As the school year draws to a close, maintaining student engagement through virtual learning can be challenging. According to a study, 81% of teachers said that keeping students engaged was difficult during remote learning. In addition, 94% of educators considered student engagement to be the most important metric to look at when determining student success.
To keep your kiddos engaged until the very end, here are five fun and engaging end-of-the-year activities that will not only wrap up the school year on a high note but also enhance your online teaching skills.
Hold a virtual talent show
Let your students showcase their unique skills with a virtual talent show. This activity encourages creativity and gives students an opportunity to shine outside of academic achievements. Whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks, or storytelling, each student can prepare a short performance to share with the class.
How to organize:
- Set a date and time for the talent show.
- Create a sign-up sheet where students can list their talent and any special requirements.
- Use breakout rooms for rehearsals if your platform supports it.
- Encourage students to invite their families to watch the live event.
- End the event with a dance party, followed by student awards.
Host an online escape room
Online escape rooms and scavenger hunts are an excellent way to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills. You can either create your own escape room using tools like Google Forms or use pre-made ones available online.
How to organize:
- Choose or design an escape room that fits your class’s interests and age group.
- Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a breakout room.
- Provide clues and puzzles they need to solve within a given timeframe.
- Use a virtual timer to add excitement and urgency to the activity.
Take a virtual field trip
Take your students on an educational adventure without leaving their homes. Virtual field trips are a fun way to explore a range of topics, from historical sites to science museums, all while staying cozy in their pajamas. Websites like Google Arts & Culture offer immersive experiences that can be shared via screen sharing.
How to organize:
- Choose a virtual destination that aligns with your curriculum.
- Prepare a guided tour with discussion points or questions.
- Share interesting facts and encourage students to ask questions.
- Follow up with a quiz or a creative project related to the trip.
Create a digital yearbook
Creating a digital yearbook or memory book is a collaborative project that allows students to reflect on their memories from the school year. This activity can be particularly meaningful in a virtual setting where physical yearbooks may not be feasible, providing a cherished keepsake for students.
How to organize:
- Assign different sections of the digital memory book to small groups (e.g., sports, academics, arts).
- Use platforms like Canva or Google Slides for easy collaboration.
- Include photos, quotes and highlights from the year.
- Organize a virtual yearbook signing day where students can leave messages for each other.
Celebrate with an online awards ceremony
Celebrate your students’ hard work and achievements with a virtual awards ceremony. This event can recognize academic accomplishments, personal growth and unique contributions to the class community.
How to organize:
- Brainstorm categories for the awards (e.g., Best Attendance, Most Creative Project, Kindness Award).
- Design digital certificates or badges using editable templates from tools like Canva.
- Announce the awards during a live video call, highlighting each student’s achievements.
- Encourage students to dress up for the ceremony to make it feel special.
- Consider using virtual rewards as further recognition.
Conclusion
By incorporating these virtual activities into your end-of-year plans, you can create memorable experiences for your students and finish the school year on a positive note. As you countdown to the last day of school, these activities will keep the kiddos engaged and excited about their achievements and the upcoming year.
Additionally, these activities allow you to enhance your skills as an online educator, creating effective lesson plans and organizing meaningful end-of-year celebrations. Happy teaching!
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Top 5 end of school year virtual activities for your class FAQ
How do you celebrate the last day of school virtually?
Celebrate the last day of school virtually by hosting an online party with games, awards and a slideshow of memories from the school year. You can also include fun activities like virtual scavenger hunts, talent shows and interactive quizzes.
What regular ideas can you adapt to use for virtual learning at the end of the year and still end on a high note?
Regular activities that can be adapted for distance learning include virtual field trips, online talent shows, digital yearbooks, memory videos and collaborative projects where students create something together, like a class story or an art project.
How do you keep students engaged at the end of the year?
Keeping students engaged at the end of the year is crucial as it helps maintain their enthusiasm and focus during a time when distractions can easily take over. By incorporating interactive and entertaining activities into your lessons, you can capture their interest and make learning enjoyable.
Use technology to create virtual scavenger hunts, which encourage exploration and problem-solving skills. Host game-based learning sessions that turn review material into fun challenges, keeping the competitive spirit alive. Encourage creative projects where students can showcase their talents and interests, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their work.