Ease is the Word

Ease of use is one of my top priorities when creating new activities.  They need to be easy to store, easy to use, and easy to adapt.  I took all of my ELA task cards and ELA student games and grouped them together by standard.  They are stored in containers with the standards written on the front.  I do not mind spending money at Dollar Tree when it makes my teaching job easier.

Now if I need a quick review activity, because yesterday's exit tickets showed a lot of misunderstanding, I can just grab a container and do an activity.  When planning for small groups, I can hand the container to the person meeting with my students.  It is easy to add new cards/games when I find them.  If a TA is scheduled to meet with a group, but she can't make it, then I can show students how to play the game and let them work together.

Indoor Recess Conundrum

A rainy day that causes indoor recess also forces teachers to make a decision.  The children usually just want to go on their Chromebooks or draw or sit and talk.  Well, if I choose those for indoor recess, then I can probably sit and get some work done for myself.  This makes me feel guilty because I know they should be doing something somewhat active.  I collected a bunch of activities that I had in my cupboards and made some indoor recess bins.  Some of the games I found at Dollar Tree, so I do not mind spending a couple bucks on some games that might make a rainy day easier.