With so many things that teachers must accomplish in a classroom, and the parental, administrative, and state expectations of student performance, efficient use of instructional time is mandatory in creating a positive classroom atmosphere and optimal positive student success. Using effective time-management skills to optimize classroom efficiency while remaining flexible with unexpected events is critical in running a smooth classroom. Creating lessons that meet the state-academic content standards is an example of effective use of instructional time. Lessons that are not directly tied to meeting the academic content standards take away valuable instructional time. As I plan my lessons, I first reference the content standards as a guide for instruction. I then create engaging lessons that are molded around those standards.
Transitioning from one subject to another is a time during the day that can easily create chaos within the classroom if it is not handled properly. A wonderful way to transition from one subject to another is to "link" information during the anticipatory set of the lesson. The linking should be done to prior learning, and uses the students’ backgrounds or common interests. Through linking, students are often eager to delve into the lesson since meaning for their learning has been established. Using "sponge activities" is a great way to fill in time between lessons while still providing a learning environment for the students. I have used sponge activities such as, "Mad-Libs" which reinforce language arts skills, Around the World, a flashcard activity that reinforces basic math skills, and Finishing unfinished work time.