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You are here: Home / teacher tips / Show Me Sunday: Educational Time Fillers
teacher tips

Show Me Sunday: Educational Time Fillers

August 5, 2012

I am hosting this month’s Show Me Sunday for 3-6 Free Resources. I decided I wanted to read all about your educational time fillers because no matter how carefully we plan and prepare,
we all run into those empty pockets of time occasionally. Maybe the
bathroom break before specials went just a little bit faster than it
usually does or our science experiment went up in smoke (literally!). In
moments like that, a simple educational time filler can be your best
friend.
I’m hoping this month’s linky party will
give you lots of new ideas. I promised to start by sharing my favorites.

Magic Number: I step up the traditional “guess my number” game my throwing in a little math. I think of a secret number and then go around the room letting students guess. They have to listen carefully to the other guesses because I don’t say the numbers out loud. My only response is “higher” or “lower” until the correct answer is found. For younger students, I keep it simple with even/odd and a number range (like between 50 and 100). For older students, I toss in math facts. For example, the sum of the digits in my secret number is 7. What is my number? It could be 34, 43, 61, etc. For some reason, the sum questions still get my third graders. 


Sparkle: I kept hearing about Sparkle from my students early in my teaching career, but I had never played and they could never quite explain the rules. Finally, a group of students a few years ago taught me how to play. You use your spelling words, content words, or even high-frequency words. I say a word and then students take turns spelling the letters. If someone misses a letter, they’re out and the word starts over. If the word is spelled correctly, the next student says “Sparkle” and the person AFTER them is out. Play continues until one student is left. We play standing up and students sit down with they’re out. I also require my students to spell quickly to keep the game moving and increase their fluency. This one is also good for transitions as we’re leaving the room. Students who miss a letter go on and skip out to the bathroom, line up for specials, etc. 

Genre Twist: I created this one when my students were having trouble remembering the different genres. I pick a genre and start telling a story. After a few sentences, I pass the story to my neighbor and she has to pick up where I left off. I say “Switch” every few sentences and assign a new genre. The next student has to continue the SAME story, but pick it up in a different genre. Our stories are always really fun as princesses, aliens, and talking animals end up riding in covered wagons. =)

Click on over to link up with us. I’m excited to add a few new tools to my teaching bag of tricks! =)


by Christi Fultz 

About Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

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Comments

  1. Heather Temske says: August 5, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    I love the genre twist idea! I'm definitely going to borrow that one this year. Thanks for sharing.

    Heather
    room 4 imagination

  2. Corrina Allen says: August 5, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    Sparkle is also one of my stand-bys. And I love your Genre Twist idea – very clever!

    Corrina
    Mrs. Allen’s 5th Grade Files

  3. Kim says: August 5, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    Great blog! I linked up over at 3-6 Free Resources!!

    Kim
    mrshsresourceroom.blogspot.com

  4. Michelle Gaetjens says: August 5, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    I love Sparkle! I myself have not played it with my Kindergartners but I have seen it in action and it looks like so much fun!

    Mrs.G's Kindergarten in Heels

  5. Heather Earley says: August 10, 2012 at 3:10 am

    Genre twist…I love it! I am going to make that our culminating review for our first genre explorations! Thanks :))

  6. Ms.M from Teachingisagift says: August 11, 2012 at 2:14 am

    I was inspired by your post to write up my own "favourite" educational time filler. I posted it over at Show Me Sunday 3-6 Resources. Thanks for giving me the inspiration for another great blog post!
    http://teachingisagigft.blogspot.ca

Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

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As an experienced third grade teacher with a Masters in Elementary Education and K-12 reading license, I know educational resources need to be both inviting and engaging to capture students' interests. I am passionate about creating user-friendly resources to help all students learn while saving valuable prep for teachers. Read More…

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This Is 3 // Charlotte girl, being your momma is a This Is 3 // Charlotte girl, being your momma is a gift. I cannot believe you turn THREE tomorrow! You have the most adventurous heart, love your babies, and always keep us on our toes. We love you!
Lake Love // Even though our trip was cut short th Lake Love // Even though our trip was cut short this year, I’m thankful we made it to Marblehead. It’s my absolute favorite spot on Lake Erie. Just swipe to see that sailboat and sunlight on the water. Absolute peace.
Happy Last Day // We had a lot of changes last sum Happy Last Day // We had a lot of changes last summer, but the move back home to Louisville has been even better than I expected. Kindergarten was so special and Carter had the sweetest teacher. Today was a much-needed bright spot. Here’s to what’s next.
Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a Joy // I shared this in stories, but it deserves a permanent place in my feed too. When do we lose this endless wonder and joy?? These kids are here for a good time all the time. 

They loved a night in a hotel to swim and play. It wasn’t a relaxing experience away with a spa like many of my trips pre-kids, but it was exactly what we needed.
Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @k Proof Of Mom // Took the kids to opening day at @kentuckykingdom today. After moving back to Louisville last summer, it’s been fun exploring old places that are “new” to my kids. The new ownership seems to have big plans for the park. Carter is eager for the water rides to open. We’ll be back soon!

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom ⁠#locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife
Happy Easter // So blessed to be their momma. 🐰 Happy Easter // So blessed to be their momma. 🐰

#kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom  #locallouisville #louisvillelove #mylouisville⁠ #howwelou #louisvilleigers #momsaroundlouisville #momlife #instagrammom #momsofig
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