It is not just me who can feel summer coming. Every Thursday when I arrive in the 8th grade classroom I see a countdown on the board letting everyone who passes through the room know just how many days until graduation. Not only is there a countdown for the number of days, but the number of school days as well. Homework seems like a thing of the past, and grades are starting to slip. "Who cares Ms. S? We already got into high school!" Do not even get me started on the few days where the sun is shining outside. Talking is almost worthless, and the days feel like recess all day long.
Now that the students feel like summer should have already started, and they think the last weeks of school are pointless, what are some tips to keep them focused? I have found that little projects that have to do with them graduating and moving into the future is key. To get the 8th graders to keep writing the teachers have them write thank you notes to their parents, and other special people in their lives. There are still drafts, but because the writing feels relevant, even at the end of the year, so they are still willing to put in an effort to this assignment.
I can feel summer coming on, so the fact that graduating 8th graders (who have been in the same school since kindergarten) are producing work and paying attention most of the time feels amazing.
Summer here we come!
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