If it is the last few weeks of school, generally, testing is over. The students and teachers are ready for summer break. Try these activities that encourage learning but invite fun.
Take a Field Trip
Many school districts will not allow field trips due to budget constraints. However, there are some budget friendly field trip ideas. If a unit focuses on careers, take students all over town and visit places of work. Students could easily visit the police station, fire station, historical society, factories, banks, etc. It is quite a bit of planning, but students could walk to most places and could walk to a restaurant for lunch.
Work on Group Work and School Spirit
Learning to work in teams is important. However, trying to cover all of the content standards and prepare for the standardized test sometimes does not leave much time to work on team building. Use the end of the year to focus on this skill.
In addition, the whole school can be involved in a team building contest. In addition to team building, school spirit can also be increased. Classes can complete team building activities. Results can be tallied during a week, and the top classes can win prizes. In addition, classes can create team names, team t-shirts, team banners and team chants.
At the end of the week or set time, an assembly can be held. The teams can all show off their teamwork abilities in some creative way. Top teams can be rewarded with medals or certificates.
Plan a Variety Show
To focus on creativity, talk to the music teacher or drama teacher and plan a variety or talent show for the students during the last week of school. It is always interesting to learn which students can sing, dance, play a musical instrument or do magic tricks. If students are not willing to show their talents, then have students play in an "air band" and create group dances.
This is a great last day activity that students will remember for years to come. Students can help plan and organize the whole affair. Students can be the announcers and help move equipment on and off the stage. Again, careful planning is essential to make the show a success.
Students need a creative outlet after prepping for the big tests all year. The key is careful planning and getting all of the teachers in the school behind the activity. Most will welcome the change, and the students will have memories to last a lifetime.
 |
