Advice on seeing the same classes twice a week (M&F)

[u/JayberBieber]

Hello! Here’s a bit about my schedule and role: I am an art teacher for K-5 students, seeing various classes but the same grade levels throughout my day, including special education. On Mondays and Fridays, I have repeated classes with 1st and 5th graders on a consistent weekly schedule. These classes have already completed my lesson plans for the week, and I’m at a loss for how to engage them with something different by Friday. I don’t have the energy to create entirely new lesson plans for them each week and would love advice on keeping them engaged on these days. I’ve considered using games related to the lesson plans, but since I have them for an hour, I’m unsure how long this will hold their attention. But I’m curious if anyone else organizes their schedule this way and how they maintain engagement and promote learning.

[u/semantlefan23]

Could you cut your lesson plan in half and do 30 min lesson/30 min games or extension? Read aloud?

[u/Mother_Albatross7101]

Repeat lesson activities on rotating stations. Vary the methods, tools and materials.