Transitioning: 6th to 7th

Super Seventh Scurry

So I have the Jr. high(s) get me 3 actual student schedules (with no names) that have the room number, teacher, class, etc. Along with that, I ask them for a map of the school. I make copies so that there is enough for each student to have one schedule and one map and then laminate the map (and just tell students not to write on the schedules). I have each schedule numbered so, one schedule is numbered #1 and I will have made 5 or so copies of that same schedule with the number 1 on it. I do the same for the 2nd schedule and make copies of the #2 schedule, and the same for #3. I have 3 different schedules so that we can play 3 rounds of the challenge.

I bring candy. And each student will need a dry erase marker and some way to erase their marks (kleenex works well)!

Each student gets a schedule, a map, a dry eraser, and a kleenex.

On the overhead, I put up a copy of the map and I show them where their lockers will be or the 7th grade hall and have them pay attention to any other details that may be worth noting...portables, bathrooms, library, lunch room, etc. This is when I explain that they only have 5 minutes to get from class to class, so they have to find the quickest route so they don't get a tardy. This is a good time to talk about the truancy part of 7th grade too!

I have them find their classes and draw a line of where their schedule is taking them from one class to the next. They also need to consider if they need to make a stop to their locker to change books...etc. Sometimes I throw a twist in there and tell them that they need to get lunch in after 3 period. So after they become a little familiar with what they are supposed to do, then I have them switch schedules with someone and they can't have the same number they just had. This time, its a race to see who can get through their schedule the fastest and be accurate. I check it to make sure. If they succeeded, they get a prize and then we play one more round.

This lesson is great to help the students understand that there is a time limit and how far they need to go to get to the next class and if they need to make stops to their locker. If it is going to make them late by making a locker stop, then figure out some possible solutions so that you are not tardy. This also helps them get familiar with the schedules and how to read them.



Combination Elimination


I have a whole class set of locks that have the dial and resemble an actual locker combination. I show them how to work it and then let them play around for a little bit (5-10 minutes). The remaining 10 or so minutes, we have a Combination Elimination.

Round #1: each student gets with a partner and after I say go, the person who gets their lock un-done first is the winner of that round and advances to the next (single elimination) round.

Round #2: winners pick a new partner and a new lock, winner of that round advances.

Round #3: same thing until it comes to the last 2 people and the final winner gets a prize.

Should last about 5 rounds, depending on the size of the class. If time allows, I will do it all over again to find another winner.