The list goes on and on. It is far more interesting to jot down an idea or summary on a bright green post-it note than another piece of notebook paper. Try to think of other ways you might incorporate using paper that is brightly colored, small, extra large, or in specific shapes instead of plain ruled notebook paper. Even the high school students enjoy something different now and again! You can even get post-it notes in different shapes at your local office supply store. Just remember that if you use this strategy over and over, it will become as boring as notebook paper, so just pull it out when you notice everyone’s eyes glazing over.

Aliens

Have your students explain anything to an alien. Let each draw their own alien (large), cut it out, and write their explanation, How-To, or description on the back. Students can explain how to solve a particular type of equation, how to build a bridge, how to perform a science experiment or play a sport. Students can describe an event, a person, or their understanding of a concept. What makes this different from any other assignment? Well, first of all, it allows them to be creative in designing their alien. It also offers something different from the usual routine of formal essays, answering comprehension questions, or continual practice of skills and forces them to think about concepts in their own words.

Pop-up Books

Making a pop-up book is a fun activity that can be used for a variety of purposes. Anything students write down on paper can become a pop-up book instead. These pop-up books do not have to be fancy. You can make a simple pop-up book with a folded piece of construction paper. Use a small strip of paper taped or glued to the back of a cut-out illustration with the two ends loose. Then, tape/glue each end to the construction paper. One end should be attached to the inside right of the folded page and the other end should be attached to the inside left of the folded page. Then, when the page is opened, the illustration “pops up” for the reader.

In the past I’ve used pop-up books for student stories, short research projects, student summaries of textbook chapters or novels, and sharing information learned during a unit. Really, you are only limited by your imagination. Do you have an assignment that requires students to write? Then you can have them create a pop-up book to show their knowledge.

Brochures

This is similar to the pop-up books, only these can be made on the computer as well as by hand. Fold a piece of white paper or construction paper into three sections, just like a brochure. Students create their brochure to show learning about a specific topic or unit of study. The brochure format helps students organize their thoughts, especially if you require them to address different subtopics within each segment. The brochure also makes an excellent end of unit assessment where students must show what they’ve learned in an organized and creative manner.

Sentence Strips

How often do we want students to categorize, compare, identify, or sequence information? I get so bored with the usual matching or recording of this information on plain paper. Why not do something different? Have the information already typed out and cut into strips. Give each student or each "team" an envelope of these strips, and have them categorize, match, order, etc. the information. Let them paste it onto construction paper and give it a title. This is just a different way to manipulate the information so that it is fun for students. They get to work together, they are pasting, and they are thinking. Do large sentence strips and have students organize them on the floor for your kinesthetic students. If you use computers, have students go into a Word document and "cut/paste" each sentence/phrase into the correct order. Again, there are many ways you can use this strategy.

Fun/Weird/Gross Facts Contest

Encourage your students to do a little research at home for a fun, weird, or gross fact about the topic you are studying. Hold a contest to see who can come up with the most interesting fact. Post each fact on the board or a bulletin board and have students vote on the one they like the best. Have each entry written (or typed) neatly on a sheet of paper along with a picture (if available) or illustration. Make sure you require your students to properly cite where they found the information so it can be verified. This citation should also be on the entry. Also, be sure to emphasize to students that the fact must be appropriate for school. Go over what is and is not acceptable with students.

 Have a “Fun Fact” day where students share what they’ve found and post their entry on the bulletin board, wall, or write it on the white/chalk board for voting purposes. You might even ask your administrator if the winner can make an announcement during morning announcements. For example: “Mr ___________’s class has been studying about _______________. Did you know... (fill in the fact)?”

Have any other quick and fun ideas for the classroom you'd like to share with us? Please send your email to info@inspiringteachers.com.