Everyone’s had that student (or group of students) who always finishes assignments ahead of schedule, sometimes speeding through the lesson faster than expected. These students often look up with that adorable “What now?” face, and in your head, you’re thinking, “Seriously? Already done?” That’s why I love having dedicated early finisher activities in my Spanish classroom. These activities help prevent distractions, give students extra practice, and allow them to go at their own pace—all while ensuring their time is meaningful.
Fast finishers are not a new challenge for teachers. It can be a blessing or a distraction depending on how you manage it. Having a plan in place for students who complete tasks before the rest of the class is a great way to reduce interruptions and keep the focus on learning. You can get ahead of the inevitable issue of fast finishers by setting up systems for students to follow at the beginning of the year. I recommend setting up an area where students can access fast finisher assignments and activities as soon as they are done with their assignments, minimizing the distraction to the rest of the class when they need something to do. Providing a variety of options for students to do independent work whether it be catch-up work, a reading assignment, boom cards, or a fun game can chanhe the way your classroom runs daily and reduce your stress levels.
Here’s a list of activities that have worked wonders in my classroom, keeping fast finishers engaged and on task without busy work. From choice boards to puzzles, these activities ensure students practice language skills in a fun, self-paced way that goes beyond just killing time.
1. Choice Board
Choice boards are perfect for fast finishers because they offer student choice, allowing them to select from a variety of activities like vocabulary practice, writing tasks, or reading assignments. Each box on the board represents an activity aligned with our current unit, letting students decide what they want to work on. This approach emphasizes that student choice is important, motivating students to engage in activities that cater to their interests. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure they complete meaningful tasks while reducing distractions.
2. Task Cards
Task cards are a fantastic early finisher activity that give students quick, bite-sized tasks to complete on their own. These can focus on anything from grammar and vocabulary to writing prompts. Students can grab a card, complete it, and move on to the next without needing extra guidance. The versatility and variety of activities that task cards provide help keep students focused, allowing them to work independently and build confidence in their skills.
3. Word Searches
Word searches might seem simple, but they’re a great way for students to reinforce vocabulary while having a bit of fun. You can make custom word searches that align with vocabulary from the current unit or general topics like food, animals, or common verbs. Word searches are a great way to give students extra practice with spelling and vocabulary without feeling repetitive. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be printed or even done online.
4. Crosswords
Crossword puzzles are another excellent activity for fast finishers that offer a challenging twist on vocabulary practice. They’re engaging and encourage critical thinking, as students have to read clues and recall vocabulary or grammar concepts to fill in the blanks. Crosswords not only build vocabulary but also develop problem-solving skills and can be tailored to the specific needs of your class. They’re a perfect printable worksheet option to keep students focused and engaged.
5. Bananagrams (En Español)
Bananagrams in Spanish is an all-time favorite for quick finishers. Similar to Scrabble, students create Spanish words individually, using the tiles to form as many words as possible. There’s no need to connect with other players’ words, making it perfect for independent play. This low-prep activity helps build vocabulary without needing much setup. Just make sure to grab the Spanish version of the game for extra letters.
6. Color by Number (Colorea por Número)
Color by number activities are a fun, creative way to keep students engaged. For a language twist, they answer questions based on vocabulary or reading passages to determine which colors to use. It’s a unique way to let students relax while still using the target language. These activities provide a mental break while reinforcing content, making it perfect for students who love to color.
7. Free Voluntary Reading (FVR)
Free Voluntary Reading is a wonderful, student choice-based option. Students pick books from the classroom library, reading at their own pace. This fosters a love for reading in Spanish and strengthens their vocabulary and comprehension skills. It’s a great way to challenge advanced students or give extra reading practice to those needing more exposure.
8. Quizlet Study Activities
Quizlet offers an array of digital activities that make it ideal for classrooms with technology access. From vocabulary matching to memory games, Quizlet’s variety ensures students stay engaged without busy work. It’s interactive, allowing students to go at their own pace and even review unfinished work, providing an effective way to reduce distractions.
9. Memory Match Cards
Memory match cards work wonders for vocabulary recognition. Students can create their own cards by drawing images on one side and writing matching words on the other. This low-prep activity lets students practice vocabulary in a fun, gamified way that keeps their attention. It’s also great for building writing and reading skills without being too time-intensive.
10. Vocabulary Draw
For students who love to draw, vocabulary drawing is an enjoyable choice. Students divide a sheet into sections, drawing images to match vocabulary words related to the current lesson. This creative task helps reinforce vocabulary while letting students work independently. It’s perfect for tactile learners who enjoy doodling and drawing as part of their study routine.
11. Bubble Verbs Worksheet Activity
Bubble verbs are an excellent activity for reinforcing verb conjugations. These worksheets let students practice verbs by identifying the correct forms within “bubbles” or boxes. It’s a printable worksheet option that gives students extra verb practice, ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of verb forms without requiring teacher oversight.
12. Yo Espío (I Spy)
The Spanish version of “I Spy” is a simple, vocabulary-centered activity. Tailored to vocabulary sets like body parts, clothing, or holidays, students can play this independently by identifying items in their surroundings or illustrations that fit specific words. It’s a great way to reduce distractions by keeping students focused on vocabulary practice in a playful format.
13. Puzzles
Puzzles are perfect for students who finish early and enjoy a challenge. Vocabulary or grammar-based puzzles make students think critically while practicing language skills. They’re also easy to keep in the classroom for a quick, no-prep option. Puzzles are a great way to give students extra practice and encourage problem-solving, without being repetitive or boring.
14. Crossword and Word Search Combos
Combining crosswords and word searches into one worksheet gives students variety. They might complete a word search first, reinforcing spelling, then solve a crossword to build comprehension and recall. This format keeps students engaged while building on essential skills, and it’s an effective way to keep fast finishers occupied without them losing interest.
15. Writing Prompts
Writing prompts give students a way to practice their writing skills independently. These prompts can cover topics from current vocabulary themes to personal interests, helping students build fluency and confidence in expressing ideas. Having a few printable writing prompts ready is an easy, low-prep way to keep students occupied and reinforce learning at the same time.
With these fast finisher activities, you’ll no longer need to scramble when a student finishes early. These activities offer a variety of activities that appeal to different interests and learning styles, from drawing and puzzles to reading and vocabulary practice. Best of all, they’re meaningful, not busy work, and they let students learn at their own pace. By offering student choice and flexibility, these options create a classroom environment where students are engaged, focused, and always learning—even when they finish early.
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