4 Quick Tips to Improve Your Entry Slide
One aspect of the teaching day that you might not have given much thought to but can have a huge impact is your entry task slide. This primer for your lesson can set you up for success if you utilize these simple tips.
1. Timing is Everything
When should you put up your entry task? Before class even starts. If your slide is the first thing they see when the enter the classroom, they know exactly what they're learning and what they need to do for the day. Students who are on top of it will start the task, modeling the behavior for other students who might not be paying attention. This initiates leadership opportunities among students.
2. Explicitly State Materials
What do your students need? What are they allowed or not allowed to use? If I know my students will be distracted if they have their laptops out for the activity we have planned, I'll let them know they need to be put away as soon as they step in the room. They don't even need to bother getting it out of their backpacks. Need writing utensils? A pencil icon will do the trick. Students achieve more when expectations are set early and often.
3. Add Some Interest
Add some interest to your slides! Kids love coming in to see what new "cringe" joke you have on your powerpoint. Adding a silly image or gif can spark conversation or interest in the activity or lesson. Adding a powerful quote might get them thinking about new perspectives before you even get into your history lesson.
4. Store Your Favorites
Can't find your favorite stock image? Hate copying and pasting into a new slide every time? Store your favorite icons and images in the space around your slide. When you go into presentation mode, the kids can't see it! Never lose your favorite math-related meme ever again!
Happy Entry-Tasking!
AWESOME....love the tips and tricks. The #1 thing that is great is the timer. When we put the timer on the screen we all have a shared responsibility to the timer. There is nothing worse then telling students they have 5 minutes and then you get busy working with a kiddo and next thing you know 15 minutes has gone by. A timer on the screen for all to see helps to hold us as a community responsible.
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