Manipulatives Makeover: DIY Edition
(aka Don't Be Hatin' the Waitin')
Need transition activities?
Limited budget?
Let me share my easy to make, inexpensive manipulatives!
Great for transitions, small group, assessments, and take-home-learning!
Also great additions to your centers to help extend learning!
In the following posts, I will show several of the 'busy bags' that I have made for my classroom. During transitions/wait time, students may choose an activity to do on their square. This gives them something new and interesting to keep their attention during these (sometimes hectic) transitions.
I introduce the activities during centers/small group, offering to play them with a few kids that are interested. We do it together, so that when they have it on the carpet, they understand what to do. They can also show other students.
I change the games whenever interest begins to wane. I only use one of each activity at a time, so that pieces do not get mixed up in the wrong bags. (Lesson learned the hard way!)
At the beginning of the year, we had books in our carpet box. Those also get changed frequently. But when the books no longer hold their interest, we add the busy bags. We start by adding only a few (maybe 6 for 18 students), then increase it. Having only a few activities, and the remainder books, encourages our bathroom and sink lollygaggers to speed things along and get to the carpet!
(aka Don't Be Hatin' the Waitin')
Need transition activities?
Limited budget?
Let me share my easy to make, inexpensive manipulatives!
Great for transitions, small group, assessments, and take-home-learning!
Also great additions to your centers to help extend learning!
In the following posts, I will show several of the 'busy bags' that I have made for my classroom. During transitions/wait time, students may choose an activity to do on their square. This gives them something new and interesting to keep their attention during these (sometimes hectic) transitions.
I introduce the activities during centers/small group, offering to play them with a few kids that are interested. We do it together, so that when they have it on the carpet, they understand what to do. They can also show other students.
I change the games whenever interest begins to wane. I only use one of each activity at a time, so that pieces do not get mixed up in the wrong bags. (Lesson learned the hard way!)
At the beginning of the year, we had books in our carpet box. Those also get changed frequently. But when the books no longer hold their interest, we add the busy bags. We start by adding only a few (maybe 6 for 18 students), then increase it. Having only a few activities, and the remainder books, encourages our bathroom and sink lollygaggers to speed things along and get to the carpet!