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Early Finishers Activities to Engage Students

Early finishers, those eager learners who complete tasks ahead of schedule, often crave intellectual stimulation and an opportunity to explore their interests further. A teacher's ability to engage and support all their students, regardless of their pace, is a testament to effective teaching.

Early finisher activities are a great school activity for students to engage in while the rest of the students in the classroom complete their work.

When students finish early, they may be asking, "Now what?" It is important to have an early finisher activity ready for a speedy student to ensure students who are finishing early are not bored kids, but engaged ones.

Why Provide Early Finishers Activities?

Recognizing and addressing the needs of early finishers in your classroom is a pivotal element of effective teaching.

Inclusion

First and foremost, it ensures that every student feels valued and engaged in the learning process. By offering activities designed to cater to these fast finishers, educators create an environment that nurtures individuality, where students are encouraged to embrace their strengths and delve into their passions.

Independent Learning

Moreover, early finisher activities foster independent learning and encourage students to have responsibility. In a world increasingly reliant on problem-solving and critical thinking, these supplementary tasks allow students to develop vital skills on their own while simultaneously fostering independence.

By giving step by step directions, you can ensure that these fast finishers can complete the fast finisher activities on their own, which boosts confidence and facilitates independence.

As we encourage students to tackle math challenges, explore creative writing, and unravel brain teasers, they are not just filling time; they are enriched academically and start to learn on their own.

Classroom Management

Providing early finisher activities helps with classroom management as it encourages students who finish early to stay on task instead of being disruptive.

While early finishers should not be punished with more work, it is important to keep these talented students engaged during the extra time they have.

A student with nothing to do can often lead to distracted classmates.

CLICK HERE for a FREE eBook download about effective classroom management strategies.
You can also read my related blog post HERE.

Early Finisher Activities

Early finisher activities are important for elementary school students. There is a range of activities designed to cater to different interests and abilities for all students in your classroom to complete as their classmates complete the earlier task.

If you would like these task cards and supplemental resources, CLICK HERE to download all of them.

You can also download THIS 50-PAGE PRINT-AND-GO RESOURCE to make prep work a breeze.

Not sure what you want? Browse all constructive filler activities HERE.

Academic Activities

Early finishers may need extra support or practice in other areas, or they may like to increase their skills beyond what is taught to the whole class.

Math Skills

Early finishers can engage with activities that include math practice, math puzzles, number games, and problem-solving exercises. These math activities strengthen students' grasp of mathematical concepts and prepare them for more complex math topics in the future.

  1. Solve word problems (Supplemental)

  2. Complete math worksheets (Supplemental)

  3. Explore math-related logic puzzles (Sudoku, KenKen, Kakuro, etc.)

  4. Play Prodigy (website)

  5. Play on Math Playground (website)

  6. Take your own timed multiplication test

  7. Create and practice math flashcards

  8. Investigate shapes using a tangram

  9. Use math manipulatives to solve your own problems

  10. Play Dice Math (Roll 2 die and add/subtract/multiply the numbers)

  11. Play Math Cards (Draw 2 cards and add/subtract/multiply the numbers)

Check out my math resource with 180+ task cards HERE.

Writing Skills

Writing is a powerful means of self-expression and communication. By offering students the chance to create short stories, poems, or journal entries, we not only enhance their writing skills but also encourage their creativity and self-confidence as authors.

  1. Craft a short story

  2. Keep a journal or diary

  3. Write a persuasive speech about a school issue

  4. Compose a descriptive poem

  5. Author and illustrate a picture book

  6. Write a script for a play

  7. Write a letter to a favorite character

  8. Compose song lyrics

  9. Blog about a personal interest

  10. Write a letter to the author of a book you’ve read

  11. Craft a choose-your-own-adventure story

  12. Prepare a speech as a historical figure

  13. Craft a letter to a pen pal or family member

  14. Write a class newsletter

  15. Create a comic strip

Download the writing task cards with over 100 task cards HERE.

Spelling Skills

Extra time is also a great opportunity to practice spelling words for an upcoming test.

Write your spelling word list:

  1. into silly sentences

  2. into a story

  3. in ABC order

  4. in rainbow colors

  5. using one color for consonants and another for vowels

  6. with your nondominant hand

  7. as big as you can on one piece of paper

  8. hidden in a picture you draw

  9. using fun lettering

  10. as quickly as possible then as neatly as you can

Check out the spelling and vocabulary task cards HERE.

Other English Language Arts Skills

While students can practice spelling and writing, they can also practice the other skills that make up writing.

  1. Complete a Mad Lib

  2. Develop character profiles

  3. Play Bananagrams

  4. Play Boggle

  5. Play Text Twist (Write as many words as you can from a given phrase)

  6. Solve word search puzzles with your spelling words

  7. Draw a comic strip using words from a dictionary or thesaurus

  8. Play Word Bingo by marking off words as you find them in your book

  9. Write an alphabet story where each sentence begins with the next letter of the alphabet

  10. Write a paragraph with a metaphor or simile

  11. Draft a poem that uses personification.

Download over 50 ELA task cards HERE.

Research Skills

In our information-rich world, research skills are vital. Early finishers can embark on age-appropriate research projects, honing their ability to locate and summarize information effectively. These activities not only aid academic development but also prepare students for future educational endeavors.

  1. Investigate a historical figure

  2. Explore a science topic

  3. Conduct research on a famous landmark

  4. Create a biography of a notable personality

  5. Investigate an ecological issue

  6. Compile data on weather patterns

  7. Analyze an archaeological discovery

  8. Research a cultural festival or event

  9. Explore the life of a famous artist

  10. Investigate the history of a significant invention

  11. Research a cultural festival, celebration or tradition

Download the task cards and worksheets HERE.

Practice Skills Online

I'm all about making things easier for myself as a teacher. There are many websites that allow students to practice academic skills and require minimal effort to the teacher. Check out the list below.

  1. Prodigy

  2. Kahoot!

  3. ABCya!

  4. Khan Academy

  5. GetEpic!

  6. Code.org

  7. Typing.com

  8. NatGeo Kids

  9. ReadWorks

  10. Math Playground

  11. PBS Kids

  12. Scholastic Kids

Download these task cards as well as other fun activities and art prompts HERE.

Reading Activities

Fast finishers may be very interested in reading a book of their choice when asking, "Now what?" after finishing an assignment. This is also easy to facilitate as a teacher!

Independent Reading

Encouraging a love for reading and expanding vocabulary and comprehension are key objectives of early finisher activities in this section. By offering a selection of age-appropriate books and eBooks, students can immerse themselves in captivating stories and non-fiction content, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for reading.

Fast finishers should be given more early finisher activities than just reading, but reading is a great option as well.

  1. Read a favorite book from the classroom library

  2. Explore eBooks (GetEpic)

  3. Listen to audiobooks

  4. Read historical biographies

  5. Investigate mystery novels

  6. Delve into non-fiction science books

  7. Explore fantasy and magical adventures

  8. Read short stories and anthologies

  9. Immerse in adventure novels

  10. Discover poetry and literary classics

  11. Explore joke books

Find Reading & Comprehension Task Cards HERE.

Expanding Vocabulary

While reading in itself is a good skill to have, having the vocabulary to understand what is read is foundational to reading comprehension. Consequently, activities related to vocabulary are helpful for students who need help understanding what they read.

  1. Do a vocabulary word search puzzle

  2. Play vocabulary bingo

  3. Practice with vocabulary flashcards

  4. Explore vocabulary crossword puzzles

  5. Write vocabulary words in sentences

  6. Use a thesaurus to find related words

  7. Write a story using vocabulary words

  8. Fill out a Frayer model template

  9. Write a synonym story, where students use a synonym for each vocabulary word

  10. For each vocabulary word, list as many related words as possible

  11. Create a mnemonic device for 5 vocabulary words

Check out the spelling and vocabulary task cards HERE.

Reading Comprehension

Reading not only nurtures a love for books but also aids in building vocabulary and comprehension skills. Discussions with teachers and classmates about the books they read deepen their understanding and provide a sense of community, enriching their educational experience.

Literacy centers are also a great option that students can complete independently.

  1. Summarize a chapter or passage

  2. Identify story elements (plot, setting, characters)

  3. Complete an exit ticket

  4. Compare and contrast characters

  5. Analyze the author's purpose

  6. Write an alternate story ending

  7. Create a story timeline

  8. Draft a character profile

  9. Read a passage and answer questions

  10. Write a book review

  11. Write a diary entry as a book character

  12. Draw illustrations for a chapter book

Find Reading & Comprehension Task Cards HERE.

Creative Activities

The creative sphere is a playground for self-expression and imagination. Early finishers can explore their artistic inclinations and delve into the world of art and fine motor skills, self-portraits, coloring, and creativity.

Art Skills

Art activities offer students a platform for imaginative expression while simultaneously honing fine motor skills. Through drawing, painting, or craft projects, young learners foster both creativity and dexterity.

  1. Paint a landscape with watercolors

  2. Make a collage

  3. Create a mixed media piece of art

  4. Draw favorite characters with pastels

  5. Sketch a self-portrait

  6. Recreate art by famous artists

  7. Create an expressive abstract painting

  8. Fold paper into origami art

  9. Draw with colored pencils

  10. Create digital art

  11. String bead jewelry projects

  12. Practice handwriting or calligraphy

  13. Assemble 3D puzzles

  14. Explore a new art technique

Download these art prompts, other fun activities, and educational website task cards HERE.

Coloring Sheets

Coloring sheets offer a relaxing and engaging pastime that enhances focus and patience while encouraging artistic expression. Crayola and Super Coloring are great sites to find free options.

  1. Mandalas

  2. Characters or cartoons

  3. Seasonal sheets

  4. Holiday-themed

  5. Inspirational quotes

  6. Fantasy scenes

  7. Nature

  8. Cultural coloring pages

  9. Animal

  10. Geometric designs

  11. Dot to dots

Other Activities

Puzzles and Brain Teasers

Logic puzzles and brain-teasers not only challenge early finishers but also promote problem-solving and encourage students to think critically. Puzzle skills foster spatial awareness, patience, and an attention to detail. These activities stimulate their intellect and teach perseverance when faced with a challenging puzzle.

  1. Solve a crossword puzzle

  2. Complete a word search puzzle

  3. Tackle a brain-teaser challenge or riddle

  4. Explore logic grid puzzles

  5. Engage in Sudoku puzzles

  6. Solve Tangram puzzles

  7. Tackle physical puzzles like Rubik's Cubes

  8. Play Mastermind

  9. Play Rush Hour

  10. Solve an escape room-style puzzle

  11. Put together a jigsaw puzzle

Help your students practice problem solving and logic HERE.

Fun Activities

A fun activity isn't necessarily productive, but it can be a good option for a school day before a break where students don't have the brain capacity for constant learning. Besides, these fast finisher activities still encourage students to work independently and practice being creative.

  1. Design and create your own board game

  2. Develop a class newsletter

  3. Create a vision board

  4. Write your own joke book

  5. Develop a PowerPoint about your hobby

  6. Design and construct a mini architectural structure

  7. Create a storyboard for a short film

  8. Make your own secret code and write a message

  9. Create a character trading card

  10. Practice mindfulness or meditation

  11. Create a travel brochure for a place you’ve seen or read about

Check out these task cards along with art prompts and educational websites HERE.

Implementation

There are several ways to implement early finisher activates. First off, you can present each idea on its own or as one of several choices for the day.

You can also provide fun ideas through choice boards, where students can choose what interests them. Not all fast finishers will want to complete the same tasks or have the same needs, so providing a variety of options can be helpful.

Another option is to give students task cards so that they can practice skills independently. These activities are often introduced to students and set up at a center for them to do when they finish an earlier task and ask, "Now what?"

Conclusion

In conclusion, early finisher activities offer a dynamic way to engage and inspire students with diverse interests and abilities. By providing a range of options, from math and writing to puzzles and logic games, we not only keep students engaged but also encourage creativity, critical thinking, and independent learning.

Teachers play a key role in offering step-by-step guidance, managing the classroom, and curating activities that cater to students' individual needs. Using choice boards and task cards ensures that most students can find activities aligned with their preferences and learning styles. From independent reading to brain teasers, these activities are a fantastic way to make the most of students' free time.

Through these activities, we ensure that early finishers, speedy students, and most kids have a constructive and enjoyable way to spend their time, promoting skill development and a love for learning. So, let's continue to offer early finisher activities to keep our classrooms engaging and inspiring for every student.

More Resources

CLICK HERE to learn about how to engage students with active learning.

CLICK HERE for 50 pages of ready-to-go early finisher activities.

CLICK HERE for task cards related to activities listed in this blog.

CLICK HERE for a FREE eBook on classroom management strategies.