The End Is Near...

 I realize that I have not posted anything since Easter!  It seems as though this year flew by...so I thought I would show you how I am ending my year in my classroom.

These are our lift a flap bodies.  My final unit for science was Human Organ Systems and we used the OERB (Ontario Education Resource Bank) as an online, interactive way to learn about how our bodies work (see some examples of hands-on activities from the OERB below).  We also created these life sized bodies after reading about each of the organ systems.  The students took notes about each organ/system and then coloured the liftable flaps to match. The final step was assembling the completed bodies.  I think they turned out really well.  Like in real life, each body is different.

This is a finished "bionic arm" from the OERB unit on Human Organ Systems.  The students really learned in a hands on way, how the muscles and tendons work together to make the arm function.

 One of the first hands on creations was the "neuron lab" from the OERB.  The students were able to demonstrate their understanding of how the neurons are created by making their own models.

As graduation is fast approaching, the students created these fantastic "pop-art" inspired pieces which will be used as decorations for the music room where we are holding the reception for family and friends.  Hanging 50 of these will be a challenge, but they will make an outstanding exhibit of student work!

These stars and silhouettes will be hung on the wall behind our stage.  They brighten up the gymnasium and make graduation a more personal event for each student.  The students look forward to taking home the silhouettes after graduation is over. 

I like to give each student a personalized gift. This year I chose a framed poem.  I hope that my students cherish this gift as they continue on into middle school next year.

I also grabbed these lanyards at the local Dollar Tree.  I know a lot of the kids will be taking the bus or walking to school by themselves for the first time (bye bye school bus!), so I thought a lanyard would be helpful for their keys.

On Friday when my students cleaned out their desks and took home their student planners for the last time, I sent this letter home to their parents as well.  It has been a pleasure teaching this class and I will miss them all!

I know soon enough I will be in back to school mode, but for now, I need to finish out this week! What do you do for your classes at the end of the year?  Share your great ideas in the comments.