Help! What do I do with Students who Finish Early with....EVERYTHING?

What to do with students who finish early on EVERY task? Well, we all know the best thing you should be doing is differentiated for that student.  You should be giving them the appropriate level of work.  But, as teachers, we know we need them to prove themselves with their current grade level material before we move onto more challenging work.  So what do you do in this battle?

We all know everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. One of my weaknesses is keeping up with my blog posts like I would like to!!

When I am unable to predict a student is going to finish a task early; I have a back up plan!  I have created these folders to hang on my wall, but if you don't have the space, you can easily put them in a binder or on a shelf.

I created mini-topic sheets that go along with the Common Core Standards (Both Math & English Language Arts).  It works for grades 1-5.  Each topic sheet is correlated with a standard subject such as, Figurative Language or Subtraction.  I normally keep them general, so many different activities can go into those folders.  I do not put out all the subject areas at one time because that tends to be overwhelming or we may have not covered that particular subject yet.  I put out four ELA and four Math folders, and the subjects include ones I am covering that quarter (but this could easily be done monthly or even weekly if you prefer).  Visit my TPT Store for activities and worksheet ideas!

Glue them on the folder or a clear sleeve. Put them in a bin or hang them...the choice is up to you!

I put the covers in a clear plastic binder sheet, and attach it to a regular pocket-folder.  Inside each pocket-folder is a variety of activities, worksheets, resources, etc. that a student could do if he/she finishes early.  I train students early in the year when you can/can't go get "extra work".  This eliminates students getting up saying they are "done" with independent reading. HA!

Now I know what you're thinking...worksheets?! Really? I select these worksheets to be a challenge or great extra practice for students with that particular skill. I am not just throwing out random worksheets as "time killers".  I want students to get better. I mean, that's my job, right?  I look through the internet or my file cabinet to find appropriate activities/worksheets and make a handful of copies. I learned early on to not copy 20+, because it will just be a waste of paper.

Along with the early finishers, I allow students to pick a few worksheets to take home for "extra homework". Before you think I'm crazy, I give students a reward if they do it to the best of their ability and bring it back so I can look it over.  In our school, we use a tally system which leads to bigger prizes, etc. I gave them a tally for each paper they brought back.  If you don't have something like this in your school, you can easily handout coupons to reward them for going Above & Beyond! You could keep track of how many "extra" sheets they do, and they get a reward ever 4-5 times they turn something in (depending on the grade you teach). It may seem little, but these extra minutes of practice are going to help them become successful students, pass those high-stakes exams, and be proud of the fact that they are working harder than they need  to!

Writing as Homework!?

Tired of searching and searching for the perfect prompt to use in literacy stations, small groups, writing time, and an every day practice? I felt the same way, as I have my students complete a prompt once a week for homework. This is how is works:

• Assigned on Monday Night---due Wednesday Morning
• Yellow 3-tab folder
• 2 dividers inside
• Resource Tab
• Rubric
• Word Wall Chart
• References for writing (transitions, adjectives, phrasing)
• Guidelines (Title paper, date, # of paragraphs, etc)
• Projects Tab
• Blank lined writing paper
• As the year went on my expectations grew higher (multiple paragraphs, on topic, word choices)
• I use a rubric and put a letter grade, but the grade never goes into the grading book, as I know parents are supporting at home. 
• I never discourage parent support with these unless I can tell the parent wrote the entire assignment. I know parents are giving great support at home with writing organization and paragraph use. I encourage it so they are able to do the independent work with me in class. 

 

Being new to third grade this past year, I had my checklist set at the beginning of the year. By October, I needed to raise the bar and set higher standards, so don't mind the correction on there! hehe!

I tried this first with my 2nd graders during the second semester. They did really well, but I tried with a notebook, and they didn't hold up very well by the end of the year. When I looped up with my class, I continued to the Monday Night Writing Prompt homework, but I used a yellow folder instead. I am so glad I did the folders because papers do not fall out and they can stand the wear-tear of going to and from school. 

I go back and use the rubric I provided them with to grade their work. I never actually put it in the gradebook as I know many students are getting too much help and others aren't getting enough help at home. I always write comments, so they know I am reading their work and taking it seriously. 

I get easily frustrating trying to find prompts to use. I worry I am giving them too many narratives and that I am not keeping track of the types of prompts I have given them. I finally created prompt task card file where it helps me coordinate which types of writing I have given them. This has helped a lot and my students always love guessing which type of writing I am giving them for homework! There are 150 prompt tasks cards total (50 Narratives, 50 Opinions, 50 Informative/Explanatory Texts, & a few blank cards to create your own). 

Visit my Teachers Pay Teachers Store or the product here!

I really believe in this method and will continue giving writing homework this week. I only give homework I believe students can benefit from. My parents commented by the end of the year and even the following year as I looped up with many of the students on how much better their writing has gotten. I saw a lot more confidence in my class when they were given independent writing activities as well. Now, I know what you're thinking...I did give other homework as well. My students didn't luck out as their only piece throughout the week. My breakdown was as follows:

Monday: Writing prompt & differentiated math fact practice (based on their skill level: add, sub, or multiplication)

Tuesday: Reading passage (to prepare for standardized tests) & math skill sheet (based on current skill) & reminder to bring Writing folder back tomorrow!

Wednesday: Re-read weekly story and answer a response to literature question; Study for spelling test

Thursday: Problem Solving worksheet & study for vocabulary, daily math review tests

Friday: Bring back signed Citizenship Folder (log) for Monday morning

I don't have parents complain as I try to differentiate where it is needed throughout the week, so parents know their child is getting what they need!