Minimize transitions; maximize instruction.  Again? Really?  Oh, yeah!  With instructional time so limited, it is truly important to teach bell to bell and maximize every moment of class time.  The First Five Minute Activity should really only take 5 minutes.  If it takes longer, it could be that too much is planned or students are tardy or unprepared.  Use the Countdown Clock and the Reveal Tool to keep lessons on schedule.  When the allotted time has transpired, the screen goes black, the independent activity is over, and class continues with a discussion and checking of independent activity.

Day 15: Setting the Countdown Clock and Reveal Tool 

Step 1:  Choose Power Tools

Step 2: Select Clock

Step 3:  Select Countdown

Step 4:  Set the time for the activity

Step 5:  Use the drop down menu to Start Reveal Tool “after timeout…”  Other choices would allow for page turning, page reset, and a fullscreen photo

Check out Promethean’s Activtips for Timers and Countdowns for more ideas.  Other timer options can be found in the Resource Library in the Shared Activities Folder>Gadgets and Widgets>Timers.