Teacher Hack of The Year for Classroom Management

When I discovered this hack, it solved a major classroom management issue that all teachers face. Students work at different paces. Some race to get their work done and are ready for the next activity. Some students labor over small details and want their work to be perfect. At times, the gap between those who finish first and those who finish last is a tough problem to solve.

I came up with a solution that provides not only a constructive and engaging activity for early finishers, it also provides some extra motivation for those who are lagging behind. Plus, I love teaching and coaching my students on positive character traits and this little hack allows me to help them in multiple areas of character development.

In my experience this hack is best used for K-3 grade students and it allows me to help them with:

Taking care of your materials
Finishing what you start
Considering others
Cleaning up after yourself
We discuss these important aspects:

Finish your work and do your best before you do the bonus activity.
Wait your turn, while getting your materials. If you push ahead of somebody else you automatically go to the back of the line.
When you are done clean up your activity and make sure you cap your marker with a click!
The best part is it practically flows on autopilot and you're free to instruct and assist students who need your help with the core assignment.

See if you love this solution as much as I do!