Free Time Bags

This year, I am back to school in a hybrid setting.  I have two classes with eight students in each.  My students are spaced out more than 6 feet.  Students are in their seats the majority of the day, and they are doing surprisingly well with staying seated.  I give them the option to stand behind their chairs at any point in the day, but most prefer to sit.  Because of the small class size, we are able to get through things quickly.  This is great, considering we have a lot of catching up to do!  Due to all of the sitting, and the heavy workload, I knew my kids would need to have some time to just be kids and play.  I've devoted 15 minutes a day to "free time bags."  This post is all about how I set up and manage these bags.

First, I purchased some reusable zipper bags from Amazon.  *affiliate link HERE*  I decided that I would make ten bags for each class (twenty bags total).  This means I only have to change the materials in the bag every ten days...ten days feels like an eternity, because I am only seeing my kids every other day.  I went with two sets of ten vs. just one, so that I can flip-flop each group's bags every ten days, thus preventing the kids from getting tired of the activities.  

Next, I went through my classroom and pulled activities that my kids could do independently.  I focused on manipulative-type things...think blocks, Mrs. Sketch markers/paper, Lincoln Logs, magnets, Legos, play-doh, etc...I tried to find as many different activities as possible.  I used what I already have.  I have only bought two new activities, because I had an Amazon gift card.  Putting things that are self-explanatory inside is key!  I filled the bags and placed each set of bags into a crate, labeled "blue" and "yellow."  

I printed four sets of these number labels and placed two sets of ten on the bags.  For a visual for my students, I used a pocket chart and labeled the top with each class (blue and yellow).  Then, I placed the other two sets of numbers onto the chart.  Finally, I added my students' names.  Each name is next to a number.

Each day, for free time bags, students sanitize their hands, check the pocket chart and grab their bag.  They can sit on the floor behind their desk, or sit in their chair if they choose.  They are given 15 minutes of play time.  During this time, I can pull kids for quick assessments or make-up work if needed.  It also gives me time to interact and play with them. After free time is up, I immediately go over to the pocket chart and rotate the number cards down.  Tip: Keep track of who started with bag #1, or mark in your calendar when you will need to change the materials inside.

The kids and I both absolutely love this time, and although it was established for this year's unique situation, I foresee doing it permanently in years to come!  

Check out some of my favorite activities for the bags by shopping my Amazon Store (specifically "Games and Puzzles" and "Math") HERE!  

xo

Megan