5 ACTIVITIES FOR WHEN STUDENTS ARE DONE THEIR CLASS WORK

" 'I’m done what can I do now?', is the most famous sentence said in every elementary classroom. Every classroom has students with different abilities and strengths, so some students will finish certain activities before others. As a student I always got nervous when other kids finished before me, and felt as though I needed to rush to complete my work. In my classroom I want students to take as much time as they need to do their best work. To accommodate those students I have provided a “What To Do When You’re Done” poster on my wall (trust me, it works wonders). In order for the poster to work you must address what you want students to do. When my students are done with a task they simply hand it in and work down my poster of activities they can do without disrupting others. These 5 things will help your independent work time go more smoothly and will help maintain silence while your other students are finishing their work."

1. Do You Have Any Class Work That Needs To Be Finished?

Students may often panic if they do not finish their work when the rest of the class did. This is a perfect time for students to get caught up on a writing prompt, coloring activity, the math lesson, finish a project, ect. This gives them the responsibility to complete work that they did not have time to do in class.

2. Did You Complete Your Homework That Is Due Today?Some students have days where they forget their homework (as we all have forgetful day). This time allows for them to still complete their homework and get credit for it. Also not all students have a supportive home life and they may need some extra guidance when completing their homework. This gives the teacher time to work one on one with students. This may be to help them stay focused or because they may have struggled with the chapter or lesson. Many students will not complete the assignment because they simply did not understand the concept, and at this time they can get help.

3. Why Don't You Get A Jump Start On Tonights Homework!

Many of the same reasons for not doing their homework the night before will also happen for the homework they have tonight. Many students may not complete their homework at home because of the structure within their home. This time allows them to at least get some of it done now. Students may also start their homework and then realize they didn’t fully grasp the concept, and may ask for additional explanation. Others may just be eager to get their homework done so they can just play at home. So, why only 3 problems? I only have students do three problems because this allows for students to still have some responsibility of having to do work outside of the classroom. Homework also is an assessment for me as a teacher, to see if students are actually following along with my lesson or if they may need some extra help in certain areas.

4. Lets Study Our Math Facts Or Spelling Words!

Students often forget or don’t want to study their spelling words or math facts. By giving them time in class it forces them to study on a daily basis, and allows for them study without them having to be at home doing it. Just by adding a few minutes each day improves their proficiency on exams and quizzes. There are also more enjoyable ways for studying in the class than at home, such as stamping spelling words with stamps, completing a die worksheet, and so many more! When using math cards, students are always quizzing themselves and becoming professionals at their facts. Many students become so excited when they finally conquer a stack of flashcards or complete a math wrap up in a certain amount of time. Every time there is free time, each student should switch to something different than what they were doing the last free time.

5. Silent Read Out Of Your Independent Book Bag!

My classroom is a literature centered classroom, meaning reading is very important for me to have my students do and for me to teach my student to love reading and to get get excited about it. By allowing students free time to read I am allowing them to use their reading strategies that they are learning through their reading groups and I am allowing them to develop a love for reading as they are picking their books, and the genre of the book. While students are independent reading I am also checking in on them to ensure that they are choosing books right for their level and are understanding and comprehending what they are reading (this will also give teachers an idea of what to teach as mini lesson in group reading). Not all students will have the opportunity to read books outside of the classroom, so giving them this reading time is crucial. This should NOT be the only time students are independently reading. Reading helps students build and imagination and allows them to have a quiet time to regroup for the rest of the day.