Saturday, May 9, 2015

Spark Student Motivation: End of the Year Awards and Memory Book

You're almost there! So many things race through my mind at the end of the year and I ALWAYS forget to do something or have so many things to do on my list I can't get to all of them. So, with 17 days left, I want to get two things that are important to me (and to my students) ready to go this week!


Our school only holds an "end of the year awards ceremony" for our 5th graders, so I hold my own ceremony in our classroom. First, I have my students vote on their peers to receive awards.

 
I give each student a class list of names and they have to vote for every person in our class (including themselves) at least once, then they can fill in the blanks with repeat students who are deserving of that award. This really shows how much they know about each other. Every year I'm impressed with how thoughtful they are with their decisions.


I give every student the M.V.P. award because they're all M.V.P.s to our classroom. You can pick up this award for your students here {freebie}.


These awards are editable, so you can type in the recipient's name or write it in with black marker. I like to print mine on colored cardstock so they last longer (or you could laminate the paper ones). I hold my ceremony the 2nd to last day of school so I have time to present the awards and not feel rushed that last day. There's 52 of them, so there's something for everyone!


I also present my awards with a "trophy". Yes, I have the High Heel Awards! Some ceremonies include a golden statue, a colorful blimp, a plaque, a crystal trophy...mine are clear plastic heels! They think it's funny when I whip those out for the first award! I'm sure I'm the first to give them that kind of trophy! LOL! I purchased these at Hobby Lobby in the wedding section.
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-Of-Year-Awards-Student-Certificates
The memory book is very important for me to provide to my students because many can not afford a yearbook. This is a fun, creative way for them to hold on to our class memories and look back for years to come! It's also an inexpensive way to celebrate our year together.


I have my own binding machine at home, so I can get them done in between others chores! I like to bind them and use cardstock for the front and back covers for durability. Plus, it makes it "feel" like a "real" memory book.

I purchased this at Office Depot a couple of years ago and it's been a lifesaver for several projects.

***BONUS!!! This memory book is 26 pages and will keep your students busy while you tend to end of the year clean up or paperwork! AND, it's perfect for a substitute if you're going to be out!


I think this is a great end of year gift I can give my students...a book with a collection of memories!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Memory-Book-for-Students-End-of-Year-690451
I hope you had a wonderful week! Please link up any lessons, ideas, tips, tricks, incentives, ANYTHING you do get your students motivated or excited!
Don't forget to grab my button and link back to this post!
Check out all the wonderful ideas from my friends who link up and don't forget to leave some love by commenting....we LOVE comments!
***Please include the topic in the link up with your blog name.

6 comments:

  1. Hi, Joanne!
    Reading your post has totally motivated me! I love the idea of having kids vote for each other. And the high heel trophy. . . I love it! I want to go out and find something that represents me. Hmmm. . . What could it be?

    Thanks for hosting this linky :)

    Stacy
    Made with Love

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the trophy idea! My trophy might have to be something crafty!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am definitely having class awards this year with voting! Should be fun!

    -Lisa
    Mrs. Spangler in the Middle

    ReplyDelete
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