Sponge Activities for the Classroom
No matter how packed a school day is with learning activities, there are going to be periods when there is very little for students to do. That's why sponge activities-- hands-on learning exercises for dry spells or during transitional periods throughout the school day--are important for teachers and students alike. They provide creative learning outlets for students, no matter the age, and enhance learning.
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What Are Sponge Activities?
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Sponge activities keep students engaged and "soak up" time that would otherwise be wasted during the school day. They provide learning activities during times when students are likely to get bored and restless. Typically, these sponge activities can be modified based on students' ages and subjects.
They can be used any time of the day, such as when students come in during the beginning of the school day, right before lunch, before dismissal or when a teacher is conducting class business, such as checking homework or taking attendance.
Types of Sponge Activities
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Sponge activities can include a variety of challenges. They can be a puzzle, question or a problem to solve. Typically, sponge activities are limited only by the teacher's imagination; the sky is the limit. Good sponge activities also give students an opportunity to review, talk or write about something they have learned. They also work well as reinforcement activities. For example, a science teacher can ask students to write and give examples of the three forms of matter taught in a previous lesson or activity.
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Sponge Activities for Every Age Group
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A sponge activity for a pre-kindergarten class might involve filling a plastic fishbowl with fish-shaped cutouts in various colors. Write a song on each fish. Children take turns drawing fish and sing songs according to the fish they draw.
For elementary school, use music as a sponge activity when transitioning from one activity to another. During cleanup time, play upbeat, catchy music and challenge students to clean up as fast as they can before the song goes off. Keep the music on so they can dance after they have completed their task. When it's time for the next activity, you'll have students' full attention.
In middle school, use charades as a sponge activity. Use vocabulary words or topics, put them on slips of paper and place them in a container. Have students pick the slips and act them out, while others guess the topic.
Tips for the Best Sponge Activities
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The best sponge activities keep students engaged and connected to the subject matter. Ideally, they should be activities that are self-directed or able to be completed in small groups in 10 minutes or less. They can be posted on a whiteboard, blackboard or other area that students are able to see. The activities should be simple enough for students to complete alone, with minimal teacher assistance.
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References
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