Each of our groups follow a similar schedule, though it can vary depending on the interest level of our students. Below is the general schedule we post on the board for our groups:
Read the Group Message
Joke/Would You Rather/Trivia Question
Main Lesson/Activity
Game
Check Out Question
As our students become familiar with the general group structure, we are able to adapt the schedule. Many of our groups no longer need a joke to help them settle into the routine. As you know, when you have 30 minutes, every minute counts! And, many of our groups become flexible with the game time. If we run out of time, we always promise them bonus game time at the next session. Once we have developed trusting relationships, our students are more able to demonstrate flexibility.
After reviewing our daily schedule, we ask for a volunteer to read the message. (For younger groups, we read the message aloud). Our group message outlines the plan for the day and often asks the students a question. After one of our students reads the message aloud, we take turns answering the question from the message.
Sample Message:
Good Morning Boys and Girls, We are so happy to see you today! Today we will practice asking each other questions, so we will learn more information about one another and can add that information to our friend files. We will know we have this when we are asking other kids questions independently. Before we start, we would love to hear about your weekend. Can you think of one highlight to share with the group? Your Teachers, Ms. Carpenter + Ms. Greene
For groups that need a little more support, we often use a very simple motivation plan. We divide a paper or a space on the board with a t-chart and put the teachers names on one side and the students names on the other side. If the students earn more checks for the skill we identify: i.e.; first time listening, taking turns, staying with the group, then they earn the game time. If they do not earn more checks than the teachers, we will not end with a game. Ultimately, we are VERY generous with the checks, as we want our students to earn the game. Generally, after using this for a few weeks, we no longer need it.
Therapy Smash 