The year is almost over and you all know what that means- It is PLANNING time, but virtual style. That means it is time to get creative with the AMAZING ideas we can bring into our virtual classrooms to make the end of the school year a special one. With that said, I want to share some thoughts about closing out your school year virtually! So here are 9 ideas on how you can go about it.
Idea #1: Memory Book
Memory books make a fun and engaging project for students. This gives students the opportunity to reflect on their school year, experiences, and academic growth. Creating a memory book gives students something tangible that they can look back on with family members. They can cherish all of the moments they encountered during that school year by reading their writing pieces, interests, detailing facts, viewing photos, and more! The BEST part about a memory book is that they work for ANY grade and can also be used as a gift! I like using this memory book in my classroom because it includes editable google slides, Seesaw images, editable PowerPoint slides, and it can also be printed!
Idea #2: Virtual Activities
Virtual activities are a great way to get your students active, engaged, and well…just take a break from the academics. Virtual activities allow students to bond and improve on their team building. Implementing virtual activities with internet-connected tools creates a fun, engaging, and interactive experience for your remote learners! Some of my favorite virtual activities include hangman, BINGO, having meals together, and scavenger hunts!
Idea #3: Slide Show
Make a major hit with your slideshow! Gather photos and videos that you have and add some jazz music or the latest hits as your background music! You do not need to be tech-savvy to create a slideshow. If you have google slides, PowerPoint or iMovie, you are golden and on your way to creating a memorable slideshow of all the school year memories! Make sure to send out an email or create a google form that you can share with parents in order to get additional footage you can add to the slideshow.
Idea #4: Award Recognition
What student doesn’t like being recognized for their achievements? Giving out certificates whether it be in person or virtually is important and will make your students feel special. Plan on holding an award assembly for your class and have your students and families cheer everyone on. You can simply create a video conference link to share so everyone can join in on the celebration. I love using these certificates which are printable but can also be used virtually. All I do is just share my screen so all can see the certificate and who we are cheering for!
Idea #5: Drive-through promotion or celebration
It is no surprise that graduation ceremonies are looking a bit different now in 2020. We are not having our typical cap and gown ceremonies to celebrate our graduates as they move on to their next chapters. Although schools are shut down, that doesn’t mean our students shouldn’t be able to graduate- it simply means we need to get creative. Can you say DRIVE THROUGH?! I mean why does that term only have to apply to fast food chains. Why not have a drive-through promotion to cheer on the 2020 grads and give them that special moment to celebrate their accomplishments and surviving distance learning?
My team created digital flyers to send out to our students and parents about our drive through promotion. We included the date, time, and a short little message congratulating our students. We attached the flyer to an email with further details and the procedures for the day. Here is an editable flyer template you can use for your graduation flyer! Just Click Here
Idea #6: Class Party/Celebration
As the end of the school year approaches, throwing a class party almost seems necessary. I mean who doesn’t like a party?! I know I sure do! So why not get everyone together for a zoom call or google hangout and celebrate your students’ success! You could throw up some decorations, put on the strobe lights or light projector, and turn up the volume with your jamming playlist as you all dance, play games, and have a blast!
Idea #7: Teacher Video Message
Nothing better than a good ol’ teacher video message. I love making selfie videos because they are quick, easy, but still very powerful and the perfect touch. Literally, you can grab your phone and film yourself saying a sweet simple message and then email out to students and families. Here is a script I use when creating my teacher video messages for the end of the year:
“ Hello, Students and Families. This is your teacher, __________. I want to start off by saying you all are amazing and this school year has definitely been a blast. I have had the pleasure of being your teacher and watching each and every one of you grow personally and academically. You all are superstars and as I reflect on our year, all I can say is that we had some amazing, fun, and unforgettable moments that I will always cherish. As our school year ends, I want to say congratulations and I wish you all nothing but the best as you continue your journey.”
Idea #8: Letters Home
I love creating letters and sending them home. There is just something exciting about receiving a letter addressed to you! You can pull out the Cricut machine and make something so sweet and special for each of your students. You can also just grab some blank cards and personalize each letter with a special message. What makes sending letters home ideal is that not every child or school district has internet access or technology implemented. So having the option of mailing a written letter ensures all students will get something tangible. Now, when sending out the letters, you can use your personal address or play it safe, just use your school’s address. But that decision is totally up to you.
Idea #9: Virtual Spirit Day
Okay, we know how important Spirit Days are…right?! I mean that is one major factor that makes school fun. So why not bring Spirit Days to your Zoom calls and Google hangouts? All you have to do is create a list of some possible dress-up days and then send the email out to students/families so the word is out! That list should be fun and creative- I am talking pajama day, crazy hair day, mix-match day, or even college gear day.
The links/images are affiliated links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase.