I snapped this picture sometime near the end of the last school year when I walked by our
"free time area"-- the place where we keep all kinds of interesting books, educational items, brain games, etc. for the students to explore once all their school work is completed and turned in. One of the teachers and three of her students were busy playing with geoboards. They were making stars of David (which we had learned about in history), and different geometric patterns--all perfectly symmetrical I might add. One student even made layers of similar patterns. (See photo below.)
It is so important for students to enjoy learning, and everything from nature hikes to good books to "playing" with educational stuff helps us acheive this goal. Part of learning should be creating and experimenting, and we teachers should present to our students many opportunities and the supplies to do them. Having a free time and reading area with educational games and puzzles in the back of your classroom is a wonderful way to achieve this. A small rug, a book shelf, a chair, and a few good books, games and puzzles are all you need.
Of course, all the normal rules apply. They must not talk; they should keep their hands to themselves, etc. I often require students to have finished all their work with an acceptable grade (usually an A or B) to be able to go to the area. In the beginning of the year, I will let them take a book or game back to their seats to use until the quiet and behavioral rules have been well established. In about two weeks we will let them stay in the area and carefully observe to make sure that it stays quiet and that the rules are being obeyed.
When there is an area like this in my classroom, I've observed that motivation to do well and finish on time goes up, learning goes up, the classroom culture improves, and it becomes a win-win situation for everyone. Thrift stores are great places to find these kinds of things if you are looking for them and working on building up your stock. I've collected enough stuff over the years that I can rotate my supply about every two to three weeks. That way there is always something new and interesting to explore.
