As teachers, we have all experienced those moments. You start the day with a flawless, enthusiastic lesson plan, and then suddenly—everything falls apart. Maybe the internet fails, the projector won’t cooperate, or an unexpected interruption cuts your class short. So, what’s the next step when your perfect date hits a snag? Enter a clever solution from Amy B: The Change Bin.
Hacking: Equip your classroom with a “Change of Schedule” bin filled with backup activities for unexpected schedule changes.
Reading teacher Amy B. created a simple but effective solution to keep reading seamless: the Change of Plans bin. This handy tool ensures you’re always prepared, no matter what the day’s surprises are. Whether it’s an impromptu meeting or a professional check-in, you can rely on your Change of Plans bin to keep the momentum in the classroom uninterrupted.
What’s in the Replacement Barrel?
Amy B. describes her bin as a chest full of games and activities that are easy to give away. Here are the ideas of the younger crowd and the young and the young.
Bin ideas for elementary teachers:
- Interesting games: Quick-set board games like “Spot It” are great for spontaneous fun. Check out more recommendations from teachers here!
- Books read: A selection of picture books, each with accompanying activities, ensures that any adult can lead an enriching session.
- Theatrical texts for students: These scripts give students the opportunity to create and engage creatively with immersive learning.
- Various puzzles: A mix of puzzles suit different age groups and challenge students’ problem-solving skills.
- Creative resources: Stock art materials for random drawing or crafting, encouraging creativity and fine motor skills.
Ideas for secondary school teachers:
- Jokes and riddles: Challenge students with complex puzzles or logic games that cater to groups of adults. Pro tip: Publish these puzzles to high school students ahead of time!
- Interactive learning materials: Include interesting short stories or essays, and discussion questions that can spark thoughtful class discussions.
- Writing prompts: Provide creative and reflective writing prompts that students can work on independently.
- Subject specific content: Stock review material for various courses that can serve as a starter or preview for future courses.
What does the Change of Plans bin look like in the classroom?
As a reading teacher, Amy shared some photos of what her bin looks like in her room:
Looks like Amy’s bin is full of jobs ready to go in case of a change of plans! When we were required to keep a Program Change brochure in our classrooms, it had to be a neon color that was obvious to anyone who might need to peek into our classroom for a few minutes.
Tips for creating your own Change Bin
Setting up your own Exchange bin is easy:
- Choose from different activities: Fill your bin with a variety of games, puzzles, and books that cover a variety of topics and appeal to a variety of interests. Include both individual games and activities that the whole class can enjoy together.
- Include flexible activities: Amy B suggests adding “stretchable” tasks that tend to fill anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, giving you the flexibility to manage varying amounts of time effectively. Make sure you have tasks that don’t require electricity or Wi-Fi to complete!
- Plan well: Organize your bin in a way that makes it easy to find exactly what you need quickly, whether you or someone else is reaching for it.
- Keep it fresh: Regularly review the content of the bin to maintain interest and relevance, ensuring that the activities continue to engage and delight your students.
Why you might like it again
The Change of Plans bin offers more than just backup—it offers peace of mind. Fixing this equipment means less stress and more focus on your passion: teaching. It is also useful for substitute teachers or when students complete assignments at different times. Why not add this type of readiness to your classroom? With the Program Change Bin, you can turn any disruption into an engaging and enriching opportunity. Your future will thank you, and your students will enjoy the unexpected jobs that come their way.
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