Every day of my teaching life I have been playing, "Who gets to go out for recess today?" about 5 minutes before it's time to head out. You would think that after 9 years in this profession I would get tired of the frustration and chaos that surrounds me as I do it. There were days we were so late because I couldn't find my clip board to check who owed me nonsocial recess (kids may have to be active at recess, but they sure don't have to be social). This year I have vowed to keep calm and plan for recess.
I'll use it just like those behavior management systems floating around out in cyberland. Names on clothespins, everyone starts out on "I'm ready", and as things happen throughout the day ( i.e. no homework, behavior, etc.) the kids can just move their clip. This will be posted at the door, so I can just call the names to line up.
