Alternative activities. We've all been there.

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Alternative activities. We've all been there.
By WC

The following suggestions might not be exactly what you are looking for but I find them calminmg for the students which in turn may help your patience.
These are a few things I do when my students seem out of sorts: I
find something they love to do and we do it. For example: the math lesson is not going well and there is a lot of grumbling-- " I don't get it". So before anyone gets too cranky (teacher included) we play a math game we all like.The game is a good review. It takes only take ten minutes and gives me the opportunity to sit back and take a breather. -Or- I read from our read aloud book. The

kids love when I read to them and it is very calming for everyone.-Or- Do an *unscheduled* DEAR time-- drop everything and read. You can do this anytime during the day. Just say, "It's DEAR time". Everyone has 1 minute to get out their book and find a spot to read silently. Teacher included. This is also very calming and recharges energy levels.I don't do these unscheduled activities all the time only when it's very stressful or hectic. Do not feel you have to continue with a lesson or activity if it is not going well.The kids are out of sorts and are not ready to learn and you are running out of patience. So take a break for ten- fifteen minutes or longer and return to it later. You need to stay calm and keep energy levels up particularly at the end of the year. I hope these ideas help.