As the school year comes to a close, it's important to keep students engaged and motivated until the final bell rings. Here are five effective strategies for keeping students energized and focused at the end of the year:
- Incorporate movement and physical activity into the classroom.
Physical activity can improve concentration and focus, and it can also be a great way to break up the monotony of the school day. Consider incorporating short movement breaks or active games into your lessons, or even try a standing or walking class.
- Use technology to enhance learning.
Technology can be a great way to keep students engaged and motivated. Try using interactive whiteboards, educational apps, or online games to add a new dimension to your lessons.
- Encourage student choice and autonomy.
Giving students the opportunity to make choices and take ownership of their learning can be a powerful motivator. Consider allowing students to choose the topic of a research project or to lead a class discussion.
- Make connections to the real world.
One of the best ways to keep students engaged is to make connections between their studies and the real world. Try incorporating current events, community service projects, or guest speakers into your lessons.
- Celebrate successes.
It's important to recognize and celebrate student achievements, both big and small. Consider holding a class celebration or ceremony at the end of the year to acknowledge the hard work and progress of your students.
Here is another great post from HelpTeaching on 5 Ways to Keep Students Energized at the End of the Year. Read for additional ideas to keep the class energized.
Here is a classroom exercise that incorporates movement and physical activity to improve concentration and focus:
Exercise: "Brain Boosters"
Objective: To improve focus and concentration through movement and physical activity.
Materials: None
Instructions:
- Divide the class into small groups.
- Each group will select a leader who will call out different physical movements for the group to do together.
- The leader will call out a movement, and the group must perform that movement for 30 seconds.
- After 30 seconds, the leader will call out another movement, and the group must switch to that movement for another 30 seconds.
- Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes.
- After the exercise is complete, have the students take a few minutes to reflect on how they felt during the exercise and how it may have affected their focus and concentration during the class.
Possible movements to call out:
- Jumping jacks
- Lunges
- High knees
- Arm circles
- Shoulder stretches
- Desk push-ups
This exercise can be done periodically throughout the class period to help students refocus and recharge. It's a great way to incorporate physical activity into the classroom and improve students' concentration and focus.
By incorporating these strategies, you can keep your students energized and motivated right until the end of the year, and help them end the school year on a high note.
