Have you been burdened with the task of teaching summer school this year? This can be a frustrating position, especially when you see your colleagues enjoying their summer break. Summer school is an important time for students, but balancing the desire to provide an enriching learning experience with the need to keep things manageable can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. That’s why I’m here to help! In this blog post, I’ve compiled a collection of easy and effective strategies to make teaching summer school a breeze.
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How to Make Teaching Summer School Fun and Enjoyable
These summer school tips are designed for elementary school teachers who want to create a fun and enjoyable learning environment without spending excessive time and energy on preparation. With these low-prep activities and practical ideas, you’ll be able to provide your students with engaging and interactive learning experiences all summer long. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can make teaching summer school both enjoyable and effortless!
Summer School Tip #1 – Set a Positive Tone from the Start
Creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere is crucial in making summer school enjoyable for both you and your students. Begin by organizing a meet-and-greet session on the first day to introduce yourself, get to know your students, and establish a sense of community. Set clear expectations and emphasize the importance of teamwork and mutual respect.
Summer School Tip #2 – Create a Summer Reading Challenge
Make reading a delightful and rewarding experience for your students by organizing a summer reading challenge. Create a list of recommended books or themes for the students to explore. Set reading goals and provide incentives for reaching milestones. Consider hosting book clubs or inviting authors for virtual author visits to enhance the reading experience. Making reading fun and engaging can instill a love for books and promote literacy during the summer break. I also show students that I read for enjoyment whenever I can, as this can help some students gain motivation!
Check out these summer reading challenges that you can easily implement in your summer school program.
Summer School Tip #3 – Incorporate Engaging Activities
Summer school doesn’t have to be all about textbooks and tests. Instead, infuse your lessons with interactive and hands-on activities to keep students engaged and excited about learning. Incorporate group projects, educational games, and outdoor activities whenever possible. Make use of technology tools, educational apps, and online resources to make learning interactive and enjoyable. Plus, online resources are no-prep, which will save you valuable time!
Summer School Tip #4 – Gamify Learning
Infuse game-based elements into your lessons to make them more interactive and enjoyable. Incorporate educational games, quizzes, and puzzles to review and reinforce concepts. Consider using online platforms or educational apps that offer gamified learning experiences. Turning learning into a playful and competitive experience can keep your students engaged and motivated throughout the summer school program.
I also like to turn familiar board games into educational games. For example, you can get students to solve a math problem correctly before rolling the dice in Snakes and Ladders or have students spell a word correctly before guessing in a game of Guess Who!
Looking for more learning games? Check out these educational games that will make learning fun during summer school.
Summer School Tip #5 – Explore Real-World Connections
Take advantage of the summer season to connect your lessons to the real world. Incorporate relevant and relatable topics that students can relate to during their summer break. For example, explore science through nature walks, teach math through cooking or budgeting activities, or incorporate writing exercises that involve summer experiences and adventures.
Try making ice cream or popsicles to help beat the summer heat and get students to learn important math and science concepts at the same time!
Summer School Tip #6 – Create a Positive Classroom Environment
A well-organized and visually appealing classroom can have a significant impact on the overall teaching and learning experience. Try the best you can to decorate your classroom with colorful and inspiring displays, student work, and motivational quotes. Consider using flexible seating arrangements to provide a comfortable and collaborative learning environment. Infuse the space with natural light and bring in elements of nature to create a calming and positive atmosphere. You can get your students to help with this, making it low-prep and less stressful for you as the teacher.
Set up this easy display to help you create a positive classroom environment!
Summer School Tip #7 – Foster Collaboration and Teamwork
Incorporate collaborative projects and group activities into your summer school curriculum. Encourage students to work together, brainstorm ideas, and solve problems as a team. This promotes social interaction and creates a sense of camaraderie and support among the students. Consider assigning roles or rotating leadership responsibilities within groups to develop essential skills like communication and cooperation.
Summer School Tip # 8 – Celebrate Achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate the progress and achievements of your students throughout the summer school program. Implement a reward system or create a “Wall of Fame” to highlight outstanding work. Recognize individual and group accomplishments and encourage students to support and celebrate each other’s successes. This positive reinforcement will motivate students and contribute to a joyful and enjoyable classroom environment.
Try handing out these fun student awards at the end of summer school so your students can leave feeling accomplished!
Summer School Tip #9 – Embrace a Theme
Choose a fun and engaging theme for your summer school program. Whether it’s an exciting adventure, a magical journey, or a sports-themed extravaganza, incorporating a theme can add an extra layer of excitement and make learning more immersive for your students. Decorate your classroom accordingly, and tailor your lessons and activities to fit the theme throughout the program.
I once had students design a theme park! Throughout the summer school weeks, students worked together to build a model theme park, create budgets, calculate area and perimeter, write descriptions, and so much more.
Summer School Tip #10 – Integrate Arts and Crafts
Incorporate art projects and crafts into your lessons to add a creative and enjoyable element. Allow students to express their learning through visual arts, such as drawing, painting, or creating collages. Integrate hands-on activities, such as making models and sculptures or designing posters related to the lessons. These artistic endeavors enhance student engagement and provide opportunities for self-expression and individuality.
Summer School Tip #11 – Take Care of Yourself
Remember, summer school is not only about the studentsβit’s also about you! Take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being. Set boundaries, establish a work-life balance, and make time for self-care. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you and bring you joy outside the classroom. When you’re happy and fulfilled, your energy and enthusiasm will naturally transfer to your students, making the summer school experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Once summer school is over, check out this blog post with 12 fun things for teachers to do in the summer!
Need more summer school teaching ideas? Check out these helpful blog posts about teaching math and reading during summer school!
Teaching summer school can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience when you approach it with the right mindset and implement these easy and effective strategies. By setting a positive tone, incorporating engaging activities, connecting lessons to the real world, creating a positive classroom environment, celebrating achievements, and taking care of yourself, you can make teaching summer school a fun and memorable experience for both you and your students. So, gear up, embrace the sunshine, and get ready for an unforgettable summer of learning and growth!
Remember, you’re making a difference in the lives of your students, even during the summer break. So, have a fantastic summer school experience!
