Downtime. As most teachers know, it is definitely something to be avoided. But what do you do during these "in between" times? You want activities that are meaningful, educational, interesting, and, most importantly, easy to implement. However, you don’t have the spare time to create dozens of activities.

Fortunately, Linda Nason McElherne has done that for you in her wonderful new book Quick and Lively Classroom Activities. (Formerly titled Jump Starters—a favorite of the teachers here at the Oasis—the book is newly revised.) Here you will find 260 activities divided into five topics:

Knowing Myself
Getting to Know Others
Succeeding in School
Life Skills
Just for Fun

Each activity begins with a well-chosen introductory quote which sets the purpose for the task. After a brief introduction, there follows five kid-friendly activities: writing, drawing, creative, music/movement, and community building. McElherne also includes: "Think About It, Talk About It" discussion starters, an affirmation, and a list of resources. Many of the activities are also accompanied by a reproducible.

As if that were not enough, the publisher has also included a CD which features all of the reproducibles found in the book. This is an amazing resource—one that you will reach for over and over.

Highly recommended. District-wide purchase strongly encouraged.

Reviewed by K.J. Wagner