When "3 Before Me" Fails

Dear Teacher, 

Classroom management is hard. Let's just be real for a second. Even when we think we have  a solid plan, there is always that one thing that could be better. 

Three Before Me is that problem in my room. Why am I always answering questions for the same group of students?  Why are they wondering the room looking for answers again? 

I found a solution and you are not going to believe how simple it is!

S.O.S. 

​Enter the SOS card! 

During the 2020 Ditch Summit, Dee Lanier talked about this magical card and I immediately paused the video to go purchase a class set. His idea WAS that good. If you know me, it takes a lot to get me to spend money. I have to hem and haw for at least a year before I convince myself to invest in it. There was no wait time. I new I needed this!

The students get 1 SOS card. If they cannot figure out the answer to their question they hold it up like a white flag in the area and if I am nearby I go and "save them" from their question. The genius part, is the card it taken at that moment and now they have no life preserver. They are on their own, charting their own path, and I am free!!! Free to roam and take notes, free to offer hints and pats on the back, free to watch and listen. No longer will I be a ping-pong ball! 

Your Opinion Matters but it is Not Reality

This is one of my favorite quotes from Dee Lanier. We often hear of the importance of I statements and that we need to validate student's opinions. BUT this often leads to arguments and more misunderstandings. Just take a look at any social media website. It is filled with opinions. 

The Solve in Time set not only solves the 3 before me issue but it solves so many other issues I have in the classroom. Students often answer a question with "I think... " and then stop. Step 2 is to research. It is nice that you have an opinion but what evidence due you have to validate your opinion? This can be used in so many ways!

One of my ELA standards is to cite evidence. I hear my students say all the time "I think the main idea is...." This kit gives me the opportunity to say that is nice but what is your evidence. It is teaching them to take this idea of finding key details and citing evidence and bringing it to real life. This is POWERFUL!

I can now take it from ELA to real life.  I hear my students says "Sally hurt my feelings because she said Sam said...." That's nice but where is your evidence that Sam really said this? It has so many implications and is a great way to make a difficult topic become part of a real life conversation!

Problem Solving in the Classroom

Solve in Time teaches students how to solve problems and then has them practice this important skill while you implement your lessons! I will be talking more about this great product as I implement it in my classroom. 

​For now, the 3 before me failure is a thing of the past!

Talk to you soon, 
​Misty