There are some activities that, as teachers, we enjoy and find just as memorable as the students. The balloon pop countdown is one for me! Every single year, it never fails, that students are enthralled by the idea of having a surprise inside each of the 10 balloons. I tweak the ideas from year to year, depending on schedules, events, and supplies. The idea is that each day the balloon is popped and inside is an engaging activity the students will be participating in that day. Not only does this make lasting memories, but also creates a state of play within our classrooms that actually motivates students to keep giving their all....even on the very last days of school!
I have done the "Treat" as a surprise reward in the past and ALL.DAY.LONG the kids asked and asked what it was. So, I thought to change it up a bit this year and give clues throughout the day to keep them at bay:
1. It comes in many different colors.
2. It has a lot of sugar.
3. It is individually packaged.
4. Other than the package...you can't eat all the parts.
5. It will melt.
CAN YOU GUESS?
Our schedule just fell to where there was a field trip planned for the very end of the year. Our recreation center was having a 20th anniversary celebration and invited the schools to attend a one man circus presentation! Jason D'Vaude put on an amazing show! Check out his site below.
Although kids act as if they would love to watch a movie every day of the week....it never seems to fail that when the opportunity arises they complain about the movie choice or otherwise lack attention to actually watch the movie. Hence, the need for a super engaging movie to keep the students' interests.
The students are astonished each year when the flour, salt, and water turn to play-doh right before their eyes. Once again, a play-state is achieved in our classroom and students are genuinely engrossed in authentic inquiry and learning.
Shaving cream day is also one that goes down as one of the best days! The looks on their faces when the shaving cream is sprayed on their desks is priceless!!!
Field day is one of the most exhausting days of the year....but also one of the most enjoyable! This game is so simple and can be used for a wide variety of age groups. I have two sets of the alphabet written on sponges the game is played as a relay. Each student comes to the bucket, finds the next letter in the sequence, and then runs back to the team.
On the last day of school the students each were given a Frisbee to autograph and we spent some quality play time with each other before saying our final goodbyes!
