There’s a fine line between giving students enough practice and giving too much work (even worse…“busy” work). This is stressful for you and the students.
The more you give them to do, the more work you have to do.
No matter what you do, your higher students will probably be finished early. Don’t punish these students for being finished by handing out more worksheets!
1) Consider using these early finishers' task cards instead of copying more worksheets and making more plans. Students will be able to be creative and stretch their brains more than just simply doing another worksheet.
2) Some students will thrive on free time to read books. This is a good solution also.
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3) Give your early finishers activities rather than another worksheet (which makes things harder for you).
Let them play digital math and literacy games, even if it’s a different subject. Digital games that include science or social studies, math, and reading all in one interactive game is a plus. Click here to see more.
4) Assign high-interest research activities via Google Slides that cover science or social studies topics, reading, and writing. Click here to see some high-interest topics.
5) Use task cards that stretch your students’ brains by having them make lists, create, etc. Try out this FREEBIE.
6) Consider using some good “old-fashioned” fun by setting up a place in your classroom with a challenging jigsaw puzzle.
7) Let a couple of students pair up and play a game in the hallway. This is particularly effective if you have a student in need of intervention. The student will gain knowledge and understanding while playing with a friend by playing a game that covers the subject (consider adding task cards to a game board for the questions).
8) Use morning tub activities again for your early finishers.
9) Use math manipulatives as STEM activities.
10) Let students draw. A blank piece of paper, writing utensils, and imagination can be just the outlet that some students need. Plus, drawing helps with those fine motor skills!
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The list goes on and on. Think about the things you already have in your classroom.
Rather than printing more worksheets (which you then have to grade), consider ways to use fun learning activities.
What is your favorite activity to use with early finishers? I would love to hear about it! Comment below to tell me!
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Filling the needs of your students without making extra work for you. That’s just…
