Beating the end of year blues

This is the time that end of year tests occur for all grades K- 12. This also is the time when after the test is taken, students feel the year is over and there is nothing left to learn. As a teacher, I always loved this time of year. Once the tests were completed, I was free to teach the way we used to. I did lessons where the kids could explore their surroundings, spend a lot of time outside learning about their environment, and learn about the community.

It can still be that way. Students can complete a service project for the school, like weed and replant the garden, make a "Meditation Labyrinth", write stories and share them with the younger children or with the local retirement community. Imagine what ideas the students could come up with to complete the last three weeks of school and the amount of learning that would take place and they would not even be aware of learning. It might be something to keep in the back of your mind for next year. There are plenty of grants that would fund any of these service learning experiences.

It doesn't have to be the end of year doldrums, with good planning and preparation. I think the students would enjoy the challenge of making something for the school that will be there long after they are gone. It would become a part of the legacy of South Fork Elementary, which already has a rich history. So, what will your students add to the legacy next year and beat the end of the year blues?

Finishing the year strong

The end of the year is quickly coming upon us. It is time to wind down the teaching, complete the last review, and the last test prep exercises. You have learned all that you can learn for this year. The teachers have done their job well. It is up to you, the students, now. You can make the difference of whether you pass the test with flying colors or not. Review the year in your mind. Think of all the things you have learned, experienced, projects you have completed. All that work comes down to the the End of Grade Tests but more than that, it comes down to you giving your best. The test is a measure of how much you have learned this year. No test can tell you what all you have learned this year. It can't tell you how you learned to speak up for others when they are being picked on or bullied. It doesn't show how you have grown three inches. It doesn't show how you have discovered your talent in music, dance, or drama. All of these experiences will help you do well on the test but the test does not define you. You define the test by doing your best, trying your hardest, and taking your time to take it and recheck it. Show us what you got academically this year, just as you have showed us what you have gained in the other learning styles. Use your new found talents to help you pass the EOG this year. If you fall short on the EOG, it doesn't matter, you have a talent that will grow and bloom, if you let it.

No matter what, finish the school year strong, have fun, and enjoy the last few weeks of school.