Here are few activities I have tried to wrap up the year with my kids. These ideas aren't groundbreaking by any means, but a fun way to maintain classroom community throughout the last few days.
Last Day Blues
Have you heard of the popular first day book, First Day Jitters? Well, Last Day Blues it the companion book to read on the last day of school. It just arrived on my doorstep from Amazon a few days ago, and I can't wait to read it aloud. My last science rotations are tomorrow, so I'll be reading this to two different classes tomorrow. I'll keep a set of tissues on hand.
Memory Books
I have students fill out memory books describing their height, age, favorite foods, friends, and favorite funny moments from the year. We had fun reminiscing about the year as we completed memory books today. Email me and I'll send you a copy of mine to edit on your own!
Mystery Person
I created a grid with 28 squares. Inside each square I wrote a clue about each student and a few teachers. Then, the students have to figure out which student's name belongs in each box. This was a fun activity for me, because I got to pick out something unique about each student. Plus, it's remarkably easy because by now I know these kids sooo well! Tomorrow, we will have fun trying to identify who the mystery person in each box is.
Word Searches
Using the oh-so-wonderful website, www.puzzlemaker.com, I plugged all of my kid's names into a word search. Today I heard the following sentences SHOUTED across the room:
"WHERE AM I!? I can't find me!"
"Sal, I found you!"
From an outsider's perspective, it sounded like a weird game of paper hide and go seek. Very enjoyable!
What kinds of activities do you do at the end of the year?
Happy Tuesday!
What cute activities! I need to go purchase my book...I read First Day Jitters every year (and own it) and forget about this book. Off to Amazon!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Fun in Room 4B
Hello, I'm a 5th grade teacher as well and would love to have apply of your memory book.. A_jones12@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm a 5th grade teacher as well and would love to have apply of your memory book.. A_jones12@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blog all year long. It's the first blog in my list I look to read new posts! Thanks for entertaining me and sharing great ideas! Hope you have a wonderful summer! (We have three more weeks, so I'm not where you are yet, but looking forward to it!)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comment! Blogging has become one of my absolute favorite hobbies. I'm glad others enjoy it as well :)
DeleteI've nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Come over to my blog to pick it up. Thanks for being an inspiration!
DeleteLynn
Inside This Book
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a copy of your memory book pages. I still have 3 weeks of school and am looking for great ideas. Thanks
Deletejoann.frazier@hoodriver.k12.or.us
I teach 5th grade as well and I think memory books are a great way to wrap up this final year in elementary school. Could you email a copy of your memory book please?
ReplyDeleteCan you send me your email? I would be more than happy to send you a copy!
DeleteHi there! I was wondering if you could send me the template for the Mystery person as well as the memory book. I love your blog! cpoe@wcps.k12.va.us
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Would love a copy of your mystery person template & memory book pages please. Thanks! Anne.Nolan@k12.sd.us
ReplyDeleteI would love copies too! For the mystery persona dn the memory book. Thanks so much! bowman@cfsd16.org
ReplyDeleteMay I also have a copy of your template for my students? My email is tgarcia @ d49.org (without the spaces, of course). Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a memory book for the end of the year. I do a video with pictures but I would love to do this as well. Could I please have a copy of your template? My email is prewittb@rcschools.net
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
I found this blog post last year and loved your idea of "Mystery Person". I tried it with my 2nd graders last year and they loved it! I have a blog know and plan on sharing your idea on my blog. I will credit your blog for the wonderful idea. I just wanted to make sure it was okay. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Love Teaching Kids
I would love a copy of your mystery person template as well as your memory book. thank you!! jjenkins@seymourschool.net
ReplyDeletei would love a copy of your mystery person template as well as your memory book as well! THANKS SO MUCH!!
ReplyDeletea.kathol@yahoo.com
May I please get a copy? Thanks so much :)
ReplyDeletecheryl.nicolls@cowetaschools.org
I would love to have a copy of your memory book. weeklyl@glenwoodschools.org Thanks so much
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm a 2nd grade teacher as well and would love to have apply of your memory book.. csilva@yumaed.org :) THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteI would like to have a copy of your memory book template. I'm wrapping up my first year of teaching and think this would be a great thing to do with my students this week. bkgoltry@yahoo.com thanks! Karen
ReplyDeleteI would like to have a copy of your memory book. Thank you. dulce.powell@cmcss.net
ReplyDeleteWould love a copy of your memory book! Pwhodge1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWould love a copy of your memory book template. terrie_money@midlothian-isd.net
ReplyDeleteWe have school until June 7 so I am in definite need of some fun activities.
I would love to get the template to the memory book if you don't mind :) LRHP01@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHey, are you still willing to share your templates?
ReplyDeleteMy email is lwindham@greenville.k12.sc.us
I would love a template of your mystery person activity if you are still willing. Thank you, Kim
ReplyDeletekimmm3311@gmail.com
I am Class mom for a 5th grade class at an international school in Switzerland. If you are still willing to share, I would love a copy of your templates for the memory book and mystery person activity. My mom was a 4th grade teacher in Michigan for many years and I have the utmost respect for all the work you teachers do and the impact you have on our children. Thank you! My e-mail is joanstewartjp@mac.com or joanstewartch@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteJoan Stewart, Thalwil, Switzerland
joanstewartjp@mac.com / joanstewartch@gmail.com
Hi,
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! I would love a copy of the memory book pages. Thanks!
mswilliamseagles@gmail.com
Hi, I'm also a 5th grade teacher and would love a copy of your memory book template! lauren.labitue20@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks!1
I would love a copy of your memory book template as well! These are such cute ideas that don't take much prep. which are always great :). Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletekmdinnie@gmail.com
Cannot wait to hear from you!
K