How to engage the Students during Free Time.
Here are a few suggestions for the educators, tried and tested, of course!
I entered the classroom during my substitution period. It was chaotic there. My biggest challenge was to offer them something that would keep them occupied.
Asking them to do self-study was absolutely a fruitless idea. Most of the educators get tempted by this approach because it allows them to remain in their comfort zone.
What if we can keep certain activities prepared for them in advance? Ah, you will say we don’t have spare time for it. We are already immersed in the routine workload.
I went on a searching spree on internet regarding activities for students. I tried various keywords like ‘classroom activities’, ‘spare time activities for kids’, ‘free time activities for students, etc. I consulted Google, YouTube, ChatGPT, and even the latest AI that showed on my laptop i.e. Copilot. But in vain.
What I needed was some uncomplicated yet challenging activities for them. And tasks that would help them to learn something new and also boost their confidence.
We also have to keep in mind the variety of mindsets and skills of students in the classroom. So, the precondition is that the activities have to be such that they engage and interest at least 90% of the students.
Here are a few techniques I took on:
- Storytelling:
Certainly, we have to choose a story based on the age group of the students. You can choose to narrate the story yourself or ask the students to do it. Initially, they may not be willing to participate but you can encourage them to share a short story and lead the way. I am sure the kids of your class will love this.
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2. Interactive session on current happenings:
Children love to talk. We can make use of this quality of children by giving them a topic of current happening from the newspaper or magazine or any sports event. I was stunned to see the enthusiasm when students were asked to talk about their favorite cricket team.
3. Math Puzzles:
Students’ brain hemispheres can be put to the test by giving them mental math questions.
4. Sudoku or Wordoku:
Different variants of Sudoku can be used as per the intelligence level of your class. 6 × 6 grid size Sudoku/ Wordoku worked wonders for me.
5. Crossword Puzzle:
This may be a bit difficult for the students to handle. Trust me it gives the optimum satisfaction to them. You may have to lend a helping hand.
6. Creative drawing with a specific prompt:
Colors bring out the best in them. Provide them a verbal or a visual prompt and let the creativity flow on paper.
These are just a few techniques I used in my classroom with 9 Grader kids. The happiness on their faces gave me what I was looking for — sense of achievement. My heart was filled with joy and contentment.
I would love to share a detailed account of how I utilized my substitution periods to bring the students out of their general sluggishness.
