The last ten to fifteen minutes of the day can be hectic or can be organisation at its best if what is expected during this time is taught explicitly.

As you wind down for the day and students prepare for home time I like to use this time to ask students to assist to clean the room. It is their space and I encourage them to take responsibility for the area.

• Allocating students to a certain area or task works best for me, then I know exactly who to pick on if the job is not done. I like to ask students to pull down the blinds, pick any papers up off the floor, put chairs up n the tables, to tidy the book corner, to ensure cushions and flexible seating is arranged, return resources to where they need to be in the room…

• You can name these jobs such as the cleaning crew, blind bandits, tidy tablers, pit lane, sink specialists, art organisers

• Points can be given for fastest or tidiest table.

• Play the clean up song, your favourite song or a timer that goes for approximately two minutes. I wouldn’t give much longer than that.

• Students then pack their bags, pencil cases and devices, or anything they may need and stand behind their table quietly.

If the classroom is clean, tidy and organised and there is still time left before the bell goes then my priority is either to read a story or sing a song together. I like the children to leave the classroom on a high. Other activities could include;

• Circle time - play any circle time games suggested on my blog post here

• Charades

• Celebrity Heads

• Heads Down, Thumbs Up

• Reflection time - ask any questions suggested on this previous blog

• Kahoot - search for any quiz if have not designed your own

• Silent Ball

• Circle Champion

• Run around oval before dismissal

• Sing the Goodbye Song - See you later, alligator. Bye, bye butterfly. Give me a hug, ladybug. Be sweet, parakeet. Blow a fish, goldfish. See you soon, raccoon. Take care, polar bear. So long, King Kong. Out the door, dinosaur!

What does pack up time look like in your classroom? Do you have an afternoon routine set up that works well? Do your students display responsibility for the classroom? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.