Get Schooled: 10 Fun and Creative Ways to End Your Class
As a teacher, you know that ending your class on a high note is just as important as starting it off on the right foot. Keeping your students engaged and interested until the very end will not only ensure they remember the lesson, but it also makes them excited to come back for more. Here are ten fun and creative ways to end your class:
Play a game.
Games are a great way to end class on a high note. If you teach a history or social studies class, try playing a trivia game based on what you've covered that day. For English or language arts, try a word game. For younger students, a fun game of "Simon Says" or "Red Light, Green Light" can get them moving and excited to go home.
End with a journal prompt.
Giving your students a chance to reflect on what they've learned or accomplished during class can be a great way to wrap things up. You can also use this time to ask your students for feedback, whether it's on the lesson or your teaching style. Encouraging your students to think critically and communicate their thoughts and feelings will help them develop important skills.
Have a class discussion.
Class discussions can be an effective way to recap the lesson and encourage your students to share their thoughts and feelings. You can ask open-ended questions about what they learned, what they found interesting, or what they still have questions about. Keep the conversation positive and affirming to maintain their enthusiasm and motivation for the next class.
Share a quote.
There are many inspiring and thought-provoking quotes out there that can tie in with your lesson. Sharing a quote relevant to what you covered that day can be a great way to end class on a reflective note while still keeping it engaging. You can ask your students to analyze the quote and discuss what it means to them.
Give a virtual high five.
With virtual classes becoming more common, giving your students a virtual high five can be a fun and lighthearted way to end class. This gesture shows your students that you appreciate their effort and hard work, and it can help them feel more connected to you and their classmates.
Finish with a story.
Stories are a powerful way to connect with your students and make the lesson more memorable. You can tell a personal story related to the lesson or share a story from history or literature that ties in with the topic. Ending the class with a story that leaves your students feeling inspired or curious can be a great way to keep them engaged and eager to come back for more.
Use music.
Music has a way of getting people pumped up and excited. Use this to your advantage and end your class with a catchy tune that reinforces what you covered that day. For example, if you taught a science class about the water cycle, you could end with the classic "Rain, Rain, Go Away" song.
Have a group activity.
Collaborative activities are a great way to reinforce what you covered while also encouraging your students to work together. Depending on the lesson, you could have them work on a puzzle or game together or even do a group experiment or project. Not only will they have fun, but they will also learn important teamwork and communication skills.
End class with a challenge.
Challenges are a great way to get your students excited and motivated to continue learning. You can challenge them to find and research a specific topic related to the lesson or even create their own artistic interpretation of what they learned. These challenges can be completed outside of class and then shared with the rest of the group the next day.
Say thank you.
It may seem simple, but taking the time to thank your students for their attention and hard work can go a long way. This simple gesture shows them that you value their effort and dedication to their education. You can also take this time to remind them of what's coming up next in the lesson plan and get them excited for the next day's class.
Ending your class on a high note is crucial for keeping your students engaged and motivated to continue learning. These ten fun and creative ways can help you wrap up your lessons while still keeping things engaging, exciting, and memorable. Try implementing a few of these ideas and see how they work for you and your students!
