Cut Out Boredom: Serving Summer School Tea

Summer is here! Students will be attending summer school to catch up to get ahead. No matter which one it is, trying to engage your students can be hard to do when fun in the sun is calling their name. Friends and classmates are going on vacations, summer camps, or day camps. Are you asking yourself, what can you do to make summer school more appealing? Here is how to cut out the boredom of summer school.

1. Theme or Spirit Days

 

Bring summer into your classroom. You can create a single theme for your summer school class, or you can change your theme each week. A theme can involve a vacation destination like the beach or locations like Hawaii or  under the sea. You can bring in themed décor or props to enhance your students’ experience. With a beach theme, you can bring in beach balls, sand pails, or beach towels to sit on. For a spirit day or week, you can ask students to dress for the occasion. One day your students can wear a summer hat or on another day, they can wear sunglasses. You can also give your students work that is related to your theme or spirit day or week. Theme or spirit related activities can include reading literature books, going on virtual field trips, or doing schoolwork related to the theme or spirit day or week. They will have so much fun when you bring summer into the classroom.

2. Fun Fridays

 

The purpose of summer school is for your students to catch up or get ahead, but they will look forward to fun Fridays that give them have a break from the rigorous pace of summer school. Planning fun Fridays, not only give your students something to look forward to each week, but it can keep them coming back for more of Summer School. Fun Fridays, let your students put the work aside and have a little fun. It can include learning something new such as hula lessons, challenging students to a limbo contest, or playing games for entertainment. A fun Friday can provide just the brief brain break your students need to recharge and motivate them to get through summer schools.

3. Hands-On Activities

 

Having hands-on time in the classroom has the power to keep your students’ minds and bodies engaged. Most students love to play so why not give them activities that can help them pass the time while they are learning. Some hands on activities can include your students making sandcastles or sorting seashells. Hands on activities can motivate even the most reluctant summer school learners. 

Final Thoughts


With friends and classmates going on vacations, summer camps, or day camp, there is plenty of things you can do to make summer school more engaging whether your students are trying to catch up or get ahead with summer school bring summer to the classroom. Your students will keep coming back for more. Motivate even the most reluctant learner ready to learn by adding the element of a theme or spirit day or week. While planning fun Fridays or integrating hands on activities can give your students what they need to the finish summer school.


Tips To Try:

You can transform summer school into a dynamic and enjoyable experience that balances academic learning with engaging and enriching activities.

1. Incorporate Fun and Interactive Learning Activities

  • Hands-On Projects: Integrate project-based learning where students can work on hands-on projects that interest them. This can include science experiments, art projects, or building models. These activities make learning more engaging and practical.
  • Educational Games: Use educational games and technology to make learning more interactive. Incorporate quiz games, online learning platforms, or interactive apps that align with the curriculum but feel like play.

2. Mix Academics with Enrichment Activities

  • Field Trips and Outdoor Learning: Plan field trips or outdoor learning experiences that relate to the subjects being taught. Visits to museums, science centers, nature parks, or historical sites can make learning come to life.
  • Guest Speakers and Workshops: Invite guest speakers or organize workshops on various topics like coding, arts and crafts, music, or sports. These sessions can break the routine and provide students with new skills and interests.

3. Create a Positive and Supportive Environment

  • Flexible and Student-Centered Approach: Allow students to have a say in their learning. Let them choose projects or topics they are passionate about, and incorporate their feedback into planning activities. This can increase their investment and enthusiasm for summer school.
  • Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate students’ efforts and achievements regularly. This could be through awards, certificates, or a showcase event where students present their work. Positive reinforcement helps build a supportive and motivating atmosphere.