Here’s a little treat to show you how much we appreciate what you do as a substitute teacher: a versatile, reusable 5-minute filler activity for your SubPack! This has been used with students from elementary to high school. If they can read, it will work! Here’s how to do it:
- Print off the Cooperation Game by clicking the link. Laminate and cut out each block.
- Pass a card out to each student in the class. Double them up for smaller classes.
- Tell the students to keep the contents of their cards to themselves and not do their activity until the person before them completes theirs. (Next inevitable question: “How do we know who the person before us is?” Answer: “Pay attention and you’ll know.”)
- After they complete this activity, discuss why it succeeded (or failed). You can discuss following directions, cooperation and the importance of everyone fulfilling their role in a group, or how communication is more than just words but also watching and listening to things around you.
- Collect the cards so you can use them with your next class!