It’s that time again when teachers and students are counting down the weeks, days, and minutes until the end of the school year. Blogger and teacher Larry Ferlazzo offers teachers some ideas on how they can finish the school year strong while keeping learning fun and interesting for the students.
1. Introduce the idea of Finishing Strong
Share the idea of finishing strong with your students. Have them answer the following questions on pieces of poster board and hang them in the class for motivation:
- What are three things you can do to help finish the school year strong academically?
- What is one thing you can do to help your classmates finish the year strong?
2. Student-led lessons
Letting students take over the teacher’s role can be a strong motivator for students. Have students get in small groups and come up with something they are passionate about. Have them teach their lesson to another group or the class.
3. Technology projects
The end of the school year is the perfect time to introduce more technology in the classroom. Get students engaged by making their learning experience correlate with digital tools and techniques.
4. Work fewer hours
It might not be worth throwing in the extra hours at this point in the semester. Cutting down on a few hours might be just what you need to feel more energized in the classroom.
5. Read a stimulating book
Even though it’s the end of the year, it’s not too late to introduce a new lesson or teaching method. Read an article or book on teaching and learning to get ideas on what activities you can add in the classroom in the last few weeks.
What will you do to keep the classroom energized in the last few weeks of school?
References: Finishing the School Year Strong -Â http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2011/05/05/tln_ferlazzo_3.html?tkn=TUCFETR5PCC7LqjhElm%2FDCyLGDXHpK9jQAgI&cmp=clp-sb-ascd
