Developed by: Aimee Hensley

Level: 6-8

Beat the Clock

Standards Learning Expectations	This activity will help students acquire competencies which relate to the following standard: 1.  Skills for academic self-confidence, learning, and success The student will: 1.5  Demonstrate working both independently and cooperatively 1.8  Explore a broad range of interests and abilities
General Approach	The general approach is that the students will be introduced to the concept of time management, prioritizing, and responsible decision making through a Beat the Clock short game or quiz which will highlight the need for time management skills.
Activity Steps	This activity can be played as a game or given as a quiz, depending upon time constraints and the teacher's preference. As a quiz, the teacher can simply read the questions from the Game Cards and have students answer "A" or "B" on a sheet of paper. Afterward they can correct papers (1 point per correct answer) and discuss the "best" answer for each question.  The "Beat the Clock Game" will require more time and may not fit into an "advisory" period. The game can either be played in small groups of students, with each group using its own game board, or as an entire class with teams competing against each other. If the second option is chosen, then an overhead transparency of the game board should be used so that all students can see the "action." Teams may send a representative up to the front of the room to roll the dice and move the game piece. Teams will take turns rolling a die and moving around the board following the arrows. Teams MUST stop at the stop signs when they encounter them, regardless of the roll of the dice. Teams at a stop sign will draw a Beat the Clock Game Card and answer the question. The answer chosen will determine whether to continue along path A or B on the next dice roll. Teams must follow written directions in any square on which they land. The game ends when all teams have reached the finish. (Note: there are two possible finishes.) Scoring: 20-25  Congratulations! You Beat the Clock! You have a good grasp of time management decision making skills! 15-19  You've got a good start on managing your time. With a little more work in these activities, you'll be a pro! 10-14  You are probably trying your best to juggle many activities and feeling overwhelmed. These lessons will help you get things under control. 0-9  WOW! Clockman has control! You could really benefit from some time management and organization tips. That's what Matt, Melanie, Keisha, and Roberto are here for -- they're going to help you out with examples from their own lives. You can also visit the DayRunner web site at the following address for more time management activities: http://thechalkboard.com/Corporations/DayRunner/lessons/LESSON1.html
Time Required	This activity can be played as a game or given as a quiz, depending upon time constraints and the teacher's preference.  The quiz may be accomplished in one twenty-five minute session.  The "Beat the Clock Game" may require up to a 45 minute session to complete.
Resources Needed	1.  Overhead transparency made from "Beat the Clock Game Board" or copies for small group use. 2.  Copies of "Beat the Clock Game Cards" for each student group or one "class set." 3.  Copies of "Cast of Characters: Student Profiles" for individuals or groups of students. 4.  Dice will be needed for each group playing the game. 5.  Each team will need some sort of game piece or marker. (Pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters would suffice.) 6.  Colored overhead transparency pens.
Performance Indicators	Students will be able to: Demonstrate importance of responsibility for academic work. Use effective organizational skills Accomplish a predetermined task as a team member