One of the things teachers often struggle with is the idea of teaching small groups. Even if a teacher knows exactly what to do within the groups, there is the lingering question of “What are the other students doing while I am meeting with small groups?”. This is where “Must-dos and May-dos” come into play.
Must-Do, May-Do Chart
No teacher wants to repeat over and over what students should be doing. Nobody wants to stop working with a small group to help a student with what they should do next. Must-Dos and May-Dos are a teacher LIFESAVER! This is basically a digital chart that allows students to easily see the expectations for them each day. First, are the groups the teacher will be meeting with (such as Guided Reading or Guided Math groups). Since the groups are in order and have the student names listed, students know that when one group ends, their turn is next and they rush to the teacher’s table (GOODBYE TRANSITION TIME!). It truly cuts down so much on the chaos that can be transitioning from one group to the next and it works so much more effectively than making every child rotate stations like you might see in many Early Childhood classrooms.
Download the free chart here
Read more about implementing centers here
Reading Small Group Time
Next, are the Must-Dos and May-Dos. Teachers can change the “must-dos” to match the work given that day. In my classroom, two things are certain for Reading: 1) there is ALWAYS a mentor text activity and 2) students need to practice word work every day. The same goes for Math but it might include a partner activity and a workbook page- again, these should be totally customizable for you! Once students complete those two tasks, they turn papers in to designated tubs around the room and now they are free to choose from the May-dos. For Reading, may-dos include many common tasks such as read-to-self, buddy reading, writing, listen-to-reading but also include Toothy Grammar and Phonics for a fun way to practice these skills. May-dos should obviously still be educational and the greatest part about them is that they can easily be differentiated for students without a lot of prep from the teacher.
Math Small Group Time
For Math, the concept is the same but the May-dos look a little different. After a student completes their independent Math activity, they are free to choose from Math Center Tubs and Math Puzzles both of which change each month and review important skills. Students can also choose Toothy Math where they can truly differentiate their own learning. The skills are so vast in each set, it is amazing! It is so much easier than having to introduce new games every few weeks! Toothy, oddly, NEVER GETS OLD! Teachers can use any center or game; these are just what I have found work flawlessly in my own classroom.
Technology
The last may-do each day is technology. When a classroom has a limited amount of computers or tablets, it helps tremendously to designate those as to not have students arguing over them or rushing to be the first one done. I have found the easiest way to do this is to number and color-coordinate the computers/tablets. Students have an assigned computer and one computer day per week. The computers, slots and cords are all labeled with colored tape so that students can effortlessly keep everything organized. Here is the best part: on Fridays, students can use Dojo points to buy a second computer day! They LOVE it and it keeps students working hard on Fridays!
Using this system has helped so many teachers in holding small groups because it has helped create a structured, learning-conducive environment for the rest of the classroom. It is so great because it is something every teacher can put his/her own flair into and because it can be used across the grade levels. It made a huge difference in my classroom and I hope it will in yours as well!
Download the free chart here
Pin this idea to your Pinterest board here
I can only get this to open as a PDF file. I’m looking for an editable version. Please let me know if you have this. Thanks so much for all you do!
Hi Lindsey. The file is an editable PDF. Make sure to open the downloaded file and then you can edit by clicking in the boxes provided. Your computer needs to be able to access this file type for it to work. Hope that helps.
It is coming up as a PDF, do I need to convert it in order to use it??
Hi there. The file is an editable PDF. Make sure to open the downloaded file and then you can edit by clicking in the boxes provided. Your computer needs to be able to access this file type for it to work. Hope that helps.
Is there a way to get this as an editable file? Mine is only showing up as a PDF option. Thanks.
Love this! Is there a way to get this as an editable file? My google doc is showing up as a PDF.
Thank you!
Hi Domenica. The file is an editable PDF. Once you download it to your computer, open it up and click in the editable boxes provided for you to type in your own text.
This is such a wonderful resource. Is it possible to get this as an editable file? Mine is downloading as a PDF.
Thanks!
Hi Cody. The file is an editable PDF. Make sure to open the downloaded file and then you can edit by clicking in the boxes provided. Your computer needs to be able to access this file type for it to work. Hope that helps.
Is there a way I can get this as an editable file? It gives me the option to download as Google Doc but once I download it it looks completely different.
Thank you.
Hi Vanessa. Once you download the fie (not as a Google doc), and open the file that is saved to your computer, it is a PDF that can be edited. You do need to be able to open PDF documents for this file to work for you. Hope that helps!
When student decide to go and work on a game, how do students decide on a partner?
I know this is an editable PDF, but I would be interested in an editable Google Slide version if you ever revise this 🙂
Thanks!
Hi there!
I appreciate you taking the time to message me with your great suggestion. I will add it to my list and do my best to get to it. Have a great day!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
Yes! Would love to have a Google Slides version of this as well! 🙂
This is awesome! Thank you! I love that I can project it, and not have to bother with paper copies I was using last year.
Hi there,
My name is Katie and I’m an all access member. How can I search for the must do/May do activities and the chart?
Also, how will I know what the students did – is there a checklist for them?
Love this idea, thank you!
Hello Katie! Here is a link to this file on Google Drive. We will get this file added to All Access too! This does not include a student checklist currently, but that is a great idea! If you submit that request to the All Access product request form, our curriculum team can cook something up for you. 🙂