When I’m asked my number one complaint about teaching, I generally say “time.” There is simply never enough, whether it is time with the kids, time for professional development, time to explore student interests, or time to prepare materials. That’s why it can really throw a teacher for a loop when an extra five or ten minutes opens up. It’s hardly enough time to start anything new or get students engaged in work, but it's too long of a time to let idle chatter take over. Q: What's a good teacher to do? A: Print a set of cards (I use the free Word Workshop tool!) and keep them handy for any extra minutes that surprise you.

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/meghan-everette/15-5-minute-fillers-focused-fun/