This post originally appeared on the blog Classroom Tested Resources.
Hello Friends!
I have until May 26 to keep my students engaged and interested, so last week we brainstormed a list of learning privileges and extra activities that they wanted to enjoy. I then created, laminated, and wrote their choices on “Pick A Privilege” cards that we’ve been pulling out each morning or afternoon to liven up our schedule and provide an incentive for staying focused and cooperative.
Let’s face it, my friends. This time of year is when students check-out, give less-than-stellar effort, and test school rules. There is no shame in pulling out your bag (or picnic basket) of tricks and teasers to coax, cajole, and keep them cooperative and collaborative!
Now you are probably thinking……”Yikes! I don’t have any extra minutes or the money at this time of year to pull together a daily countdown of activities!” Never fear! I’ve put together a picture list of ideas that are either free or cost very little, and includes supplies that you probably have stored in your classroom cupboards!
Blow bubbles at recess or break out the hula hoops and jump ropes for some good, old-fashioned fun!
If it is raining outside, provide a Dixie Cup Building Challenge
Provide a special snack that they can either graph or create arrays with as a fun way to practice Math skills!
Read an extra chapter of your current read-aloud book!
Host a Shaving Cream Spelling Party to practice
Sharpen mental math skills, practice place value, and review concepts of greater and less than by playing Number Bingo! Use Smartie candies as markers!
Provide paper and pencils for students to draw along with Steve Harpster over at HARPTOONS! They will love transforming numbers and letters into a
As always, thanks for sharing my story! Continue to hold a song in your heart and teach your children well! Be sure to visit me at Stories and Songs in Second for more ideas and resources to help you work “smarter not harder” in your teaching life!
Check out some other end-of-the-year ideas I’ve collected on Pinterest as well!
Warm Regards,
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Jennifer is a 2nd grade teacher in Sylvania, Ohio. She has been an educator since 1989, and recently completed her Reading endorsement. Children’s literature and music are two of her passions, and she integrates stories and songs into her classroom learning activities whenever possible. She is the proud mother of two adult children, who also sing and play guitar. Sun, surf, and sand are three of her favorite things. You’ll find more creative ideas and resources for your classroom in her Teachers Pay Teachers store and on her blog! Follow her @storiesandsongs2 on Instagram, @storiesin2nd on Twitter, and on Facebook.
