Thanks to all who responded! I got some useful ideas!
***Original Post:
Help! I need some activity ideas for 4th and 5th graders that are
related (even if loosely) to the library or ELA skills. A few times a
month I have a class of 4th or 5th grade students for an
"extra/enrichment" time at the end of the day. I have them for 50
minutes. This is not their regular library time, but is in addition to
it. Regular lessons are out because they can't handle that type of
structure at the end of the day. Any ideas for games or activities that
will keep them busy and relatively quiet?
***Responses:
Well, since it is supposed to be an enrichment time, why not pick some
fun things to do with them? If there is some sort of set schedule, you
could spend one class talking about what they would like to learn
about,
and then spend the rest of the year on those topics. Tell them that
they
already know HOW to find information, now they are going to DO what
they
already know - on THEIR subjects.
Taking an idea from an earlier post today, if you have some old
technology around, you could demonstrate that. A variation of that
would
be to take some phrases that today don't actually fit their words. For
example, we speak of "dialing" a phone number, yet most kids (and maybe
many adults) have never actually used a rotary (dial) phone. You could
probably spend several weeks just doing this sort of thing. You might
even be able to bring in a grandparent who still has a rotary phone,
for
example.
***
If you happen to have access to World Book Online, in the WB Kids
component, there are suggestions enrichment type activities. Some are
very “hands on,” so that would allow some movement for the ones that
need it.
***
I bought some reading skills board games from Upstart that I use for
when I have extra older kiddos, or if it is around breaktime and I need
something to keep them from going angry mob on me. They work really
well. I used out Book Fair Money for them. I don't know if you have any
funds to buy games but if so I would recommend them.
***
a fun game is Dewey Fly Swatter- older kids enjoy this a lot- find two
or even three fly swatters( you could probably substitute those
windshield snow brushes since fly swatters might be scarce this time of
year.) Put two columns on the board with the same dewey #s on each side,
although they do not have to be in the exact place on the board. Dvide
the class into teams- boys vs.girls is fun-then you call out "where
would you find books about pets,cooking, explorers, etc. The person at
the head of the line then sees tries to swat the correct #faster then
the other person. They then run to the back of the line.You should have
a study session,first if you have doubts about their abilities. This
game is low tech,so if you do not have a blackboard you may need to
modify it to fit the equipment you have. This gets the kids cheering and
laughing a lot. Other fun activities are toilet paper mummy- with or
without a time limit- and bubble gum bubble measuring.Mad libs and cross
word puzzle books are fun and 1000 piece jig-saw puzzles teach
cooperation and spatial skills. Trivia games by table are fun and of
course,any combination of board games can be fun.
***
How about a great read aloud. My 5th grade enjoys listening stories to
solve.
***
This is the PERFECT opportunity to work with them on Reader's Theater.
Two books by Toni Buzzeo that include both scripts and curriculum
extension activities are:
Read! Perform! Learn! 10 Reader's Theater Projects for Literacy
Enhancement (Upstart 2006)
Read! Perform! Learn! Two: 10 More Reader's Theater Projects for
Literacy Enhancement (Upstart 2007)
***
What about a fun PowerPoint unit? I teach basic PowerPoint during
enrichment time in the spring and then have them create their own "all
about
me" presentations. They enjoy it and it allows them to gain some
technology
skills like scanning pictures and changing backgrounds ect.
***
I've used a lot of the card games with an 8th hour 5th grade group -
Dewey Concentration or Bingo, several games are available in Upstart and
we made games-, Interactive Websites if computers are available such as
abcya.com are always good-I have headphones. We make Genre booklets and
watch video/ or video clips of different genre, and do critical thinking
or logic games such as Clue, Labyrinth, connect 4, chess, etc. I connect
it to doing research and the need to plan and evaluate
***
I also see students for an extra time and what I've done is had
students do
one of three things: reader's theatre; write a newspaper; and put on a
puppet show.
***
I don't know if I'm too late to suggest this but the activity I often
do just before holidays is Library Bingo played with marshmallows. It's
a great way to reinforce library vocabulary or any specific units you
have taught during the semester.
I make the board on Teach-nology's bingo board maker. I give them time
to talk together and review before we begin and then I hand out a small
handful of mini marshmallows to each student. The rule is no eating
during the game. I do let them eat afterwards if it's at the end of the
day or I supply bags for them to take the marshmallows with them when
they leave.
You can give prizes for those who get a bingo. I've given pencils or
stickers.
***
what about google sketch up? It is a great program free for download.
Kids love it. they are also having a contest "design your town" so just
a thought.
Thanks again!
-Catie
Catie Jefferds
Elementary Library Media Specialist
Kelley/Perkins/Lincoln Schools
Newark Central School District
Newark, NY
cjefferds@newark.k12.ny.us
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