Provides student exercise and a release of tension
Allows student to feel needed and important
Can help students to “reset” and return to a task fresh
Takes student’s mind off what may be hindering them
Helps break up monotonous tasks, assignments, activities, etc
When should I do it:
When a student gets off task
When you are aware of an ADD/ADHD diagnosis
When student seems fidgety, moves a lot, cannot sit still
When student is becoming frustrated or agitated with the task at hand
When two or more students are engaged in conflict, argument, or are just getting annoyed with one another
When a student seems to be getting bored, sleepy, or their eyes are glazing over
When a student’s emotions and/or behaviors need to be deescalated
When a student has poor self-esteem and poor self concept
When student is seeking adult approval
How do I do it:
When a student(s) displays any of the characteristics above or similar characteristics, send the student on an errand
Errands can just be random or part of a more formal classroom system whereby when a student is called on to run an errand, they choose from a list of errands that need to be done
Examples of errands include erasing the board, taking out the garbage, helping in the office or lunch room, writing on the board, cleaning, organizing, assisting, helping, taking a note to another teacher, walking somewhere to retrieve or drop something off, opening the windows, making or reading announcements, etc
