Engaging Learners

The end of the year is a whirlwind of fun activities and spring fever. Those things don't always mix well in the elementary classroom (am I right?) This year I really tried to combat the end of the year craziness with some engaging and rigorous lessons. Oriental Trading was the place I found all of these ideas! (They provided the products for my students and I to review. I am writing this review in exchange for my honest opinion and I was not compensated for this post.)  I have used this site so many times because it is an affordable place to turn to for the classroom, school incentives and parties! I put my teacher hat on this time and found awesome resources here is what I found and how they were used!


5W+H beach balls 

The students and I  read a story and wrote the parts of the story on the beach ball. We blew them up and I let the kids play with them first. I knew it was going to happen so I let it! The kids loved this project and the beach balls were great quality.  I used some permanent makers I had in class and also Its Permanent Fine Point Markers. These markers have great color and low odor but they do not write on everything like most permanent markers do. I recommend them for writing and coloring but not permanent writing.

Mother's Day Puzzle 

This was not how I wanted to use these but the students saw them and begged me to let them turn them in to Mother's Day cards. So we did! Every mother wants a puzzle right? We drew a picture on one side and a letter on the other. These were easy to use, sturdy and the kids LOVED them. I hope the moms did too!

Spelling Word Giant Scrabble

When I saw this I had to have it. I really like to play scrabble so I figured out a way to bring it in the classroom. We focus weekly on phonics skills and spelling patterns that go with our Pearson Forward Curriculum. I thought it would be a fun way to do word work with giant tiles. The students loved it! We have played it several times and I think this game is a must for any 2-8 classroom. The best part was the students worked together so well.

End of The Year Journals
Every year I do some sort of end of the year journals. Some times I make them and sometimes I find them on TPT. This year I thought I would try Oriental Trading's version. They were cute and interactive. My students loved walking around the classroom getting autographs and counting how many boys and girls we have. I think these will be something I use year after year.

I hope you got some fun and engaging end of the year activities. I also hope you remember to check out Oriental Trading for your classroom needs. Tell me what you think! Comment below!