When I remember fire drills, I remember Francisco. He is autistic. The fire drill alarm was his cue to hide under his desk. What a challenge it was every time to get him out of the classroom. Oh, and there was always that student who hadn't returned from the restroom. No, I do not miss fire drills.
My high school students make sure they have their cell phones before they leave, but when I taught elementary it was a lot harder to make sure I had all the wiggling bodies. One time I thought I had LOST a child, but he was hiding under the desk!
From the first day of school, each student had their own number. When coming in from recess or lining up for a fire drill, they lined up in number order. That was the only way I could manage.
When I remember fire drills, I remember Francisco. He is autistic. The fire drill alarm was his cue to hide under his desk. What a challenge it was every time to get him out of the classroom. Oh, and there was always that student who hadn't returned from the restroom. No, I do not miss fire drills.
My high school students make sure they have their cell phones before they leave, but when I taught elementary it was a lot harder to make sure I had all the wiggling bodies. One time I thought I had LOST a child, but he was hiding under the desk!
From the first day of school, each student had their own number. When coming in from recess or lining up for a fire drill, they lined up in number order. That was the only way I could manage.
That was a good idea!
I learned that trick at a workshop early on in my career. I organized everything with their numbers. It was a real lifesaver for me.