It is to be done at the beginning of each class period.
However, this year, I changed it to the last 10 minutes
So we could best utilize that first five minutes to get the task up and going.
Before this new curriculum and implementing Test Trainer,
I had always just jumped in to the lesson,
Somehow sensing before reading about the research that backs it up,
That engagement early on in the class period is optimal.
Just ask my principal...it's because of this mindset that I forget to take attendance!
Oops!
Anyway, by pushing Test Trainer to the end of the day,
We noticed some positives and negatives.
The students liked it at the end,
As they reported that their minds were already primed for math
And they thought it was reflected in how they did.
However, there were MANY times when Test Trainer just did not happen.
The problem or the whole group discussion took priority
As learning would reach its peak at about the time we should have been shutting down for TT.
At the beginning of the year,
I did give the tasks outloud with the students standing around me.
However, with this group,
Having them all in such close proximity,
The talking increased!
I tried various other ways...
Giving the instructions verbally while they sat in their table groups,
and giving verbal instructions after moving them to their boards.
Both had their downfalls.
At their table groups, they were still seated
And not as plugged in had they been standing.
At the boards, they were standing,
But much more interested in visiting with those in their group.
Maybe it was just this group.
Maybe it was a call to revisit expectations.
Whatever the case, this is something easy that I can work on next year.
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