WHAT ARE TABLE ACTIVITIES?
Activities that are designed by teachers and set up for students to explore and engage in independently or with friends. They should be planned with intentionality, yet offer the flexibility for students to experiment and use their own creativity. Table activities can include multiple domains together or more specific learning objectives.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Table activities create an opportunity for teachers to expand on themes, learning domains, and specific topics. When teachers intentionally choose supplies and materials for students to explore and engage with, deeper learning occurs.
Consider including:
Opportunities for differentiation
Multiple learning domains together
Creating chances for students to engage independently or with a friend
Expanding on the chance to learn more deeply about a theme/topic
WHEN TO SET UP TABLE ACTIVITIES
Table activities can be available at many different times throughout the day:
As a transition activity as students enter the room at the beginning of the day
During "free choice" or "center time"
As an opportunity to focus on scheduled learning domains (i.e. math or literacy time)
Activities for students to engage with during longer transition times (i.e. after lunch or rest time)