I'm a teacher who is a supporter of block scheduling for 6th graders. As long as there are movement opportunities, brain breaks, cooperative learning, and plenty of guided practice built in to each session, the extended class time without transitioning from one place to another is efficient and effective. I also like planning once for two days, and I think giving students a chance to take a deep dive into fewer subjects each day helps with learning.
Even so, I confess that I love the early release day schedule, too. On days like today we see everyone for 21 minutes. We can use the time as a catch-up day, or an extension day, or like I did today-- a fast and furious review of concepts. I read out loud The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors; then we had a quick rock, paper, scissors tournament, and next we played a 20 question Kahoot on conflict, and finally the kids filled out a 2 part exit ticket before packing up and heading on their ways.
In 2 hours? I was finished teaching for the day, and I had evidence that my students had learned.
What a fun day! I bet the students thought that the 20 mins. went super fast too and didn't even realize all they learned.
ReplyDeleteWith a lesson like that, I'm sure the kids would agree with your title, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a satisfyingly fun and efficient (half) day!
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