The end of the year is HERE! While it can be super crazy and packed with events and assessments, I think it is important to slow down a bit and let your students reflect on their year with you as well as set goals for their new school year. At this crucial time of the year, a little gift from you can go a long way in their hearts! Here are some ideas for your classroom for the end of the year. Be sure to download the Free End of the Year Printables here!
Have your students write and illustrate their own book about their school year. They can create a cover with a picture and title. I had mine title theirs "3rd Grade Memories." Each page can be a different topic of reflecting!
Here are some of the pages we included in our memory books:
- My Favorite Memory
- Field Trip Fun
- Best Friends Forever
- My Teacher
- Goals For Next Year
- 3rd Grade Favorites
- Autographs
Download the Free End of the Year Ideas Printable here!
Another way I like to make the end of the year memorable is having an awards ceremony and giving them a fun gift for the summer. These word search activity books are a perfect gift for any learner! They are fun and keep kids learning over the summer break!
I absolutely love these mini trophies! They can even be personalized. I personalized mine with our class and year so students could remember it down the road. I like to set up an awards ceremony with a fun background and piece of fabric for a "red carpet" feel. I announce their name and then they walk down the carpet to get their award and gift from me. It is a fun celebration and makes each child feel special.
I hope some of these ideas have helped you plan how to make your students feel special before summer. Have a great end of your year!