Are you looking more forward to Friday than Monday? If so, change your attitude.Your students already have Spring fever. Beware-it's contagious and can really be detrimental to all of the hard work you have put in over the course of the year. Now is the time to work with and build upon the "fruits of your labors." It's time to try something new. If you are keeping your students engaged with worthwhile, fun and engaging activities-Friday will be here before you know it...and there aren't that many Fridays left in the school year!
Have you been thinking all year about wanting to try: a new strategy/differentiating/working with literature circles/project based learning/incorporating technology meaningfully-NOW is the time.
My favorite end of the year activities incorporate technology. I have come across a few favorites that I'd love to share. (Many of you already know about/have incorporated/tweaked my ROAD TRIP project and also the MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT.) The following are some that I think are worthy of your time.
*Incorporating Technology into a Classroom that Works (Based on work by Marzano, Pickering and Pollock) The lesson is laid out in Power Point form allowing the facilitator to make any accommodations they see fit to address student needs/interests. http://lth3.k12.il.us/tworivers/integrating%20classroom%20instruction%20that%20works%20with%20technology.ppt
*Pawsitively Perfect Presentations. Introduce your students to Power Point creation by having them make the report more than a book report. They can make them so much more interesting using links, graphics, animation and sound. http://www.technologyprojects4kids.com/pawsitive%20reading.htm
*Here Today, Gone to Mali. You are going on a "trip" to Mali. Mali was once a very wealthy kingdom. Students can explore Malian geography and daily living to know what type of trip they will have, what to pack and what objects might be useful to bring. This is a 2-day, 2 lesson activity. www.technologyprojects4kids.com/here%20today,%20gone%20to%20mali.htm
**ENJOY...and take the risk! It will keep your students engaged and it will preserve your sanity! :)
