No rules in your lab? The following rules will make computer time run more smoothly:

• Ask 3, Then Me: This rule encourages kids to collaborate to answer questions and solve problems, while freeing you up to deal with the major crises. (Best for students in grade 2 and above.)
• Hands Behind Your Back: Kids love helping, but helping without grabbing the mouse and doing it themselves is difficult for children (and for adults). Teach students to talk a classmate through a problem without touching the classmate's keyboard or mouse.
• Signal for Help: Students who are waiting for help with their hands raised aren't working; they're wasting valuable lab time. Have students place an easily recognizable or brightly colored object on top of their computers if they need help. A tongue depressor Velcro�-ed to the side of the monitor, a colorful paper cup, or a folded piece of construction paper works well.
• Pay Attention: Make sure everyone listens to instructions by preventing students from typing or playing with the mouse while you talk. Have students put both hands on their heads (Make instructions brief!), turn their chairs around so the backs touch the computer table, flip over their mouses so they can "rest," or turn off their monitors (just the monitor, not the entire computer).
• Save Often: Blink the lights (perhaps at 5-10 minute intervals) to stop the class and have everyone save their work at once. Remind students specifically where they are to save their work (disk? network folder? computer desktop?).
• No Internet Use Without Permission: Even with a filter, students can be off-task at inappropriate or non-academic sites, so carefully monitor Internet use.
• Don't Touch the System: No software should be downloaded or installed, and no settings should be changed, without permission. This rule is especially important for middle and high school students.

Next: Have a plan.