Students progress at their own speeds, and that's perfectly fine! But how can we engage a student who completes tasks ahead of schedule? What activities can early finishers pursue instead of waiting idly (or becoming disruptive) while others are still at work?
This post aims to explore the benefits of having activities prepared in advance to engage our students once we hear the classical "I've finished Teacher! What's next?"
Let's define the term Fast Finishers:
Fast finishers are students who complete tasks or assignments more quickly than their peers. These learners often demonstrate a higher pace of work or understanding, allowing them to finish their work ahead of schedule. This characteristic may turn into a challenge as they become bored or restless without additional tasks. Therefore, teachers should provide extension activities that keep them challenged, motivated, and engaged.
The following are reasons that underscore the importance of having our students involved in the classroom
1. Boosts retention and comprehension: Actively engaged students are more apt to retain information and draw connections between new concepts and their existing knowledge.
2. Develops critical thinking abilities: Participation in discussions and activities that stimulate engagement cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering a deeper grasp of the subject matter.
3. Provides a positive learning atmosphere: Students who feel engaged in their education are likely to derive enjoyment from attending class, leading to increased participation in discussions and collaboration with peers.
4. Promotes active learning: Engagement facilitates active learning, transforming students into active participants in the educational process rather than passive recipients of information.
5. Enhances academic performance: Engaged students typically exhibit improved academic performance, as their heightened motivation to learn enables them to better apply acquired knowledge.
Why is it pivotal to include early finisher activities in your EFL classroom?
Early finisher activities promote a positive learning environment by keeping students actively engaged, fostering their individual growth, and supporting their diverse needs and interests. They are a valuable tool in the EFL classroom for several reasons:
Differentiation: Since every student learns at their own speed with unique interests, early finisher activities provide various options. This approach lets students work at their own pace and explore topics that match their strengths and interests.
Reinforcement and practice: Early finisher activities help reinforce learning by offering extra practice in different ways.
Creativity and critical thinking: Many early finisher activities encourage creativity and critical thinking. They often include open-ended tasks, problem-solving challenges, or creative projects that push students to think creatively, find innovative solutions, and express ideas uniquely. Time management: Taking part in early finisher activities teaches students essential time management skills. They learn to use their time well, set goals, and prioritize tasks—valuable skills for academic success and future pursuits.
Personalized learning: Early finisher activities offer opportunities for personalized learning experiences. Students can choose activities based on their interests, learning styles, or areas they wish to explore further. This autonomy and choice empower students, fostering a sense of ownership in their education.
In the following link, you will find some activities to keep your students motivated and challenged in the classroom. Please feel free to add more of your amazing ideas! 🤩
https://padlet.com/bollainbrenda/early-finishers-activities-5pnzdnc1eaamp2m2
Sources:
Hiver, P., Al-Hoorie, A. H., Vitta, J. P., & Wu, J. (2021). Engagement in language learning: A systematic review of 20 years of research methods and definitions. Language Teaching Research, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211001289
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/news-and-events/webinars/webinars-teachers/finished-teacher-what-do-fast-finishers-young-learner
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