An extension task is an additional activity or project that is provided to students who have completed the primary lesson or project. The extension task allows students to explore the concepts and skills learned in the lesson more deeply or practice them more thoroughly. It extends learning.
It may be that the extension task you offer has to be short and sweet. You may wish to keep the student actively engaged for a short period whilst the rest of the class finish the main task. Then the class can all move on together to the next task or project.
You may have a student who is hungry for more, so the extension task could be longer. You might provide some sort of reward/incentive if they finish it in their own time.
If possible, I like to provide a choice of extension tasks. Different students enjoy different things. It’s fairly easy to provide a variety of drawing, digital or research-based tasks. Here are some ideas.
I think it helps to consistently give the message that if something is started it needs to be finished.
Overall, extension tasks allow students to deepen their understanding of the lesson content and practice and extend skills. Being prepared with a variety of options will certainly make your lessons easier.
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