Okay, wasn't sure what to call this post, just little tidbit of something I tried today that worked well. We were going through a reading lesson on main idea this morning, and my students were filling in an organizer as we went along. I always do things like "put your finger on your nose when done/hand on your head when done, etc..." and today I added something else. I told them that when the LAST person at their table group was finished, I wanted them to give me an "OH YEAH." It worked great, because they were encouraging each other to finish, and watching for that last person. So, they weren't getting off task if one of the first ones done, they were waiting to do their "Oh Yeah." Plus, I could keep count of how many groups I was waiting for so I would be able to move on quickly when all were done! Worked great!

You know that things are going smooth when ideas just pop into your head...and they workB)! That is so much fun and it makes you keep trying new stuff. You are inspiring to the many readers here on the forum...thanks for posting all of the ideas.
Chris

That's a wonderful idea. My students sit in groups also and some of them move slower than molasses going uphill. This is just the "nudge" they need. I can't wait to try this out. Thanks for posting!