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Image of various tech awards certificates from Canva template
CanvaEnd of Year

End-of-Year Certificate Templates and Student Tech Award Ideas

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

It’s the end of the year and time to recognize students for a variety of achievements. Yes, there will be an awards ceremony for the school in which students will be recognized for perfect attendance, UIL achievements, honor roll, etc. But typically, only a few students in your class will be recognized. Why not have your own in-class awards ceremony and print a certificate for each student? Some awards can be serious and some can be funny. Let’s explore some interesting technology-focused awards to consider for students. And, if you need a certificate creator, here is a 10-page Canva template with a variety of certificates already made! Just swap out the names and send them to the printer.

Student Tech Awards Templates in Canva

Student Tech Award Ideas

  • AI Enthusiast – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their passion and knowledge in artificial intelligence, exploring the possibilities of AI to innovate and improve various processes.
  • App Development Ace – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their proficiency in app development, creating innovative and user-friendly applications for various purposes.
  • Coding Champion – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for their mastery of coding languages and their innovative programming skills.
  • Coding Maestro – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for their mastery of advanced coding concepts and their ability to develop complex software solutions.
  • Computer Whiz – [Student’s Name] is celebrated for their exceptional understanding and proficiency in computer science and programming.
  • Cybersecurity Expert – [Student’s Name] is celebrated for their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity, ensuring the safety and security of digital information.
  • Data Wizard – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their expertise in data analysis and interpretation, harnessing the power of data to make informed decisions.
  • Digital Citizenship Award – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for their responsible and ethical use of digital resources and platforms.
  • Digital Content Creator Award – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their talent and creativity in producing digital content, such as videos, podcasts, or blogs.
  • Digital Designer – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for their talent and creativity in digital design, creating visually stunning and engaging content.
  • Digital Entrepreneur Award – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative use of technology to create and launch successful ventures.
  • Digital Leadership Award – [Student’s Name] is celebrated for their leadership in promoting digital literacy and fostering a culture of innovation and technology adoption among their peers.
  • Digital Marketing Dynamo – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for their strategic thinking and creativity in digital marketing strategies, driving engagement and results.
  • Digital Storyteller Award – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for their ability to tell compelling stories using digital media, such as animations, interactive presentations, or digital storytelling platforms.
  • Game Development Prodigy – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for their skill and talent in game development, creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
  • Innovative Tech Integration Award – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their creative and effective integration of technology into learning activities, enhancing the educational experience for themselves and their peers.
  • Robotics Whiz – [Student’s Name] is celebrated for their expertise in robotics, demonstrating skill and creativity in designing and programming robots for various applications.
  • Social Media Maven – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their proficiency and strategic use of social media platforms to communicate and connect with others effectively.
  • STEM Star – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
  • Tech Ethicist Award – [Student’s Name] is celebrated for their thoughtful consideration of ethical issues related to technology use and their efforts to promote responsible digital citizenship.
  • Tech Guru – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their exceptional skills and knowledge in technology, demonstrating proficiency in various digital tools and platforms.
  • Tech Innovator Award – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their creativity and innovation in utilizing technology to solve problems and create solutions.
  • Tech Leadership Award – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities in the field of technology, inspiring and guiding others to success.
  • Tech Savvy Scholar – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their excellent use of technology for learning purposes and their proficiency in digital tools.
  • Tech Support Superstar – [Student’s Name] is celebrated for their exceptional technical support skills, providing assistance to peers and teachers with technology-related issues.
  • Tech Trailblazer Award – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their pioneering spirit and groundbreaking contributions to the field of technology, leading the way for future generations of tech enthusiasts.
  • Tech Troubleshooter – [Student’s Name] is celebrated for their ability to troubleshoot technical issues and provide solutions with ease and efficiency.
  • Virtual Collaboration Champion – [Student’s Name] is awarded this certificate for their adeptness in collaborating with others using digital collaboration tools and platforms.
  • VR Visionary – [Student’s Name] is celebrated for their innovation and creativity in virtual reality technology, pushing the boundaries of immersive experiences.
  • Website Wizard – [Student’s Name] is recognized for their talent and proficiency in website development and design, creating user-friendly and visually appealing websites.
Access 10 Pages of Canva Certificate Templates!

Which awards did we leave out? Are there any that you would want added to the list? Drop us a line in the comments and let us know so others can consider recognizing students for that award as well!

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Wrapping Up the Year - Instructional Coach
End of YearInstructional Coaching

Wrapping Up the Year as an Instructional Coach

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

As the school year draws to a close, instructional coaches play a crucial role in supporting teachers, celebrating successes, and preparing for the year ahead. Let’s explore some end-of-year activities for instructional coaches to effectively wrap things up and set the stage for a successful transition into the next school year.

Reflect on Progress and Achievements

Take time to reflect on the progress and achievements you made throughout the school year. Think about the impact of your coaching efforts on teacher practice and student learning. Reflecting on your successes and challenges can help inform your future coaching priorities and strategies.

Gather Feedback

Seek feedback from teachers to assess the effectiveness of your coaching initiatives. Conduct end-of-year surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather insights and identify areas for improvement. This feedback will provide valuable insights and help guide your future coaching efforts.

Image of sample survey questions that instructional coaches can ask teachers.
Screenshot by Diana Benner of Sample Survey Questions from Kenny McKee, NWEA

Organize End-of-Year Meetings with Teachers

Schedule end-of-year meetings with teachers to review progress towards goals, celebrate successes, and discuss plans for continued growth and development. Set agendas, review data, and collaboratively set goals for the upcoming school year. End-of-year meetings provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the next year.

Meet with Administrators

Collaborate with administrators to review your coaching initiatives. Schedule meetings to discuss coaching outcomes, share insights, solicit feedback, and align priorities for the upcoming year. This will ensure that your coaching efforts are aligned with the school’s goals and priorities.

Celebrate Successes

Celebrate the successes and milestones achieved by the teachers you have supported throughout the year. Recognize and acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Whether it’s a small gesture of appreciation or a larger celebration, taking time to celebrate achievements fosters a positive and supportive school culture.

Prepare for Next Year

With some extra time, you can get a head start on preparations for the upcoming school year. Design a professional development schedule and plan topics based on current needs. Think about how you will support new teachers next year. In addition, create templates, like monthly newsletter templates, and have those ready to go for the upcoming school year. This proactive planning will ensure that you hit the ground running when teachers return.

Plan for Professional Development

Reflect on your own professional development needs and plan for ongoing learning opportunities, either during the summer or next school year. Explore relevant workshops, conferences, or courses to enhance your coaching skills and knowledge. Investing in professional development ensures that you continue to grow and evolve as an instructional coach.

Rest and Recharge

Finally, take time to rest and recharge during the summer break. Prioritize self-care and well-being to ensure that you return to the next school year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Spend time outdoors, practice mindfulness, or pursue hobbies and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment.

As instructional coaches, wrapping up the school year involves reflection, celebration, and preparation for the year ahead. By engaging in these end-of-year activities, instructional coaches can effectively close out the school year and lay the groundwork for continued growth and success in the upcoming academic year. Here’s to a productive and rewarding end-of-year period for instructional coaches everywhere!

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Book Creator cover for a K-12 Summer Reading Journal template
End of Year

End-of-Year Ideas and Summer Reading with Book Creator

by Stevie Frank
written by Stevie Frank

Summer is knocking on our doors! The weather is getting warmer, days are getting longer, and the promise of sleeping in is just within our reach. But, we’re not quite done with the school year! How can we keep the momentum until the end? As a former classroom teacher, I had canned assessments in the form of essays, worksheets, or quizzes that could quickly be graded and inserted into the gradebook. But, I learned that students didn’t find those types of assignments motivating to complete, especially with the promise of summer break creeping in. I quickly realized I needed exciting end-of-year projects and activities to engage all my learners and get us to the finish line. And then, there’s the “summer slide.” What can we do to prevent it? Let’s explore some of my favorite end-of-year and summer resources by Book Creator!

1. End-of-Year Ideas with Book Creator

I always enjoyed having my students reflect on their favorite parts of the year on a paper copy “year-in-review” packet. However, I found these packets were becoming out-of-date and expensive to purchase online. So, why not integrate some technology? It’s true that finding the right tool to connect state standards with meaningful assessment is difficult at best, especially when it comes to end-of-year projects.

There are so many shiny objects out there, but some stand out to me. One tool I kept asking for when I was in the classroom was Book Creator! Book Creator is an online platform for students to create their own books, presentations, or portfolios. Teachers can also create their own templates and have students work in these more guided experiences. Students can add text, customize colors and organization, add maps, and so much more. 

New templates to introduce your students to Book Creator
Screenshot by Emily Horn | New Templates to Introduce Your Students to Book Creator

The first time I laid eyes on a 2nd grade student recording themselves reading their very own self-created book, I was in awe. This student was diving into the DOK level 3, explaining their writing process! This was a tool worth learning more about. What I appreciate about Book Creator is their extensive vetted list of resources available to teachers. You don’t have to start from a blank book, you can check out their resources under “Discover” or use one of their templates. There’s even a list of ideas, complete with templates, that you can use with students for end-of-year projects, activities, and reflection. 

2. Book Creator Summer Reading

Ending the school year on a high was important for me as a classroom teacher. But I found myself spending loads of time searching for summer activities for my students, not to mention spending lots of personal money. I wanted to prevent that “summer slide.” Parents would start emailing me to ask what they could do over the summer, and my answer was always: READ! Building background knowledge on an array of topics is one of the strongest ways to help with reading comprehension.

I’d make copies of packets of graphic organizers we worked on throughout the school year and send them home with students. Did these copies ever actually make it home? That’s debatable. So, when Book Creator and I started to share ideas about how to help prevent the “summer slide”, I knew just what to do! 

Listen to My Ed Tech Life’s Podcast “Book Creator: Igniting Summer Reading with Stevie Frank“

I helped create summer template books for Book Creator that are housed in the Discover tab of resources. I included all my favorite, engaging graphic organizers and equitable resources for students to find books online over the summer. I put the bones together and, of course, the Book Creator team came in and made it beautiful! Check it out!

Explore Book Creator’s Summer Reading Books!

I took out all the hard work in creating a parent letter home, created a video for students on how to work through the book, and even made some videos to help support you in getting it out to students and their families! It was a labor of love, one that I wish I’d been able to create for my own students.

I hope you enjoy using Book Creator for end-of-year projects and activities and to prevent the summer slide! Leave us a comment to tell us how you’ll use Book Creator with students. Have a favorite template or activity book? Share that with us, too!

Read about Book Creator’s Summer Reading Journals: “Jump, slide & dive into an adventure this summer with Book Creator!”

Featured Image: Provided by the author; created by Book Creator

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Learn strategies for keeping students engaged at the end of the year. The image shows students with hands raised in a classroom with a teacher at the front.
End of Year

Student Engagement Strategies for the End of the School Year

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

As the school year draws to a close, maintaining student engagement can become increasingly difficult. With warmer weather, impending vacations, and the excitement of summer break, students may find it difficult to stay focused in the classroom. However, with intentional strategies and creative approaches, teachers can keep students engaged and motivated until the very last day. Here are some strategies to help you finish the school year strong:

Incorporate Hands-On Activities

Engage students by incorporating hands-on, interactive activities into your lessons. From scavenger hunts and digital breakouts to creating memory books, there are many fun activities students can do at the end of the school year. You could also have students write thank-you letters or cards to those people they are thankful for. In addition, you could incorporate project-based learning or STEM/STEAM activities.

Image of a thank you card.
Image by Diana Benner; Created by 24 Creative Canva Thank You Card Templates

Celebrate Achievements

Recognize and celebrate what students have accomplished during the school year. One way to do this is to create awards and host end-of-year classroom awards ceremonies. Recognize accomplishments such as achieving good grades, exhibiting positive character traits, or demonstrating leadership qualities. In addition, verbally praise students in front of their peers, highlighting their strengths and accomplishments. This will boost their confidence and leave them with good memories of the school year.

Incorporate Brain Breaks

Lots of research suggests that brain breaks improve academic performance, motivation, and attitude. At the end of the year, it’s necessary to break up long periods of instruction with movement breaks and brain-boosting activities. You can incorporate short physical exercises, stretching routines, or mindfulness activities to help students reenergize and refocus their attention. If you are looking to create a brain break, AI chatbots can help you quickly create one specific to your subject area.

Image of 6 children doing mindfulness activites.
Image by Diana Benner; Created by Emily Horn; Six Simple Mindfulness Activities for Your Classroom

Invite a Guest Speaker

Guest speakers can provide a change of pace, offering students a chance to interact with someone other than you. Guest speakers can show students how the concepts and skills they are learning in the classroom are applied in real-world settings, making the content more relevant and engaging for students. In addition, they can engage students through interactive activities, demonstrations, or hands-on experiences related to their expertise, creating memorable learning moments.

Go on a Virtual Field Trip

There’s nothing more engaging than going on a virtual field trip. Virtual field trips can help students explore the world from home, and even engage in different types of learning with audio, visual, and video media. There are many world-class virtual field trips. Students could even explore the great state of Texas or the state in which they live. In addition, there are many field trips that offer a virtual reality experience.

Image of a Google Doc that contains links to Texas Virtual Field Trips.
Image by Diana Benner of Texas Virtual Field Trips Google Document

Maintain Consistent Routines and Expectations

Keep the basic classroom routine consistent, as students will behave better if they know classroom expectations are still in place. Review classroom procedures if necessary and be consistent with follow-through to maintain a positive learning environment.

Reflect with Your Students

Take time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the school year with your students. Encourage them to share their thoughts, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Use this feedback to inform your teaching practices and plan for the year ahead.

As the school year winds down, it’s important to keep students engaged and motivated to finish strong. By implementing these strategies and fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, you can help students stay focused, inspired, and eager to learn until the very end. Remember, every moment counts, and the impact you make on your students’ lives extends far beyond the classroom. So, let’s finish the school year with enthusiasm, positivity, and a sense of accomplishment!

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Explore five low-prep to no-prep end-of-year activities for the last days of school!
AdobeEnd of Year

Five End-of-Year Activities for the Last Days of School

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

It’s that time of year when everything is wrapping up, things are winding down, desks are being cleaned, and supplies are being organized for summer storage. In the middle of the hustle and bustle, here are a few no-prep or very low-prep end-of-year activities to use! Have a little fun taking strategies, games, or tools you may already know and love and giving them a little twist. Let’s dive in!

1. Mix-Pair-Share 

Have fun with the beloved and simple-to-use Kagan strategy, Mix-Pair-Share. Add in some end-of-the-year questions, and you have a simple, prep-free activity for the final days of school. Have students spread out around the room or stand by their desks. Play music and prompt them to walk around the room to “mix up.” When the music stops, students can high-five the person closest to them. If you’d prefer not to use music, you can use a timer and say, “Pair up!” when it’s time for students to find a partner. Each time they partner up, choose a different question to ask, and students share their answers with their partner.  Here are some questions you can use, or edit this document to create your own! Read them over before using them to be sure they’re a good fit for your class.

Extension: Display the template with your projector and come up with questions as a class! Students can also create questions in pairs, and you can compile them for this activity.

End-of-year questions about school to use with Mix-Pair-Share!
Access the Editable Questions

2. Elbow-to-Elbow Read Alouds

Take students of any age to an elementary library! Have them choose their favorite children’s picture book to read with a partner. Even older students love to revisit favorites from their childhood! Ask the students to sit elbow to elbow, switching off the reading by page so that both get the opportunity to read aloud. If you don’t have access to an elementary school library, you can pick up some favorite picture books from the local library to bring in.

Extension: Have students write a brief notecard book review and summary of their book like some bookstores do! These can be given to the librarians and displayed with the books to add interest. Or, students can record their reviews using Flip! These videos can be turned into QR codes to be displayed, scanned, and watched in the library.

Access the Editable Book Review Template

3. Adobe Express Creative Challenge

Adobe for Education just dropped a brand new creative challenge for May, “Top 5 From the School Year.” Here’s a rundown of how it works:

The contest will close on May 31, 2024. This activity provides you with the link to an editable template to use with your students. Click the link, edit the template, explore generative AI features, customize the design, and even add voiceover if you’d like! You can also submit a post-challenge survey and enter to win Adobe Express-branded Stanley H20 Tumblers!

4. Commit and Toss

Commit and Toss is a great formative assessment that allows students to answer questions anonymously. With a twist, it can also be used as a fun end-of-year activity! Display these made-up words and definitions for students to see. Go over each one before beginning the activity.

  • Whimsyhop: (Noun) A fantastical shop that sells bottled laughter, jars of dreams, and bouncing clouds as pillows.
  • Scribblefluff: (Noun) A fluffy creature made entirely of colorful scribbles that comes to life when a child uses their imagination.
  • Sniffersnack: (Noun) A delicious snack that can only be smelled, not tasted, but fills your mind with happy memories.
  • Blinkhopper: (Noun) A tiny creature with enormous ears that can jump from story to story in a book by using illustrations as stepping stones.
  • Moonbeam Weaver: (Noun) A magical spider that spins shimmering webs of moonlight that grant wishes when touched.
  • Gigglegrass: (Noun) A type of grass that tickles your toes and makes you erupt in uncontrollable laughter when you walk on it.
  • Worlybabble: (Verb) To speak in a language only understood by clouds, creating beautiful shapes in the sky.
  • Moonsnooze: (Noun) A peaceful lullaby sung by the moon, guaranteed to send anyone into a restful sleep.
  • Fuzzgle: (Verb) To snuggle up with something so soft it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
  • Doodlekins: (Noun) A tiny insect with wings made of colorful doodles, that leaves behind a trail of creativity wherever it flies.

Fill up a bowl or cup with pieces of paper, each with a made-up word written on it. Have students pick a piece of paper from the cup or bowl, keeping the word they drew a secret. Set a timer and have students draw an illustration for the word they picked, but they should not include any text in the illustration. When the timer is up, students crumple the drawings and toss them into the middle of the room (or a bag, box, etc.). Then, you pick up each crumpled piece of paper, open it up, and have the students guess which word the drawing represents.

Extension: Have students come up with their own made-up words and definitions. This can be done individually or with partners. Shake it up even more by having half the class make up words and the other half make up definitions; then, they can mix and match the words to the definitions for some funny, new vocabulary.

5. Connections

If you’ve not yet played the second most popular game from the New York Times, you should definitely give Connections a try. In this game, you sort 16 words into four groups of four based on an unknown connection. For example, you might choose the words cow, zebra, dalmatian, and panda. In this case, the connection might be “Animals that are black and white.” TCEA’s Peggy Reimers explains the game in her recent TechNotes article.

Make Connections Games for the Classroom

Additionally, Peggy outlines the benefits of Connections for students and provides three resources for quickly and easily creating your own Connections games! Make Connections for your students to solve or have them create their own to share with their peers. This is a fun and simple way to get students thinking. Plus, these puzzles can be solved individually, in pairs, or even as a whole class activity.

Which of these activities will you try? Maybe you have an idea for another twist or extension to add. Let us know how it goes in the comments, and have a great last month of school!

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National Pizza Party Day Blog Feature Image with title "3 Pizza-related classroom activities"
Announcements/Important DatesDigital BreakoutEnd of Year

Celebrate Pizza Love with Three Classroom Activities

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

As a teacher in the classroom, during the month of May, I remember searching high and low for fun and engaging activities to celebrate a year of learning with my students. So, I visited the National Day Calendar website for inspiration. I found that the third Friday in May is National Pizza Party Day. Who knew?

What I find interesting is the website gives no reason for the third Friday in May being selected for Pizza Party Day. But they do say, “Come up with a reason for a pizza party and start ordering.” I would turn that into a classroom activity. Have your students come up with reasons why to have a pizza party!

This celebration could be your end-of-the-year party or a special day to be celebrated at the end of May. If funds are tight, call up your local pizzeria and let them know that third Friday in May is Pizza Party Day! See if they can make a donation or a matching deal for your classroom.

Besides enjoying a slice of pizza, I have created the following activities to complement this national day of deliciousness.

The Pizza Digital Breakout

Image of the Pizza Digital Breakout Header

The Pizza Digital Breakout is a fun and engaging activity that challenges students to solve puzzles using the information given on the Pizza Digital Breakout Google Site. The clues are hidden in the information, and a Google Form embedded on the site is used to enter the answers. There are four locks included on this breakout and, as always, teachers can email me at preimers@tcea.org for the answers. It’s a great way to get students excited about Pizza Party Day while also incorporating problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Which One Doesn’t Belong

Image of the Pizza Party Day Which One Doesn't Belong Game

Which One Doesn’t Belong is an activity that challenges students to identify the odd one out from a group of related items. This activity is perfect for Pizza Party Day because there are so many different pizza-related topics that can be used! The goal is to determine which one of the four items doesn’t belong with the others and explain why.  Quite frequently, there is more than one acceptable answer. The secret sauce is in the reasoning.

For example, Hormel Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Canadian Bacon, and a pork chop are displayed. You might decide a pork chop doesn’t belong because it is not a typical meat you would find on a pizza. Or you might reason that the pork chop doesn’t belong because the other three types of meat are sliced or crumbled on a pizza. 

The game encourages children to think critically about similarities and differences between items and to use their reasoning skills to explain the choices they make.

Pizza Dilemmas: Would You Rather

Image of Pizza Dilemmas: Would You Rather Game

The Pizza Dilemmas: Would You Rather is a game that can be adapted to fit any theme, including Pizza Party Day! Students are shown a series of questions that ask them to choose between two different pizza-related options. For example, teachers could ask, “Would you rather dine on pizza with a fork/knife or with your hands in mittens?” or “Would you rather eat pizza with scrambled eggs or green beans?” This activity is a fun way to get students thinking creatively and sharing their opinions.

Happy Pizza Party Day everyone! If May 19 does not fit into your plans this year, check out the following pizza-related dates and plan for next year:

Pizza Celebration Days

  • February 9 National Pizza Day
  • March 14 National Pi Day
  • April 5 National Deep Dish Pizza Day
  • May 19 (Third Friday) National Pizza Party Day
  • September 5 National Cheese Pizza Day
  • September 20 National Pepperoni Pizza  Day
  • October National Pizza Month 

If you have any pizza-themed activities to add to my list, please share them with everyone by posting them in the comments.

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End of Year

Five Fun End-of-the-Year Classroom Activities

by Diana Benner
written by Diana Benner

As the end of the school year approaches, it’s time to celebrate all the hard work and accomplishments it brought. What better way to bid farewell to a memorable academic year than with some memorable activities? Let’s check out a few activity options for a little end-of-the-year fun!

1. Design a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are not only fun for students of all ages, but they also help students with social skills. Create a list of items or clues that students need to find or solve to progress through the game. Incorporate elements of the school environment to add familiarity and excitement. Here you will find a variety of interesting scavenger hunt events that will engage all students. If you would like to go digital with your scavenger hunt, then incorporate Flip to create a Fliphunt. At the end of the scavenger hunt, you could provide small prizes or certificates to all students.

Check out ideas like this one on Elementary Assessments!

2. Take a Virtual Field Trip

Celebrate the end of the year by taking your students to a fun destination virtually. Virtual field trips are sure to keep your students engaged as the school year comes to an end. There are so many places your students can visit. Here are 25 field trips and 10 activities to do while you’re on one. You could even have your students learn more about their home state, for example, Texas.

3. Construct a Digital Breakout

Digital Breakouts are the perfect way to end the school year. Digital breakouts are like escape room games. However, instead of setting up physical puzzles, you use technology to set up the breakout. For example, you can create a web page on a Google Site. The page contains images, text, and hidden hyperlinks that students can use to solve digital puzzles. A Google Form is used to create the digital lock. Then, students run through the scenarios to solve the puzzle. More tips for creating digital breakouts can be found here.

4. Create a Memory Book

Encourage students to reflect on their school year by creating a memory book about all the things they did throughout the year. Brainstorm and discuss the memories from the year with your students. Then ask your students to share their favorite memory. They can record their favorite memories from the year in order to create the book. The book can be printed or consider creating a digital book. You can use a tool like Book Creator.

See Examples in Book Creator

5. Finish the Year with Gratitude

As we come to the end of this school year, take a few moments to say thank you. You could do this by sending gratitude grams to your students, parents, or colleagues. This template created by Dawn Killiany is an example of what she sends to her students. You can also have your students build gratitude towers so they can express what they are thankful for.

As the school year ends, it’s important to unwind, have fun, and reflect on the year. These end-of-the-year activities offer a perfect blend of excitement and creativity. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt, digital breakout, or a virtual field trip, each activity will leave a lasting impression and ensure that you and your students bid farewell to the year with fond memories. So, make this end-of-the-year a truly unforgettable one!

More Ideas to End the Year

Celebrate Pizza Party Day with Three Classroom Activities
Templates for End-of-Year Student Awards
Activities for the End of the School Year
Easy End-of-the-Year Activities

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Content AreasEnd of Year

10 Online Summer Camps Full of Creativity and Fun

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Teachers, do you want parents to keep the learning going over the summer? Send some of this information home with your students or give them the link to this blog post so they can check out online summer camp opportunities to continue the learning this summer. Most are free and some are fee-based. 

1. Camp Save-a-Watt

Online Summer Camp Save-a-Watt

Pedernales Electric Company offers a free online summer camp that includes weekly activities geared toward engaging kindergarteners through third grade students. Camp begins June 5, and you will need to register by June 2. 

2. Badgerdog Creative Writing

Badgerdog offers many in-person workshops for 3rd-12th graders. But they also offer these fun and challenging writing workshops virtually in week-long increments from June to August. The workshops allow students to work with a professional writer in the genres of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and playwriting. These are fee-based. Access to Zoom and Google Drive is required for these virtual camps. 

3. Your Local Library

Check out your local public library. Most public libraries will offer some form of summer program. For example, the City of Austin is offering Austin Completely Booked! for its summer reading program. The requirements are to log ten 10 hours of reading time and complete five activity badges by reading, exploring, and creating in a chosen badge category. Find your local library here.

4. Camp Khan Kids

Khan Academy has a free, self-paced summer learning program for children ages 2-8. The online summer camp guides parents and their children on a playful educational journey using Kahn Academy as a launchpad into hands-on learning. Bonus: If you are seeking more activities, you can also access the 2021 and 2022 Camp Khan content.

5. Code with Google

Code with Google is an all-inclusive resource for educators and parents, offering a wide range of Computer Science materials. It combines Google’s free curriculum and coding programs to foster skill development in students, from beginners to advanced levels, ensuring their success. Teachers can incorporate CS First into their classrooms, direct high school students to the free code learning app Grasshopper for JavaScript education, or inform students about CS scholarship opportunities.

6. 4-H Free Virtual Cooking Camp

Try 4-H for free by joining us for a virtual cooking camp! Youth will learn about kitchen skills, food safety, and nutrition. Participants will have the opportunity to make one recipe each day and learn how to participate in a food cooking challenge competition. The camp meets July 17-21 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. virtually. This camp has no cost to registered participants.

Shopping lists will be provided at least one week prior to the start of camp. 

7. YouTubeKids

YouTube Kids has videos on many different topics and helps your kids discover the world around them, learn something new, or just be entertained. As a parent, you can create a profile for each of your children and handpick videos or block certain videos or channels. 

Topics include:

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Toys and Play
  • Learning and Hobbies
  • Shows and Cartoons
  • Music and Dance

8. Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors offers free Virtual Summer Camps and Classes from June to August for ages 5-18. Topics include Mock Trial, Presidential History, Improv, Art, Creative Writing, Science, Chess, Wellness, Origami, and more. Advance registration is required.

9. Start with a Book

Start with a Book is the perfect resource for creating an engaging Summer Camp experience for your kids. It provides a variety of resources, including books, crafts, and customizable themes. Whatever real-world topics your child is passionate about, such as detectives, explorers, artists, athletes, superheroes, dinosaurs, planes, bugs, birds, animals, and more, you’ll find a summer theme that aligns with their curiosity and interests. Suitable for ages 3 to 12.

10. Jr. NBA at Home

Jr. NBA at Home is an engaging content series within NBA Together that offers interactive basketball skills and drills. It showcases NBA and WNBA players and is designed for young players worldwide to stay active and enhance their game. The activities can be completed individually and require limited space, ensuring a safe and healthy approach to skill development.

Wishing every teacher, parent, and student a summer of sun, smiles, and a smidge of learning.

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End of YearUncategorized

How to Celebrate Every Day of Summer

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

So here we are. It’s mid-May. That means we are on the cusp of a glorious time– summer! I didn’t realize that there is something to celebrate almost each and every day of the year until I read Peggy Reimer’s blog post, “Back to School: A Reason to Celebrate Each Day.” I mean, there’s literally a holiday for everything! In the spirit of taking time to enjoy summer, I thought it would be neat to create summer calendars with various holidays, activities, and celebrations to help with summer planning. With this in mind, I created templates for June and July with ways to treat yourself, celebrate friends, family, and summer, and RELAX. I hope you enjoy these summer suggestions! Feel free to edit the templates with your ideas or download and print as-is.

June 2022 Summer Calendar

June offers a multitude of holidays and special days, both large and small. From National Flip Flop Day and Prince’s birthday to Juneteenth and Hug Holiday– there’s so much worth celebrating. I’m personally excited about National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie day. Next to pecan pie, this is definitely my favorite.

Download the June 2022 Calendar

July 2022 Summer Calendar

As for July, besides Independence Day, there’s everything from World Chocolate Day and National Mac and Cheese day to Pick Blueberries Day and Harry Potter’s birthday. Whip up some homemade Harry Potter Butterbeer and cheers to Summer of 2022!

Download the July 2022 Calendar
Download Editable Templates

You’ll find food, friendship, the great outdoors, and self-care all rolled into two months. I hope you take advantage of some of these suggestions or create your own fun this summer!

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Content CreationEnd of Year

Templates for End of Year Student Awards

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Can you believe it? The end of the school year is upon us. It is the time to start thinking about end-of-the-year rituals and celebrations. One of the celebrations I always looked forward to was the Awards Ceremony. 

The one award that sticks in my memory was the Mighty Mustang award. I worked at a 4th-6th grade campus, and our mascot was the mustang. The Mighty Mustang award was given on teacher discretion. Whether it was an improvement in behavior or classwork, going above and beyond, recognizing a victory, or supporting growth, the Mighty Mustang was an honor for both students and teachers. With all the yard signs I see in my neighborhood, a twist on the Mighty Mustang award might be a lawn sign that could be placed in their yard or even a window. It is a great way to show how awesome students are. 

High chances are the mustang is not your mascot, but this award could easily be tweaked to fit your school and mascot. Here is a couple I thought of:

  • Fearsome Falcon
  • Five Star Shark
  • Golden Eagle
  • Extra Mile Meerkat
  • Rising Star Ranger
  • High Flying Hippo

I thought it might be helpful in your endeavors for certificates to round up a few resources. Check out the assortment of free and fee-based awards you can use for your awards and certificates.

Free Certificate and Award Resources

50 Free Printable Awards for Students

Screenshot by author
  • Grade Levels: Elementary and Middle School
  • Cost: Free
  • Print in color or black/white
  • Website

These 50 awards from We Are Teachers recognize academic and social-emotional skills. You will need to provide your name, title, and school email address to receive the download. Here are some examples of awards they offer:

  • Awesome Attitude
  • Happy Helper
  • Inspiring Writer
  • Super Sharer
  • Brillant Bookworm
  • Marvelous Musician

Free Candy Awards

  • Grade Level: PreK – 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, and  Staff
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

Reagan Tunstall has provided over 30 different candy awards to give out. The certificates are available to print in color or black and white. Check out her blog for more “last week of school” survival resources.  Here are some awards included:

  • Nerds Award – For your intelligence and hard work in all areas!
  • Spree Award – For always finishing work on time and helping to keep others on track!
  • Lifesavers Award – For always lending a hand to help others in class!
  • Three Musketeers Award – For working well with others in all situations!

Printable Award Certificates for Kids

Screenshot by author
  • Grade Level: Elementary
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

Super Teacher Worksheets have both free and paid certificates. These are available to print in color or black/white. Below you will find the free awards that can be used at the end of school year:

  • Kindness Award
  • Responsibility Award
  • Fabulous Behavior
  • Good Helper
  • Super Special Award
  • Funniest Person in the World
  • Kindest Person in the World

Paid Certificate and Award Resources

End of Year Awards

Screenshot by author
  • Grade Levels: 2nd – 7th
  • Cost: $5.00
  • Website

Shelly Rees of Appletastic Learning includes three options for you: printable, editable PowerPoint, and Google Slides. The 100 awards available include:

  • All-Star
  • Kid of Character
  • Most Likely to Make You Smile
  • Wizard of Writing

Editable Student Awards

Screenshot by author
  • Grade Levels: PreK – 3rd (Geared toward 1st Grade)
  • Cost: $7.50
  • Website

Teaching with Haley O’Connor has provided a list of 40 awards. The teacher will need to print these on colorful paper. The editable student awards come in both girl and boy versions. Some of my favorites include:

  • Amazing Listener
  • Great Growth
  • Kindest Heart
  • Master at Math
  • Super Style

40 End of the Year Scientist Awards

Screenshot by author
  • Grade Levels: 1st – 12th, Homeschool
  • Cost: $9.99
  • Website

Kesler Science has produced 40 ready-to-print science awards inspired by a diverse range of famous scientists. People included are: Thomas Edison, Maynard Daly, Mae Jemison, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, etc. Each certificate includes a brief biography and explanation for how the award relates to the recipient. The awards will need to be printed. Teachers will also need to provide their signature and the date. 

60 End of the Year Science Awards

  • Grade Levels: 1st – 12th, Homeschool
  • Cost: $9.99
  • Website

This set is also designed by Kesler Science. The 60 awards are inspired by a wide variety of science concepts. Each certificate includes an explanation for how it relates to the recipient. Below you will find a sampling:

  • The Gravity Award goes to a student who is down to earth. 
  • The Proton Award goes to a student who has a positive outlook. 
  • The Astronaut Award goes to a student whose ideas are out of this world!

If you would like to purchase both the Science and Scientist awards, you can buy the bundle from Kesler Science for $15.99.

Last but not least, don’t forget Amazon and Oriental Trading both have a wide assortment of award certificates for students. And if you are a Canva user, options are available for you. I also like this blog post, 50 Student Award titles to Boost Your Year-End Awards Assembly by Scott Gills.

Do you have awards you love to give out every year? Or a special resource you use? Drop them in the comments to share. Have a great end to the school year!

Featured image: TPT Academic Awards Certificates

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