Say hello to one of my favorite classroom helpers—our Slug!

This adorable little guy lives at my teacher table and plays a big role in supporting crucial teaching times. When the light is on, this lets my students know–don’t interrupt!

Here’s when we use it in our classroom:

• Small Group Time
  When students are doing literacy or even math centers and I am at my teacher table with a small group, the Don’t Bug Me Slug light goes on and students know not to interrupt. Students know they need to ask another adult in the room, or the kids in class for support (unless it’s an emergency of course).
• Testing
  There are so many times when I have to test students 1:1 and cannot afford to be interrupted. Many of the assessments we do with students 1:1 are timed and an interruption can critically impact a students score/outcome.

Why It Works:
Sometimes students just need a gentle, non-judgmental reminder to stop and think, “Is this an emergency?” or “Can I ask someone else this question?”

If you’re building routines at the beginning of the year to help small group or intervention times run smoothly. I highly recommend adding a Don’t Bug Me Slug to your classroom!