Every Teacher Needs This “Change of Plans” Bin

As teachers, we’ve all faced those moments. You start the day with a flawless lesson plan, full of enthusiasm, and then suddenly—everything derails. Perhaps the internet fails, the projector won’t cooperate, or unexpected interruptions thin out your class. So, what’s the next step when your perfect day hits a snag? Enter the ingenious solution from Amy B: the Change of Plans bin.

The hack: Equip your classroom with a “Change of Plans” bin filled with backup activities for unexpected schedule changes.

Reading teacher Amy B. has crafted a simple yet effective solution to keep learning seamless: the Change of Plans bin. This handy resource ensures you’re always prepared, regardless of the day’s surprises. Whether it’s an unexpected meeting or a paraprofessional stepping in, you can rely on your engaging Change of Plans bin to maintain classroom momentum without a hitch.

What’s in the Change of Plans bin?

Amy B. describes her bin as a treasure chest brimming with easy-to-deploy games and activities. Here are ideas for the younger crowd as well as preteens and teens.

Bin ideas for elementary teachers:

• Engaging games: Quick-setup board games like “Spot It” are perfect for spontaneous fun. Check out more recommendations from teachers here!
• Read-aloud books: A selection of picture books, each paired with corresponding activities, ensures that any adult can lead an enriching session.
• Readers theater scripts: These scripts offer students a chance to perform and engage creatively with dramatic reading.
• Assorted puzzles: A mix of puzzles suits various age groups and challenges students’ problem-solving skills.
• Creative supplies: Stock art materials for impromptu drawing or crafting, fostering creativity and fine motor skills.

Bin ideas for secondary teachers:

• Brain teasers and puzzles: Challenge students with more-complex puzzles or logic games that cater to older age groups. Pro tip: Print out these riddles for high schoolers in advance!
• Interactive reading materials: Include interesting short stories or articles, along with discussion questions that can prompt thoughtful classroom conversations.
• Writing prompts: Provide creative and reflective writing prompts that students can work on independently.
• Subject-specific content: Stock review materials for different subjects that can serve as a refresher or a preview of upcoming lessons.

What does the Change of Plans bin look like in a classroom?

As a reading teacher, Amy shared some photos of what her bin looks like in her room:

It looks like Amy’s bin is stocked full of activities ready to go in case of a change of plans! When we were required to keep a Change of Plans notebook in our classrooms, they had to be a neon color that was very obvious to anyone that might have needed to watch our classroom for a few minutes.

Tips for creating your own Change of Plans bin

Getting your own Change of Plans bin ready is simple:

• Select a variety of activities: Populate your bin with a diverse range of games, puzzles, and books that address different subjects and appeal to various interests. Include both individual games and activities that the entire class can enjoy together.
• Include flexible activities: Amy B suggests adding “stretchy” activities that adapt to fill anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, giving you the flexibility to manage varying amounts of time effectively. Make sure to have activities you don’t need electricity or Wi-Fi to complete!
• Organize efficiently: Arrange your bin in a way that makes it easy to locate exactly what you need quickly, whether it’s you or someone else accessing it.
• Keep it fresh: Regularly update the bin’s contents to maintain interest and relevance, ensuring that the activities continue to engage and excite your students.

Why you might love it too

The Change of Plans bin offers more than just a backup—it provides peace of mind. Having this resource ready means less stress and more focus on your passion: teaching. It’s also invaluable for substitute teachers or when students finish tasks at varying times. Why not add this layer of preparedness to your classroom? With the Change of Plans bin, you can turn any disruption into an opportunity for engaging and enriching experiences. Your future self will thank you, and your students will delight in the unexpected activities that come their way.

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