In my classroom, I place particular emphasis on two specific sets of habits: Habits of Mind, that help children become better thinkers, and Habits of Character, that help children become better learners and better people.  I also emphasize other important concepts, such as health & wellness, quality, and success.  During the last week or two of the school year, I purposely schedule activities and projects that touch on these emphases so that I can once again highlight their importance and discuss with my students the information and skills I hope they have gained this year.

For example, let’s focus on the concept of Health & Wellness.  During the first week of school, I have my students complete the “Human Health Hunt” activity featured in Teaching Tip #4.  This icebreaking activity introduces many important health concepts while also facilitating positive interactions among students.  A month or so later, we begin our “Health Champions” science unit, in which students learn what I call the six pillars of health: nutrition, hydration, exercise, sleep, safety, and stress.  When the unit ends, I continue addressing these pillars and emphasize that this content is not simply important for school, it’s important for life.  

During the last week of the school year, I like to have my students participate in the “Human Health Hunt” a second time, and I use this occasion as an opportunity to re-emphasize many of the crucial health concepts we’ve already learned.

Take a few minutes to think about your highest priorities and determine how you can meaningfully revisit them at the end of the year to achieve a sense of closure. 

New Teaching Tips appear every Sunday of the school year.