How to Find Fast Finisher Success: No More ‘I’m Done, Now What?’ [episode 179]

Click below to hear ways to make fast finishers successful:

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Overview of episode 179:

Teachers pour their time and energy into the major aspects of teaching, but it’s often the smaller, overlooked parts of the job that create uncertainty. One such challenge is managing fast finishers—a topic that doesn’t always get the spotlight but plays a crucial role in the flow of your day. In today’s episode, we’re going to unpack this loaded topic and discuss how fast finishers can find success in the classroom.

Finding the perfect activity for fast finishers can feel like solving a puzzle. It needs to be engaging but not too entertaining, independent yet meaningful, and valuable for learning without becoming busy work. Throughout the episode, we break down practical ways to set your fast finishers up for success. We also tackle common challenges, including the extra prep time these activities might require, and share tips to simplify the process. Plus, we’ll guide you on how to structure clear procedures and set expectations for any system you choose.

The dreaded phrase, “I’m done, now what?” is one every teacher knows too well. After listening to this episode, you’ll have the tools to assess your current fast finisher strategies, streamline your approach, and create a system that works—so you’ll never have to hear those words again in your classroom!

Highlights from the episode:

[3:33] Defining what it means to be a fast finisher.

[9:10] Ideas for naturally extending assignments or transitioning to the next learning task. 

[13:53] Ways to manage your fast finisher system with procedures and expectations.

[14:40] How to combat rushed work from students. 

[19:21] Today’s teacher approved tip for getting your Valentine’s now.

Resources:

• Word Family Poems – 1st Grade
• Word Family Poems – 2nd Grade
• I’m Done, Now What? How to Challenge Fast Finishers Blog Post
• Nex Playground
• Valari Pillow
• Oriental Trading Valentines
• Target Valentines 
• MindWare Valentines
• Paper Source Valentines
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved

If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love these too:

• Episode 173, Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and Routines
• Episode 165, Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the Season
• Episode 163, The 6 Key Ways to Boost Student Engagement Every Day
• Episode 159, How to Set up Successful Learning Centers at the Beginning of the Year

Read the transcript for episode 179, How to Find Fast Finisher Success: No More ‘I’m Done, Now What?’:

More About Teacher Approved:

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? The Teacher Approved podcast is here to help you learn how to elevate what matters and simplify the rest. Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window each week as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before.