Last Day Blues

UPDATE! If you would like a copy of our memory book - please email me: JordonJRobertson@gmail.com ( I don't always see the comments!!)

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The end of the school year is such a bittersweet feeling. I know I'm going to sob like a little baby when my 5th graders leave, but I am so excited for what the summer has in store for me (and others!). Our last day is May 22 - only four and half more days! Absolutely bonkers.

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!