Thank you all for your flexibility and understanding in
regards to the new bathroom rotation schedule. Kim offered the idea that
students could practice math fact flashcards, silent read, or practice states
and capitals during the bathroom rotation. We both thought this would address
the concern of effective use of time. The next day, I saw Sandy’s class reading
silently in the hallway.” Motivated by Kim and Sandy, I did some research to
provide you with additional ideas. I got all of these ideas online. You can
find more by googling, “educational sponge activities.” According to Education
World, “Sponge activities soak up those
in-between minutes with easy-to-implement challenges that motivate students to
stretch their minds in new directions.” Do NOT feel obligated to implement these activities, this is just a
suggestion!
MATH:
·
Dice Math: "Students stand beside their seats, and I roll a die," Te Maari
explained. "Each time I roll the die, students add the number to the
previous total, keeping a running score. Students can sit down at any time
during the game, accepting the total at that point as their final score. For
example, if a student sits down after three rolls of the die showing 4, 6,
and 1, he or she has a score of 11. The game continues until someone
rolls a 2. The students still standing lose ALL their points -- because
they've been greedy! The seated student(s) with the highest score wins."
·
Math fact cards: practice basic math fact (addition, subtraction, using
flashcards
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE
ARTS:
·
Grammar: Have one student call out a noun, a second student call out an adjective,
and a third student call out a verb. Ask a volunteer to use all three words in
a sentence.
·
Storytelling. Tell the first
two or three sentences of a story, and then ask each student to add a sentence.
The last student should complete the story.
·
Silent
reading: Students could either read from Open Court,
guided reading book, or independent book.
·
Spelling:
Sparkle
is a spelling practice game. It also forces them to be good listeners.
Pronounce the spelling word that is to be spelled. The first child says the
first letter. The second child says the second letter. The third child says the
third letter, etc. If they miss, they sit down on the floor and the game continues.
Do NOT repeat the word and do not repeat the letters that have already been
called out. After the last letter of the word has been given, the next person must
say "Sparkle." The person after the sparkle person has to sit down.
Pronounce the next word until the last person left standing is the winner.
SOCIAL STUDIES:
·
States and Capitals: Call out states and have
students name the capital. Call out capitals and have students match them with
the state.
- Geography: Challenge
students to identify where various geographic locations (continents,
countries, cities, landmarks, bodies of water, etc.) are on a large map.
Provide clues as needed
GENERAL:
·
Assessment Review: Invite
students to develop 5 assessment questions (with answer sheet) and then
exchange papers with a peer for an impromptu review.
·
Alphabetize: Go around the room and ask
students to name foods, cities, countries, boys' names, or girls' names in
A-B-C order. (For example: Asparagus, Beef, and Crepes; Albuquerque, Boston,
Columbus; Argentina, Botswana, and Cambodia; Aisha, Brittany, and Camilla.)
MORAL
FOCUS:
Card Name
Game: When I
have a few minutes to spare the students love to play the “card name game.” I
have all of their names written on a playing card. While seated at the carpet,
I distribute one card to each child (making sure no one has their own name).
When their name is called they have to say something positive about the person
on the card. This has really helped them to learn about respect and treating
others how they want to be treated. It is fun and only takes about five
minutes.
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