As teachers, we know that keeping early finishers engaged can make a tremendous difference in your classroom management. And with many schools prohibiting the use of phones in school, you might find those gifted students becoming a distraction to others when they finish their work quickly. Instead of allowing idle time, why not provide some engaging early finisher activities that reinforce learning, spark creativity, and nurture independence? Whether you’re teaching middle school or high school, the following activities can help create a calm classroom environment that provides you with time to work with struggling students.

1. Puzzles

Many teachers like to keep a jigsaw puzzle ongoing in the back of their classrooms. If you have space for it, this is a great opportunity for students to work with science-themed images, building familiarity and content knowledge without even knowing it! This bundle of anatomy puzzles would keep them occupied for hours.

2. Origami

Introduce students to origami as an independent, calming activity. Beginner books are available to ease them into the craft, or let them challenge themselves with more intricate creations as they improve. No need to buy specialized origami paper- old magazine pages will do just fine!

3. Brainteasers

My Biology students always loved cryptograms. I had a well-worn book that I used to provide the puzzles, but now they’re available online for free. Don’t want students on devices? They’re also available to download and print. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, or word searches are other great early finisher activities that give students a brain break while still working on problem-solving skills.

4. Extension Pages

Want some early finisher activities that pose a challenge for your faster students? Using assignments to extend their thinking on scientific content allows them to hone their content and make it more relevant to the real world. I have bundles of extension pages for each of my full courses that provide opportunities for critical thinking and data analysis- perfect for helping them prepare for the SAT or ACT!

5. Games

Online games can be great for keeping students entertained, but if you’d like to keep them off screens, these science board games and card games can be a creative and fun option. For those that do prefer online resources, Biology Simulations and Bioman Biology are two of my favorites.

6. Class Pet

If you have a class pet (or have been thinking of getting one), its care and feeding is a great way for early finishers to pass the time while doing something helpful. Class pets can teach responsibility and connect students to nature in a way that may not be possible at home.

7. Read a Book

Many students don’t get free time to read anymore. Encourage your students to dive into a good book by keeping a selection of age-appropriate novels, nonfiction books, or magazines available for them to explore. If some of your books involve science content, this can also be a great way to let them cultivate some curiosity on scientific topics.

8. PhET Simulations

Introduce your students to PhET interactive simulations, which are available in a variety of science and math topics. These free online tools can be used to extend or reinforce classroom concepts in a fun and visual way.

9. Quiz a Friend on Vocabulary Words

Students can pair up and quiz each other on vocabulary or terms related to the current unit. It’s a great way to reinforce learning collaboratively. If you don’t have a list of terms to use, I have illustrated Biology vocabulary cards here.

10. Write a Note to a Past Teacher

Encourage students to write thoughtful messages or emails to teachers who have positively impacted their lives. It helps to build gratitude and reflection skills and can be a mature emotional outlet for students who are struggling with social or academic issues.

11. Draw with Chalk Markers

High school students love chalk markers. Let them create vibrant drawings or diagrams on lab tables or desks. They could illustrate a concept they’ve just learned or simply create art for fun.

12. Use Doodle Notes or Coloring Pages

Doodle notes combine creativity and learning. They provide an opportunity for students to review previous concepts while enjoying the calming outlet of coloring. Find science doodle notes for Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Anatomy in my TpT store. Prefer a simple brain break? Give them adult coloring books and colored pencils for some stress-free downtime.

Creating a classroom environment that caters to the diverse needs of middle and high school students- including early finishers- is essential for fostering productivity and reducing classroom disruptions. By implementing these engaging early finisher activities, you can promote creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning habits. Explore these ideas and watch your students thrive, even during downtime!