scrap is very simple.
- Tell the students that there is a special scrap on the floor. It is a magic scrap. Whoever finds it will receive a reward.
- Have the students collect every scrap off the floor. If it is not the scrap then you need to place it in the trash.
- The students will grab all the trash around the room.
- Once all of the scraps are collected, pick a student who has found “the magic scrap”. There really is no magic scrap. Pick a student who might need a pick me up that day and reward them.
Very simple! Great way to ensure that students keep their room clean and give a student some needed encouragement.
Enjoy your teaching.
On The Fly 