There is nothing worse than finishing up a lesson only to look up at the clock and realize you still have 5 minutes left till recess! It’s not enough to start a new lesson {hello, we just cleaned up a mess!} or even line ’em up slowly! So, keep reading to learn about some no-prep Five-Minute Fillers for your primary classroom.
Math in a Minute
Have these monthly math rings ready to go so you can grab them for a quick question or two as your students sit on the rug or line up.
These quick math questions give students a chance to think of different ways to think of an answer and explain his/her thinking. So it’s not as quick as answer & go!
Sing Songs
Who doesn’t love a good song? My go-to music is Dr. Jean. She has so many different quick songs {usually with a familiar tune} that teach important skills.
Our favorites are The Money Song and The World Family. These are two skills that students can’t get enough practice with!
Jack Hartmann, GoNoodle, and Hopscotch are YouTube channels always filled with great songs, too!
Play Simon Says
This is a classic game that students will love! It’s also a quiet option because listening is so important during this game.
You can play Simon Says with directions to clean up & get into line:
“Simon says put your glue stick away.”
“Simon says pick up your scraps and throw them away.”
Of course, there are tons of Simon Says videos on YouTube too {if they are just over hearing your voice!}
I Spy
I love a good game of I Spy…but with a phonics spin!
Here are some fun prompts we use:
“I spy something that rhymes with hair”
“I spy something that starts with a b.”
“I spy something that ends like book.”
You also weave in some other subjects too:
“I spy a rectangular prism.”
“I spy something that is living.”
“I spy something patriotic.”
This activity is always a hit!
High – Low
Squeeze in a little number practice for this activity. To start, simply draw a table on the board with “too high” on one side and “too low” on the other.
Choose a number {or as a student to choose a number} and write it on a piece of paper. Trust me on this one – you’ll forget 😀
Students then try to guess the number. As they guess, write the numbers in the too high or too low side.
They keep guessing till the secret number is revealed! Easy, right?
Need more ideas? Head over to this blog post {there’s even a FREEBIE waiting for you!}
Have a favorite 5-Minute Filler? Leave a comment and let me know!
