Student Contributor: Deidra Churchill
This tool is great for differentiation because not every student will need it. A time chart is a helpful way to assist the more easily distracted students to stay on task for longer periods of time. It is an encouraging way to give students a choice in their learning with a small amount of assistance from the teacher.
A time chart is a simple tool that only requires a spare piece of paper and writing utensil. It can be used with the few students that struggle to stay in their seats or on task. On a piece of paper have the student draw in a blank time chart. They will then need to choose how much time they want each segment to represent. Students will also decide if they want a non-distracting timer at their table or to have the teacher keep track for them. At the end of every frame of time, students will color the segment in if they remained on task. If they got distracted, they will write a note about it. There is no punishment or reward. The goal is to provide the student with a visual aid that encourages accountability. I have done this before as a study aid and found that when I can visually see what I have gotten done with my time, I stay more on task. I do segments of 15 minutes or a half hour depending on how much I am trying to accomplished. Students can start as little as five minutes and work their way up as the school year progresses.
The time chart tool is very much student directed. It is a great way to provide accountability and independence, as well as, meet individual student needs. The teacher’s part is simply an introduction to the idea and positive encouragements along the way. I put this tool in the supportive phase because it is taking place after the learning begins. I would not place this in preventative phase because it is not a procedure that needs to be taught, but rather a tool created and controlled by the student. A time chart tool would not fit into the corrective phase because it is student led and there are no consequences or a right and wrong way to do it. The students make the choices.
More Information –
Tool Source: This is an activity I have done throughout school years and was reminded again of its value in Dr. Torres’s class.
