Having 'centers' set up that differentiates instruction is a great way to enhance instruction and keep early finishers occupied. Another idea is to have some sort of project setup that requires students to be making some sort of progress such as a presentation that involves the students' interests. As another post mentioned, the student should first have the teacher check the answers to make sure students are not just rushing through to do another activity.

Time filling activities can vary extremely. For example, giving homework time, computer access or even reading time. But I feel the most exciting thing to do in the class it to have a gumball machine. But instead of it filled with gumballs it is filled with plastic toy capsules. Inside these capsules is activities they are to accomplish. One could say write a summary on your favorite book or one could say spend 10 minutes playing on the computer. To be sure students aren't rushing to just get to do this, teachers should check their work to be sure it's complete and accurate as they will not be able to go back to complete it later. The risk is theirs to take when they finish early because the activity may appeal to them or it may not either way this time filling activity is exciting and will encourage students to work hard to this reward.

I would set up a little station for student that has different types of worksheets they can choose from when they finish their work early. Worksheets are quiet and can be found for any subject. Independent reading is a quiet activity that is great for filling time as well and the student could write book reports for extra credit.

As an instructor, one may designate a couple of centers as "open" to those students who finish their work early. As long as students remain quiet and respectful of those still working, they may go to the reading center and pick out a book to read silently or have additional time on the computer.

Depending on the activity that the students are doing, it may be helpful for the students who are done to help struggeling students. This would work well in math ecspecially because math is a great area for peer teaching. That would give something for the students who are done because they understand the concept and enjoy helping others.

Have your students keep a book in their desk, silent reading is always a great activity. Another is free writing, students can take out a sheet of paper and free write.

I would always plan for an extension exercise such as a a thought question, drawing a picture, or presenting a more challenging problem to the students who finish early. In addition, you may have these students act as "teachers" and have them assist students who need help. Obviously, modeling and explaining what correct "teaching/helping" looks like is needed. Many students may just give the answers. You can also give these students time to work on their homework or read silently.

This could easily be designated as independent reading time if they finish their work early. You could also have a few quiet individual activities like word searches, crosswords or puzzles for the students to do when they finish their work early. It is also good to always remind the students to check back over their work and only present their absolute best effort.

I would consider just having available worksheets for them to grab when they finish early, word puzzles, word searches, puzzles, coloring sheets and such that can be done quietly until everyone is finished with work.

If these students are finishing early they could possibly work on an enrichment activity that ties in with the assignment. If not the students could do independent reading at their desk.

I know that having centers set up can fill in that time they have left. Have them to a reading game or a math game. Even have them help other students who need help.

I also teach third grade, and I have students that finish very early. I have set up a Boggle and Noggle board that they love, as well as math and reading choice boards that they can complete. They are also allowed to read when they finish work early, as we have a reading challenge set up in the classroom.

File folder games are a big hit! Make sure these games are of a variety of high & low levels to differentiate instruction. Down time equals clown time, so make them engaging and educational!

I hope what I tell you makes sense... Purchase the plastic drawers from walmart. Purchase garage sale circle price tag stickers. (colored dot stickers) Label each drawer with a certain colored sticker. Assign each draw a draw for higher level work, on-level work, and below level work--do not label them this way. The color code will be for you to know. Place the appropriate sticker on each child's desk and tell the children that the color sticker they have on their desk, is the drawer they should choose from. Each drawer will have work that is appropriate and differentiated.

You can have an extension of the activity you are working on, like a more complicated problem or something that requires higher order thinking. The students can say what they would do in a certain situation if you were teaching history, or you could create a STEM activity for problems in math or science.

Have your students keep a book in their desk, silent reading is always a great activity. Another is free writing, students can take out a sheet of paper and free write.

Advice I was given is to make sure not to always make these activities fun because then others students will rush through their work because they would like to participate. Also keep in mind you will always have those students that will never get to engage in these activities. Therefore some great activities would be pentominoes activities, silent reading with a goal, the game poison, give them challenging problems to solve such as "You have a balance scale, a big lump of clay, and two weights: 50 gm and 20 gm. How can you make a 15 gm lump of clay?".

Students can never spend enough time reading. I would have every student have a book ready for down time. I would also have the class make their own flashcards that they could review during this time.

I would take note to differentiate the work for these students so the assignments are thought provoking and promote higher order thinking.

Most classrooms have students keep a book at their desk for silent reading. This would be a perfect time for the students who finish early to either pull out that book and do some silent reading. That way there is no distractions going on in the classroom and everyone stays quiet.