“What should I do when I’m done?”
Whether you teach Spanish 1, 2, or AP Spanish, there will always be a student who seems to finish quicker than the rest. Then, before you know it, John is distracting Suzy and suddenly their entire table group is off task!
This situation is exactly why I keep a Fast Finishers bin!
Instead of asking me what to do next, students can go pick something from the bin to work on quietly at their spot. It allows me to also pull something quick for students who struggle with having nothing to do 🤣
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Why Every Spanish Teacher Needs a Fast Finishers Bin
A good fast finishers system does more than keep students busy.
It should:
• Not require instructions from you
• Reinforce Spanish vocabulary and grammar
• Reduce interruptions
• Save you from needing last-minute activities!!!!
The key is making sure the activities are engaging enough that students actually want to do them. Or at least want to do them enough to not distract their table group.
1. Spanish Coloring Pages
Coloring pages are not just for elementary school! (I go into depth why on this blog post – check it out!)
I find that my high school students gravitate towards coloring pages because it is relaxing and calming. Students review vocabulary without feeling like they’re doing extra work.
Here are some coloring pages that have been a hit in my classroom:
• Back to School
• Fall
• Día de los Muertos
• Winter + Holidays
• Spring
• Summer
Click here to download this set of school objects vocabulary coloring pages.
Click here to download this set of Día de los Muertos coloring pages.
2. Old Copies from the Unit
Don’t toss those extra copies – put a few in your fast finishers bin! You already did the work and used the ink. The truth is that half the time, students forget if they already did it or not.
Previous worksheets allow students to revisit structured activities that you have already given instructions for, and review old content.
3. Cultural Readings & Questions
Having a few cultural readings on hand is a great activity for students to dive into the culture you might not have a bunch of class time for. Swap these out by semester so they line up with when they occur.
Here are a few reading passages that have been a hit with my students, particularly Spanish 3:
• History of Latin Music (four different readings here!)
• Las 12 Uvas New Years Tradition
• La Feria de Abril in Spain
• Influential Latinas – Celia Cruz, Selena, Frida Kahlo & more!
I like to print ones with comprehension questions or a related activity, but depending on the situation I might just say tell me 2 sentences in Spanish you learned or exempt them from it all together.
Click here to download the History of the Tango reading.
Click here to download the Feria de Abril reading.
4. Kids Books in Spanish
While this doesn’t exactly fit into my bin per say, I do like to offer this as an option. My students LOVE reading books in Spanish that they are familiar with in English. I have copies of the Biscuit books, Dr. Seuss, and other classic favorites.
5. Color & Conjugations
In a similar vein to coloring pages, Color & Conjugate pages are worksheets that don’t feel like worksheets. It contains a review of key things, like the verb conjugations, and then a few small activities for students to complete.
Each version comes with three versions – from a version where students simply color to a bit more interactive with writing the conjugation endings and a few practice activities.
The trick to this fun activity is that students are reviewing content but are focused on the coloring!
I have 10 grammar topics for you to pick from, like:
- Present Tense Color & Conjugate
- Imperfect Color & Conjugate
- Preterite Color & Conjugate
- Future Color & Conjugate
Check out the full list (and you can save 20% off) here.
Click here for the Ser vs Estar FREEBIE color & conjugate.
Click here to download the present tense color & conjugate.
Final Thoughts
Having a fast finishers bin has saved me time and time again. Take a few minutes today and think through what activities you will keep on hand for those fast finishers.
XOXO Señora Sol 🔆
