Explore the Chronicles

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

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!

69 comments:

  1. 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!

    Elizabeth

    Fun in Room 4B

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  2. Hello, I'm a 5th grade teacher as well and would love to have apply of your memory book.. A_jones12@hotmail.com

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  3. Hello, I'm a 5th grade teacher as well and would love to have apply of your memory book.. A_jones12@hotmail.com

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  4. I 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!)

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment! Blogging has become one of my absolute favorite hobbies. I'm glad others enjoy it as well :)

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    2. I've nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Come over to my blog to pick it up. Thanks for being an inspiration!

      Lynn
      Inside This Book

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    3. I have just found your blog! I am switching grades from Kinder to 5th grade! So excited about my move. I would love a copy of your memory book page for my new class.You are a true inspiration.Love your photos of classroom! Just finished training on new iPads and Macs for next year!!

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    1. I 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
      joann.frazier@hoodriver.k12.or.us

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  6. 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?

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    1. Can you send me your email? I would be more than happy to send you a copy!

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  7. Hi 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
    Thanks!

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  8. Would love a copy of your mystery person template & memory book pages please. Thanks! Anne.Nolan@k12.sd.us

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  9. I would love copies too! For the mystery persona dn the memory book. Thanks so much! bowman@cfsd16.org

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  10. May I also have a copy of your template for my students? My email is tgarcia @ d49.org (without the spaces, of course). Thank you!

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  11. I 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

    Thanks!!

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  12. 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!
    Jennifer
    Love Teaching Kids

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  13. I would love a copy of your mystery person template as well as your memory book. thank you!! jjenkins@seymourschool.net

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  14. i would love a copy of your mystery person template as well as your memory book as well! THANKS SO MUCH!!
    a.kathol@yahoo.com

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  15. May I please get a copy? Thanks so much :)
    cheryl.nicolls@cowetaschools.org

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  16. I would love to have a copy of your memory book. weeklyl@glenwoodschools.org Thanks so much

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  17. Hello, I'm a 2nd grade teacher as well and would love to have apply of your memory book.. csilva@yumaed.org :) THANK YOU!

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  18. I 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

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  19. I would like to have a copy of your memory book. Thank you. dulce.powell@cmcss.net

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  20. Would love a copy of your memory book! Pwhodge1@gmail.com

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  21. Would love a copy of your memory book template. terrie_money@midlothian-isd.net
    We have school until June 7 so I am in definite need of some fun activities.

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  22. I would love to get the template to the memory book if you don't mind :) LRHP01@gmail.com

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  23. Hey, are you still willing to share your templates?
    My email is lwindham@greenville.k12.sc.us

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  24. I would love a template of your mystery person activity if you are still willing. Thank you, Kim
    kimmm3311@gmail.com

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  25. 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

    Joan Stewart, Thalwil, Switzerland
    joanstewartjp@mac.com / joanstewartch@gmail.com

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  26. Hi,
    Great ideas! I would love a copy of the memory book pages. Thanks!
    mswilliamseagles@gmail.com

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  27. Hi, I'm also a 5th grade teacher and would love a copy of your memory book template! lauren.labitue20@gmail.com

    Thanks!1

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  28. 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!

    kmdinnie@gmail.com

    Cannot wait to hear from you!

    K

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  29. I would love to get a copy of your memory book template and mystery person template to use with my fourth graders. Thanks so much for sharing them! :)

    amyed25@gmail.com

    Looking forward to using them!
    Amy

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  30. I would love a copy of you memory book template as well as your mystery person template! What great ideas! I love getting fresh ideas! Thanks so much! Kim.hatch8705@yahoo.com
    I love your blog!

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  31. I would love a copy of your memory book and mystery person template! Sounds like great activities for the last week of school! Thanks so much!
    slsteinmeyer@gmail.com

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  32. I also woild love a coph of your memory book and mystery person template. I teach 4th grade and the kids would love it. Thank you

    rjacobi@teh.k12.ca.us

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  33. Can you please send me the template for the memory book. Thanks so much, great ideas! csage@mail1.scdsb.on.ca

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  34. Such great ideas!! Like others, would I be able to get a copy of your memory book?? Thank you so much!! jennifer.e.richards@hotmail.com

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  35. Would love the memory book! kinnisonc@mcsin-k12.org. Thanks!!

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  36. I would also love a copy of your memory book! amy.mckemie@gscs.org Thanks!:)

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  37. I would also love a copy..I am a special education teacher (K-12) and being my first year, I believe this would be a great way to end it. dennisandtaramccurry@gmail.com

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  38. I will be subbing in 5th grade the last 2 days of school. I would love a copy of your memory book. g_heil@hotmail.com

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  39. I would love a copy of your memory book oakland@gfw.k12.mn.us
    Thanks for sharing!

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  40. I would like a copy of your memory book! rebecca.mcbride@arkadelphiaschools.org
    Thanks!

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  41. I would love a copy of your memory book! kmbiehl530@gmail.com

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  42. could you please send me your Mystery Person page and your memory book? cbarnett@weatherfordisd.com
    Thank you!!
    Cristina

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  43. I would love a copy of your mystery person and memory pages - finnegana@duvalschools.org

    Thank you

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  44. I would really appreciate it if you would send me a copy of your mystery person and memory pages. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a great summer. jhinkhouse@lajunta.k12.co.us

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  45. I would love a copy of your mystery game. My second graders would have so much fun!
    Thanks for sharing!
    rociohernandez312@gmail.com

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  46. I taught for 33 years before I retired, and I don't think a year went by that I didn't either cry or feel like crying when my students left on the last day. You get so attached after spending a year together. Now, most of them are adults, and I am friends with many on Facebook!

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  47. This is the best book! Can you send me a copy of your memory book please? Thanks! jguyton@molineschools.org

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  48. I would love a copy of you memory book template as well as your mystery person template!

    handerson@cesarchavezschool.com

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  49. I would love a copy of your memory book. : )
    hillary.childs@stjohns.k12.fl.us

    THANK YOU!!

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  50. I would love a copy of your memory book!!
    brheslop@dsdmail.net
    Thank you!!

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  51. would love a copy of your memory book! tsimpson428@gmail.com

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  52. Fab ideas. Wd love a copy of your memory book please. Rmwats11@tiscali.co.uk thank you.

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  53. Would love a copy of your memory book if not too late. rlarimore@stjosephschoolbg.org Thanks!

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  54. I'd love a copy of your memory book. shales@excelsior-academy.org

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  55. I'd love a copy of your memory book. shales@excelsior-academy.org

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  56. These are amazing ideas!!! Thank you for sharing- I would love a copy of you memory book template as well as your mystery person template! Please and thank you!!

    ajarchive@yahoo.com

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  57. I would love to have a copy of your memory book! (I make wordles for each student. They love them!)

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  58. OOPS- I forgot to add email address- jerri.michaelsen@nisd.net (for memory book)

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  59. I love these ideas!! Could I get a copy of your memory book template and mystery person template as well? Thanks!!!

    clfranks@crimson.ua.edu

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  60. I would love a copy of your memory book to use with my first graders!!

    michellermillsap@yahoo.com

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  61. I have to go order Last Day Blues. I didn't realize First Day Jitters had a companion! I would love a copy of your memory book! Thank you! lehmanc7@gmail.com

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  62. I would love a copy of your memory book! Thanks so much!!

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  63. I would love a copy of your memory book! jennifer.evans@lcsbonline.org

    Thanks!

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  64. I would love a copy of your memory book. Valerie.newcomer@jubileeacademic.org. Thanks!

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