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Classful

The end of the school year can be a tough time for teachers.

Although important tests and assignments may be over, the stress experienced over previous months tends to catch up with us as soon as we take our feet off the accelerator.

If you feel worn down at the end of the school year, it may be time to slow down a little and give you and your students a much-needed break. To ensure that the last few weeks of the semester fly by, we’ve put together a few suggestions to inject a little fun and excitement into the classroom.

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1. Encourage students to swap compliments

Set up a compliments box in your classroom and encourage your students to write anonymous notes complimenting their peers. These can then be read out on the last day before vacation. Receiving a self-esteem boost is a great way to end the school year!

2. Turn on an educational video

Don’t be afraid to show a fun and informative video as the end of the year draws near. As well as giving you a small break from your intense teaching schedule, videos are a great way to capture the attention of restless or burnt-out students.

Consider these helpful lesson ideas to ensure that your students make the most of the video session.

3. Allow yourself a short break from time to time

You can afford to give yourself a few extra breaks at school toward the end of the semester. Instead of spending the final few minutes of your lunch break perfecting lesson plans, take a few minutes to clear your head. You could, for example:

  • Take a short walk in the fresh air.
  • Have a quick coffee with a friendly colleague.
  • Read a few pages of a gripping novel.
  • Browse the internet for your perfect summer vacation.

These breaks will allow you to recharge your batteries and teach to the best of your abilities.

4. Organize a whole-class clean-up session

If your students’ minds are distracted by the upcoming vacation, why not task them with something both easy and productive? Delegating tidying jobs for students during a warm and sluggish afternoon is a great way to get them working together and will save you a great deal of time on the last day of the academic year.

Don’t worry that they are not necessarily learning anything new. Everyone deserves a break from time to time, and your students may not be in a great frame of mind for absorbing new information anyway!

5. Take your lessons outside

One of the great things about the end of the school year is that it takes place during summer. If you’re pining to start soaking up some seasonal sun, why not take your lessons outside? As well as offering students a much-needed change of scene, your school’s field or garden areas can be a great source of creative inspiration. If you need more convincing, check out this compelling article about the benefits of teaching in the great outdoors.

6. Spend a little time exchanging gifts

Regardless of which grade you teach or how many kids are in your classes, the likelihood is that you will receive some tokens of appreciation at the end of the school year. To show students that you appreciate their offerings, why not hold a small gift-exchanging ceremony in the classroom? As well as opening any gifts you have received, return the favor by offering students a few presents of their own. You don’t have to break the bank – a few sweet treats will go down perfectly!