Learning activities in the classroom are an important part of teaching. Students thrive on a deviation from the typical lecture-assignment format often seen in classrooms. Classroom activities get kids moving and stimulate their minds. Activities that are taken outdoors can provide exercise and even teach about environmentalism and biology. Active indoor activities can help students burn off energy on rainy or snowy days.
Even with all the benefits of learning activities, it is still common to see classrooms that rarely deviate from the standard. This is because classroom activities take planning and preparation, along with materials. Many teachers find putting them together to be tedious and time consuming, but with a little notice, activities really can be put together without too much work.
The first step to having fun learning activities is to plan ahead. After doing the activity the first time, it will get easier and easier. Decide which subject the activity will teach. Sometimes multiple subjects can be tied together with the right project (history and reading or math and art.) Make sure the lesson is within your school’s curriculum and then refresh yourself on the subject by looking through the teacher edition of the text book.
The materials needed should be gathered and brought to the classroom after the idea is developed. Keep in mind most activities will require setup and clean up; involving the students in this process makes it less painful. Make sure the activity can include students of all skill levels so that every child gets a chance to feel included.
These activities prove to be invaluable teaching tools. The options are endless and many great ideas will come from the students themselves. Strive for interactive activities like science projects, crafts, and games. Some fun ideas include:
•Using the internet to allow students to research a subject.
• Creating their own flash cards or review games to prepare for a test.
•Hosting a game show based on the format of a popular TV show.
•Making a giant board game in the middle of the classroom
•Building bird houses and fill them with different seeds to see which kind attracts which breeds.
•Creating little planters from egg or milk cartons and allow the children to grow their own vegetable.
•Having relay race for students where they must answer a question in order to tag the next student.
Teachers that use classroom activities find that their students test higher and are more eager to learn than those who must endure hours of lectures and worksheets. Elementary learning is enhanced when multiple senses are used and students cultivate a love for learning when they have active, enthusiastic teachers. So break out of the mundane lesson plans and get creative. Your students will thank you!
About the author
Ashlie Esco has been involved in the arts for more than a decade. Her areas of expertise include scrapbooking, painting, and fiber works. If you would like to learn more about art supplies, including finding great teacher supplies, please visit learning activities, a source of high quality art and teacher supplies and information.”
