Wednesday, May 23, 2012

End of the Year Activities

We now have 11 more days left in this school year. The days are flashing by!

As we get closer to the last few days of school, I want to make sure I have activities planned that children are able to do together, either with a partner or with a group. I really want them to enjoy these days together as a class. Some children will be moving to other schools next year, and the children will not all be in the same classroom next year. I want the children to have fun, and continue to learn as our year together comes to a close.

Some of the things we will be doing:

The last week of school we have a game time. The children may bring board games to school and spend some time during the day playing and sharing some of the games they bring. I also have a collection of games that I take out that include:

Go Fish for CVC/CVCe words
Bingo games
Consonant Blends and Digraphs board games
High frequency word matching games
Chunk It! (onset and rime game)

I created First Grade Fun Games to use during this time.

Graphics by KPM Doodles and Fancy Dog Studio.

The set of games includes:

Just Beachy Compound Words
At the Zoo Contractions
Bouncing Into Fun Synonyms
Whale of a Time Antonyms

I create an autograph book for each of the students. It starts like this:

Graphics by KPM Doodles

I divide an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper into fourths. Each fourth becomes a page in the autograph book. Next to the child's name is a picture that depicts something about that child. For example:

Dylan: loves sports
Makenna: surrounds her papers and name with hearts (She loves hearts.)
Denise: keeps us updated about the antics of her pet dog
Teacher: loves the apple motif

The children love hearing why I chose a special picture just for them.

I do a mini writing lesson on what to write in an autograph book. We make a list of ideas. The children are required to write a sentence in their box when they sign each autograph book.

We brainstorm some words that the children may need to know how to spell.

The structure of the book helps them know which children's books they have already signed. When finished, they delight in reading what their classmates wrote to them. They can also color the pictures! 

I know we're not the only ones still in school. I would love to hear about some of the things you're doing during your last week of school.


8 comments:

  1. This unit looks so cute! I just posted about a couple of the activities I'm doing including a journal prompt that had some really creative responses!

    Rowdy in First Grade

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  2. Cute unit and blog! i am your newest follower. I am also a 1st grade teacher. I hope you'll stop by sometime!
    :) Dana
    Fun in 1st Grade

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    1. Hi Dana,

      I'm always excited to hear from other first grade teachers and bloggers. Thank you for visiting. I'll definitely visit your blog. I love sharing ideas.

      Mona

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  3. Just found your blog! So glad I did! I look forward to reading more :)
    Stop by my new blog if you have a chance!
    Tori
    Tori's Teacher Tips

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  4. Hi Tori,

    Thank you for stopping by! I love to have new visitors and visit new blogs. I will definitely visit yours.

    Mona

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  5. Adorable! I know your little ones must feel so loved by the thought you put into choosing a picture especially for them:) Thanks for sharing!

    Ellen
    Great {First Grade} Expectations

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    1. Ellen,

      You're welcome! It's actually a lot of fun putting it together for them.

      Mona

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