Within your classroom, you’ll have a wide variety of student abilities, strengths, and struggles. One of those varieties will be the speed in which a child can finish their work. A strategy you can use for this is to offer early finisher activities for the students who finish quickly. This will help prevent interruptions in the classrooms. Within this blog post, I’ll suggest organization ideas for your early finisher activities plus a few affiliate Amazon links to start your organizing process!
Here are four effective methods for stations and storage! Plus, stick around after reading… I have a fresh freebie for you!
1. Drawers or Shelves
Shelves or drawers are a fantastic way to keep early finisher activities organized and accessible. Here’s how you can set them up:
- Label Each Drawer: Have a set of drawers, each labeled with a different type of activity. For example, one drawer could be for reading, another for math puzzles, another for art projects, and so on. This way, students can choose an activity based on their interests.
- Rotation System: Change the activities in the drawers regularly to keep things fresh and engaging for students. You can do this weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your preference and schedule.
Click here to grab these wire shelves from Amazon.
2. Accordion Files
Accordion files are another excellent organizational tool, especially if you have limited space. Here’s how to utilize them:
- Categorize Activities: Divide the accordion file into sections based on activity type or subject. Label each section clearly so students can easily find what they’re looking for.
- Easy Access: Make sure the accordion file is placed in an accessible spot where students can easily reach it without disrupting the class.
Click here to grab an Accordion File from Amazon.
3. Bins or Baskets
Bins or baskets can add a touch of fun to organizing early finisher activities while keeping them accessible. Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Physical Activity Bins: Use different bins for different themes or subjects. For example, a bin for hands-on math manipulatives, another with tactile items, and another for puzzles. Here are a few Amazon affiliate links for ideas to put into these bins!
- Keyboards (not plugged in) and Sight Word Flash Cards
- Hexagon Puzzle
- Geoboards with Rubber Bands
- Worksheet Bins: If you want consistency in the classroom for the day instead of multiple options, make a copy of the same worksheet each day. That way if you plan to grade or check them, they’re all the same.
- Grab my Full Bundle of Early Finisher Activities here.
- Rotation and Refresh: Just like with drawers, rotate the contents of the bins regularly to maintain student interest and excitement.
Click here to grab a set of 4 paper bins from Amazon.
4. Digital Options
In today’s digital age, having digital early finisher activities can be a great addition to your classroom. Here’s how you can organize these activities:
- Classroom Tablets or Computers: Set up a few devices in a designated area where students can access educational games, e-books, or interactive learning apps.
- Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms that offer educational resources and activities. Websites like ABCmouse, Khan Academy, and BrainPOP can be great for keeping early finishers engaged.
Want a free sign for your stations?
I have recently added a “All Done” sign for you to add to whatever organization system you choose. Just print, laminate, and attach to your area!
Want a full set of Early Finisher activities?
Get a bundle of logic puzzles, symmetry drawing, comic strip drawing, creative writing, Mad Lib style fill-ins, and directed drawings.
Want to read even more about Early Finishers? Check out this blog!
