The start of the school year—and, in fact, any time during the school year—is full of unexpected events. A lesson plan that doesn’t work out, the Wi-Fi deciding to take a break just before an online activity, or that moment when half the class finishes an exam 20 minutes before the other half. When that happens, we need a quick solution that keeps students engaged, motivated, and learning, without improvising at the last minute. This is where ‘sponge activities’ come in: activities that ‘absorb’ the available time productively, while reinforcing learning.
What are ‘Sponge Activities’ and why should you use them?
The term ‘sponge activities’ was popularised by Madeline Hunter to describe short, meaningful activities that fill gaps in class time. These are not just ways to ‘kill time’; they are opportunities to reinforce vocabulary, practise speaking, or spark creativity. For English teachers, these activities are pure gold. They require little (or no) preparation and can be adapted to any level, from preschool to secondary school.
When to use them in English class
- At the beginning of class to activate brain processes such as attention and memory.
- After an exam, while you wait for everyone to finish.
- When there is a change of pace and you need to regain the group’s attention.
- On chaotic days: excursions, torrential rain, technical failures…
Benefits of Sponge Activities for your students
- Extra motivation: small ‘rewards’ that activate dopamine.
- Natural reinforcement of English in a relaxed setting.
- Improving the classroom atmosphere by introducing moments of controlled fun.
Your free resource: 15 ready-to-use ‘Sponge Activities’
To save you time and stress, we have prepared a downloadable resource with 15 ‘sponge’ activities ready to take to the classroom. You will find ideas for:
- 5 minutes before the end of the day
- 10-minute transition between classes
- Emergency activities without extra material
Download it and always have a plan B (or C) ready.