Worksheets in an elementary classroom……
The million dollar question…… Can Worksheets be good in an elementary classroom?
Although too much of anything is a bad thing, I do think worksheets can actually be good for elementary students. Now before I give you my reasons, I think I do need to confess something. So, here it goes.
If you have read other parts of my blog, you may have stumbled on the section where I tell you about myself. You can always go to the About tab if you do want to read about the who, what, and why of my life. In a nutshell, I am a retired educator with 30 years of experience. For the last six years of my career, I served as the school media coordinator. The other 24 were spent in a classroom. In fact, I spent 20 years teaching first grade.
Now the confession part, I did not use a lot of worksheets. Other teachers complained about running out of paper or copier allotments – not me. I always had plenty of both. When I planned my lessons, I always tried to think first about how I could make them hands-on. I also chose open-ended blank paper writing activities instead of worksheets.
You have heard my confession and are probably wondering why I am writing about how worksheets can be good in an elementary classroom. Well, I think they can be. Worksheets certainly have advantages for teachers and students. I plan to share both. Here’s the deal – worksheets can be beneficial if they are not overused or simply just used for the sake of using them and if they meet my very strict guidelines – which I will definitely share with you.
Advantages of Worksheets for Elementary Teachers
Let’s go ahead and talk about the advantages for teachers. Worksheets are really convenient! You can copy several ahead of time and have them ready for those moments when you finish an activity early or want to give your students a little extra practice. Honestly, there is a reason worksheets are often called no-prep.
They can really supplement your Science and Social Studies time. I always liked to plan themes or units. A few on-topic worksheets were great to have copied and ready to go. I also think worksheets are really great for reviewing math skills. Math worksheets really helped my students master basic math skills by providing worthwhile practice.
Worksheets in an elementary classroom can have a calming effect. Think of those moments when your kids are a little hyped up. A worksheet can provide a few minutes of concentrated calm.
Sub plans often include a variety of worksheets because they are just easy to manage. You have them; you pass them out; students complete them; you check or take them up – easy peasy!
I have highlighted advantages for teachers, but what about for students?
Advantages of Worksheets for Students
Worksheets can help students stay organized and on task. All of the information is typically right there. Similarly, students may feel less anxiety when completing a worksheet than being faced with a blank page.
I often used worksheets for morning work. Students knew what to expect when they saw the worksheet on their desks when they arrived. These printables helped me complete morning tasks and helped my students mentally and physically prepare for the day.
Worksheets in an elementary classroom can also keep students busy. I know that sounds bad, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. When your students are occupied with a worthwhile task, it frees you up to work with small groups or individual students, another benefit to teachers. Sometimes a worksheet provides less chaotic, and more independent work than an open-ended project.
In the same instance, I often used worksheets for homework. I would make little packets and send them home on Mondays. Students could turn in a sheet nightly or return the whole packet on Friday. Thus, another tool to help students stay organized.
There certainly are advantages to using worksheets, but are worksheets in an elementary classroom actually a good thing? I think so.
Benefits of Worksheets
I think everyone can agree that printables can provide meaningful practice. Worksheets are wonderful for independent practice because they are so easily managed by students. Thus, building student confidence and providing a satisfied feeling of completion.
Students can sometimes work on fine motor skills. When a worksheet involves cutting, sorting, and pasting, students benefit in multiple ways. These Valentine’s Secret Picture worksheets are perfect examples of activities that provide fine motor skill help.
When a worksheet is well-made, it can reinforce skills and extend learning. A worksheet can be created to target certain skills, ensuring students are getting the necessary practice they need. You can use math worksheets, phonics worksheets, and more because basically any skill can be reviewed with a worksheet.
I mentioned finding a well-made worksheet. What determines if a worksheet fits this description?
Criteria for a Well-Made Worksheet
First, a worksheet should be visually appealing and “neat”. I know content should, and is the priority, but it should not be painful to view a printable. Similarly, the worksheet should be organized.
Second, directions should be clear and concise. The goal is for students, even young ones, to complete the worksheet independently.
Third, it should have just the right amount of content – not too much, not too little. Jam-packed worksheets in an elementary classroom overwhelm students and frankly take way too long to complete. A worksheet without enough contest is honestly a waste of paper and copier allotments. You have to find that sweet spot of just the right amount of content.
Fourth, I think worksheets in an elementary classroom should be fun. I put this one at the bottom because the other points are certainly more important. However, we know students are more invested in their learning if they are enjoying it, so why not go ahead and choose a worksheet that kids will want to complete? Color by Code activities can help students review important skills, while also being lots of fun.
Conclusion
Worksheets in an elementary classroom can actually be a good thing. They certainly have benefits for both teachers and students. I think the key is to be really picky about the worksheets you choose to use. Remember those hands-on and open-ended activities should be planned first. Then supplement your lessons and daily activities with fun worksheets that provide meaningful practice.