End-of-the-school- year parties are a great way to make your academic term end with an enjoyable bang. As kids finish up their lessons and pack it in for summer vacation, teachers can provide the opportunity for their pupils to celebrate their successes and enjoy some relaxing time with their peers. End-of-the-year parties serve as a simple and fun-filled conclusion to an academically taxing school year and give both students and teachers a much-needed break from the tedium of school life.
Significance
When you are madly grading papers and trying to cross tasks off of your end-of-the-year to-do list, party planning can seem like the last thing you want to tackle. While planning an end-of-the-year party does present a challenge, it is a beneficial activity as it shows students that their effort is appreciated and leaves them with a positive view of school. End-of-the-year parties do not have to be elaborate. By beginning your planning well in advance and perhaps even dividing the work, you can make your party more of a joy and less of a hassle.
Considerations
Before you dedicate time and energy to the planning of your party, consider your school’s view of classroom parties. In some schools, the staff handbooks specifically stipulate that teachers cannot throw parties during class time. Make sure that this regulation doesn’t apply at your school before you spend time organizing an event for your students.
Academic Tie-in
A party day doesn’t have to be a day devoid of learning. By integrating academic elements into your party, you can make the event an intellectually stimulating affair. Plan games that allow your students to test their smarts, such as a rousing round of “Jeopardy” or a trivia challenge. Games of this nature allow your students to experience the thrill of accomplishment as they demonstrate what they have spent the entire year learning.
Array of Options
Consider your students’ likes, and create events tailored to them. If your pupils are movie buffs, set up a classroom movie theater, complete with popcorn and sodas. If your students delight in a round of basketball, hang hoops from your walls and plan a tournament. If your students most enjoy end-of-class free time, set up pillows and blankets around the room and allow them to lounge with their peers. This leisure time tailored to their specific interests will show your students that you know and care about them.
Keep in Mind
End of the year parties should be a privilege, not necessarily a right. Inform your students of the party well in advance, and tell them that their behavior will determine whether they get to participate. If students get antsy toward the end of the year and start misbehaving, preclude these troublemakers from the festivities. While you may be inclined to let all students participate, it is important to remember that students who cause a problem in class might also cause a problem at your party.
Photo Credit
- party image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
