[jnd]

What do you have students do when they finish with their work early? I have a poster that I have never used but I am thinking about using it this year. It says Things to Do When You Finish Your Work and then it lists eight items. I have filled in some of them with ideas I had but need help with the others. My mind is blank. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

Read: a book from the classroom library

Write: a story in your journal

Draw: a picture to go along with your journal story (?)

Make:

Work On: your spelling words

Finish: incomplete papers in your work folder

Do:

Other: practice math facts

[2ndGradeRocks]

....Make: a math riddle for a classmate (or to be put in a math center)

[patschmidt]

Make a card for a sick classmate, or a birthday person

[TootSweet]

Make: a story elements chart for your favorite book
Do: check your answers before turning in your assignment

My saying in my classroom is "NEVER DO NOTHING". If I see someone just sitting I whisper that to them and they know they must get on task. My preference is for them to read but your list is awesome!

[Groovy Gal]

Most of the time it is AR Reading. Of course they use post-it notes while they read. They love it!

[GoTeachers]

I have an "I'm ALL done shelf" set up in my class room. It's a small book shelf (two shelves) that is stocked with things to do after they finish all assignments (including the work in there finish-up folder). There are books (in a basket), Coloring pages, dominoes, small puzzles, teddy bear counters and math fact cards, chalk boards for spelling practice, writing paper for stories and pictures and stuff like that and much more (all educational in some way). I change things out about every other month or so (the books more often). Last year I let the early finishers go on the computer but I'm not going to do that this year. The same ones were getting on and it became a problem. The shelf works great for me!

[purplealum]

Put these ideas on a tic-tac-toe board... Students must make a tic-tac-toe to receive extra credit points (whatever, you decide). Also, that means they have to do 3 things on your list which should keep them busy!!!!!!!

[jnd]

Thanks for all the great ideas. You were a big help !