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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!
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69 comments:

  1. ElizabethMay 15, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  2. AliciaMay 17, 2012 at 8:41 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. AliciaMay 17, 2012 at 8:42 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. LynnMay 19, 2012 at 4:26 AM

    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!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JordonMay 30, 2012 at 11:56 AM

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

      Delete
    2. Inside this BookJune 24, 2012 at 1:38 PM

      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

      Delete
    3. maryMay 29, 2014 at 7:44 PM

      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!!

      Delete
  5. JoAnnMay 27, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoAnnMay 27, 2012 at 9:38 PM

      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

      Delete
  6. shaddonMay 28, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    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?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JordonMay 30, 2012 at 11:56 AM

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

      Delete
  7. UnknownJune 10, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousApril 11, 2013 at 6:50 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. KathleenApril 13, 2013 at 10:07 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. TraceyApril 14, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousApril 17, 2013 at 6:15 PM

    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!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownApril 20, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousApril 21, 2013 at 5:04 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownApril 26, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownApril 27, 2013 at 5:24 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. Laurie WeeklyApril 28, 2013 at 1:43 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousApril 30, 2013 at 9:41 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousMay 5, 2013 at 6:19 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousMay 6, 2013 at 7:43 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. pwhodge1May 7, 2013 at 4:02 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  21. Mrs. MoneyMay 7, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  22. LaurenMay 9, 2013 at 10:50 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  23. LislMay 16, 2013 at 7:08 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 6:55 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownMay 21, 2013 at 2:54 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousMay 23, 2013 at 6:22 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousMay 24, 2013 at 6:53 AM

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

    Thanks!1

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousMay 25, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  29. AmyMay 27, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousMay 27, 2013 at 8:44 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Stephanie SteinmeyerMay 30, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousJune 1, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  33. AnonymousJune 24, 2013 at 7:00 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  34. AnonymousJune 25, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousMay 1, 2014 at 9:05 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownMay 6, 2014 at 2:47 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  37. AnonymousMay 9, 2014 at 11:56 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  38. 2nd Grade WhizMay 11, 2014 at 6:20 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  39. Mrs. OaklandMay 13, 2014 at 8:15 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousMay 14, 2014 at 10:19 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  41. Kirsten BiehlMay 14, 2014 at 11:18 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  42. UnknownMay 15, 2014 at 6:30 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousMay 16, 2014 at 8:07 AM

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

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousMay 16, 2014 at 1:55 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownMay 20, 2014 at 8:55 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  46. Awesome Fifth GradeMay 23, 2014 at 1:21 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownMay 25, 2014 at 1:11 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  48. AnonymousMay 26, 2014 at 4:36 PM

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

    handerson@cesarchavezschool.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnonymousMay 29, 2014 at 10:06 AM

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

    THANK YOU!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. BritJune 5, 2014 at 1:00 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  51. AnonymousJune 7, 2014 at 8:48 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  52. UnknownJune 18, 2014 at 11:01 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  53. Rita LarimoreMarch 5, 2015 at 6:09 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 7:05 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  55. AnonymousApril 26, 2015 at 7:09 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  56. adevaApril 26, 2015 at 7:38 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousMay 3, 2015 at 11:07 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  58. AnonymousMay 3, 2015 at 11:07 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  59. AnonymousMay 8, 2015 at 12:38 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  60. UnknownMay 10, 2015 at 9:36 PM

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

    michellermillsap@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownMay 11, 2015 at 7:05 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  62. UnknownApril 24, 2016 at 7:05 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  63. AnonymousApril 28, 2016 at 12:36 PM

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

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  64. AnonymousMay 7, 2016 at 8:15 PM

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

    ReplyDelete