The tried, true and traditional story time is an activity that children have enjoyed from generation to generation. Gathering around the teacher on a carpeted area in the classroom can make for a nice break from classwork. Some teachers may choose to implement story time after lunch. For small children, story time can be an excellent way to ease children into a short afternoon nap. As a bonus, children can develop good listening skills during story time.
An array of arts and crafts can be introduced to encourage children to work peacefully. While some crafts may encourage more noise in the classroom, more simple tasks that do not involve much ongoing direction can inspire students to work peacefully. Crafts that engage children's imagination such as drawing, painting, and making collages can be an enjoyable quiet period in the day. Soft music can be played while students work on their art.
For students who can read and write, the Brain Game will encourage them to think creatively. Select an object such as a spoon. Ask students to think of and write down at least 10 ways the object can be used . Give students an ample amount of time to think about different ways an item could be used and encourage them to think creatively. Students can share their ideas with the class and quietly discuss their ideas with one another.
Word games will help students to think creatively while making use of spelling. Write a few scrambled words on the board and give students a few minutes to unscramble the words. Write one word on the board and instruct students to write down as many words that can be formed from the word as possible. Use multiple words to add to this quiet time. For example, ask students to come up with as many words as they can from the word "Thanksgiving".