On the last days before school lets out on any break, whether a holiday or for the summer, the students become increasingly excited. Teachers and students alike are ready for the break, and little learning happens in class. Teachers dread these last days because classroom management becomes more difficult and they know that they should not introduce anything new. Here are some simple ideas for teachers to teach during those last few classes.
Crafts for Kids
Having your students complete crafts is always a good idea if you need something to consume time. These can be as simple as artwork and greeting cards to as complicated as you would like to get. Popular ideas with young students include paper bag puppets, popsicle stick picture frames, and paper snow flakes. Older students may like to draw their own illustrations to a favorite book, or create coupon booklets to give as gifts. Tangram activities are great for any age student.
Educational Games
Playing educational games during these classes can be a great way to have the students continue to learn, while at the same time not teaching any new information. Playing Around the World is a popular favorite among students and can be played with any number of things including math facts and spelling words. Another game you can play is this descriptive drawing game that teaches critical thinking skills.
Science Experiments
Science experiments are a great way to draw your students in and keep them focused when they would rather be at home playing. Making Oobleck or Flubber can be a fun activity that will keep your students busy, and you can come up with some investigation questions for the children to answer as they play. Consider having students fold their own paper airplanes and hold a contest to see whose plane goes furthest. Have the students predict whose plane will fly the furthest and why, and after they do the experiment, discuss whose plane actually went the furthest and why.
Other ideas that teachers use on the day before break include watching a movie and throwing a party. Although teaching something new is not recommended for the last day before break, remember that every day in school, students are learning. Teaching proper social interaction and how to handle themselves in different situations is just as important as teaching them how to read and write. Take advantage of every teachable moment that comes your way, even on the crazy days before break.
Check out other lesson plan ideas.
 |
