In a perfect world, every lesson will be well planned and timed. However, every teacher has found themselves stuck with nothing planned. Maybe it’s because a colleague is too sick to send in work. Here are three fast, no-prep activities to keep in your teaching toolbox so you can take them out for any of these moments. They can be set as a whole class task, small group activities or individual tasks. They are also great for students who are fast finishers.

Non-fiction text reflection

Book your class into the school library or ask the Teacher Librarian to curate a selection of non-fiction texts (which may be related to the current topic, or not). Allocate 10 minutes for students to sample a book and fill in the non-fiction text reflection sheet. Repeat this two to three times depending on the length of your lesson. Then have students speak to each other about the books and select some students present to the class. You can even have students choose to borrow some of the books. I have done this activity many times and students love it. It’s a great way to explore the school library’s collection and to slow down and take a breather.

Video and podcast reflections

There are so many interesting videos and podcasts out there. Some of my favourite YouTube channels are Amoba Sisters, ASAP Science and Minute Physics. I love ABC listen for children-friendly podcasts. You can have the whole class view the same video or listen to the same podcast, or let students choose their own. I like to use reflection sheets for students to jot down their learnings and have them share it with their peers.

Lightning writing

This is a simple yet powerful learning activity. Set a timer for 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 15 minutes. In the allocated time, students write a recount of informative text on what they have learnt this week, this term, the year so far or whatever you want them to (or whatever they want to). The key is to be like lightning and keep writing until the time runs out. So many other learning opportunities can follow. You can have students do a think-pair-share, select students to read their writing to the class or have students use their lightning writing sample to create a multimedia presentation to teach their peers.

What are your go-to activities?

What are your fast, no-prep activities for when you have nothing planned? Share yours by commenting below.