Computer Use Management Tip

Hi everyone! I’m Mona from First Grade Schoolhouse. I'm excited to be posting here for the first time. I have a classroom management tip for you today that I hope you'll be able to use in your classroom.

I continually reflect on and revise how I manage the classroom activities that go on throughout the school day. I’m forever asking myself, “Is there a better or easier way to do this?” 

I thought I’d share a simple and easy tip for managing student computer use that I use.

We have two online programs that we use at my school. One is RAZ-Kids on Learning A-Z, and the other is ST Math. I have 4 computers in my classroom. The students rotate thru RAZ-Kids during our language block time. They rotate thru ST Math during our small group math activity time.

I manage student computer use by using numbered cards on a ring that are hung on the side of each computer. I have two different sets of cards – one for reading and one for math.

I use hooks that easily adhere to the monitor and can be taken off without damaging it.

I use the math cards for ST Math and the reading cards for RAZ-Kids.

I hold the numbered cards together with a metal ring.

Here’s how it works:

The students in the class have an assigned number. Each student flips his/her card to the next student number card when that child's time is up on the computer. That student then tells the next student that it's his/her turn on the computer.

Students flip the cards to see who's next. 

It's an easy way for students to monitor taking turns on the computer. I can divide up the numbered cards and use them on different computers. I can also choose just the specific numbers assigned to the students who will be using the computer during a time period. And because they don't have names on them, they're ready to go for the following year.

Here's a set of the reading cards. It includes numbered cards for 1 thru 28. 

Click on the picture to download.

Here's a set of the math cards. It includes numbered cards for 1 thru 28.

Click on the picture to download.

I hope you've found this tip helpful. I'd love to hear how these work for you. Enjoy!