There you are, mid-stride in a small-group check-in, trying to make sure Student A actually wrote something other than “IDK” for the claim-evidence-reasoning task… when you feel that quiet, dreaded presence beside you. It’s the early finisher. Again. They’re holding their paper and waiting expectantly. You? You’re barely halfway through helping everyone else.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stretch time, clone yourself, or create instant enrichment on the fly…same. But I’ve found a few strategies that save my sanity and keep those fast finishers learning without turning it into busywork.
First, Let’s Redefine the Goal
Fast finishers aren’t a problem to “solve.” They’re an opportunity to extend thinking without penalizing speed. That said, we don’t want to reward rushing either. The goal? Keep early finishers engaged, curious, and practicing independence, so you can support the rest of the class in peace.
Here are five ways to keep those early birders engaged, learning, and out of mischief:
1. Explore Science Books
I keep a science library full of gross, funny, and totally fascinating topics-think Grossology, weird animal facts, or Guinness Book of World Records. Students love flipping through them, and half the time they don’t even realize they’re still learning science. The bonus? They’re quiet, they’re engaged, and you can keep teaching.
2. EzPz Fun Puzzlers for Early Finishers
Sometimes kids need just a quick challenge that feels like a game. I created Fun Puzzlers– puzzle challenges and word games that are perfect for the “I’m done!” crowd. They feel like fun, but they sneak in review of key concepts without me lifting a finger.
3. Classroom Jobs That Matter
Some students thrive when they have responsibility. Give your fast finishers meaningful classroom jobs—passing out materials, organizing supplies, tidying the lab station, or even being the “tech helper.” It not only keeps them busy, but it gives them ownership in your classroom community.
4. Science Seek and Finds
Who doesn’t love a scavenger hunt? Science Seek and Finds give students something hands-on to do while reinforcing vocabulary and concepts. When they are done searching, it becomes a coloring sheet so students can continue to be on topic and stay independently engaged while you keep the rest of the class moving forward.
5. Choice Boards
If you want to really put the power in their hands, a choice board is gold. Create a menu of options: mini-projects, drawing science cartoons, writing short “explain it to a kindergartener” summaries, or simple experiments with classroom-safe materials. Students get a sense of independence, and you get more time to focus on the rest of the room.
The best part? None of these options take extra micromanaging from you. Set them up once, explain the expectations, and your fast finishers will always have somewhere to go besides “I’m done, now what?”
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