“There’s a difference between time wasting and down time.”

I was recently discussing with a colleague the importance of being reflective and critical when it comes to education, and planning learning experiences for our students. My co-worker Steph Ryan said “there’s a difference between time wasting and down time” and I could not agree more. In particular, the positive impact of knowing your learners well enough to enable you to be flexible in your planning. At times, young children may just be too tired to stick to the plan and need some time to recharge. This time does not have to be wasted either. There are lots of options for quiet or low key opportunities that young children can participate in when they have ‘had enough school’.

Activity Ideas for Down Time:

read a story
play a maths game like Buzz
watch educational YouTube videos about topics you are learning
Use sites like Go Noodle to get the children moving
do an obstacle course
do a directed drawing
do an art activity
choose a quick challenge – for example – how many shapes can you make using 7 match sticks?
memory games
sorting activities using books or picture cards that you might already have in the classroom

My main point is, always consider how you can maximise the learning potential for the students. Ensure that you can link both the planned and spontaneous learning experiences to the curriculum. If a colleague were to ask you what is the purpose of this activity, you should be able to explain to them what you are working towards. This avoids what is also known as basket weaving, or time wasting activities. We all know how precious, and limited, our time is.

Furthermore, by knowing your learners and the content well, you will able to think on your feet and adjust activities as you teach. If you begin an activity and it is not working or the children are too fatigued to persist, make adjustments! Teaching is all about reflection and striving to improve.

Do you have some ideas of engaging ‘down time’ activities that you can share?

Mrs W ✍🏻