{ Golden Time }

I don't know how many people do golden time in class, but it was set up in my class before I took over the job and I wouldn't give it up for anything now. I think it is a great time in reception right through to year six to promote imagination, team work, creativity and allow children to use the classroom space in their own way. Of course if you are lucky enough to have a big space and have role play areas then you know what I mean. Unfortunately, as I've said my classroom is tiny so this is the best of both worlds for us. 

For those of you who don't know what it is, I'll try and explain it as best as possible and how I have implemented my golden time system. 

In a nut shell, golden time is precious free time at the end of the week that children earn. The picture above shows you how we document minutes lost. All children start the week with 30 minutes, however if they do not follow the classroom rules, complete work etc then they can lose minutes. The children use a whiteboard pen and tally marks to keep track of their own minutes. I was amazed how well this system worked along side the classroom rules and expectations because all the kiddos want to keep their full half an hour. 

We have our free time on a Friday afternoon after show and tell and I have to tell you that it is joyous to watch the kids get out games, drawing, role play clothes and see them prance around their classroom stage. The vocabulary that comes from their imaginative play is fabulous and can't be taught. If you ever get a chance to have golden time, have a go, it doesn't just have to be play it could be different rewards such as ice cream, going to the park, extra games or even a pizza party.

Do you have more ideas for golden time?