Teach and count down

So there are a lot of times that we have to count down and give a time limit for the kids to get in their seats and to be prepared for the next class activity. We may be around the class in small groups working together and then have to go back to our seats. Or it may be time to line up for lunch and we want to do so quickly and orderly. My cooperating teacher in my second placement would use a variety of ways to count down other than the typical five or ten seconds. He would tell the class, "you have a week to get to your seats, today is .... Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.... Sunday, and now we are back to Monday." It was really good because it would be something different that just the regular count down. It helps to teach kids the days of the week too. He would also say the months of the year and spell out words that have to do with the next activity. I really liked this and started to think more about it. I decided to start using spelling and vocabulary words too. I tell the kids that they have to the count of ... (a spelling or vocabulary word) and quickly use it in a sentence or say its definition and then spell the word. It works great because first, it's more fun for me as the teacher to find new ways to count down and more fun for the students. Second, it also gives a good chance to review or teach a quick concept as you count down. And third, the kids that are always getting to their seats quick and are always the ones waiting for others are along with you either spelling the words or saying the days of the week. It has just made the transitions of the day go more smoothly and fun.