After an exceptionally long winter and lots of make-up days due to freezing temperatures, the kids are finally out of school and on to their summer fun.
Prior to leaving the school building for a long awaited vacation, there were many exciting activities going on inside the school walls as the year came to an end. Having worked hard all year, it was finally time for them to celebrate.
You will see from the activities listed below, the children were busy. They were involved in the end-of-the year parties, field trips, state-wide competitions for the athletes, and band performances just to mention a few.
There were ceremonies held for all ages for the purpose of congratulating them for a job done well.
Kindergarten Graduations: This ceremony has turned into a grand event for the little people. Caps and gowns are the norm in some school districts along with helium balloons, bouquets of flowers, pictures and a big dinner afterwards for the extended family and friends.
Fifth Grade Completion Ceremony: This event is held to recognize those indivuals who attended a school that housed only students in grades one through five . They were recognized for their hard work and dedication with certificates, plaques and trophies. This Fall, they will transfer to a nearby middle school , sometimes referred to as Junior High . They are most often located inside a local high school building. “The sixth graders are on their way to the big building with the big people”.
Award Assemblies and Banquets: These ceremonies consist of presentations made to the students in the form of certificates, plaques and trophies for such accomplishments as Perfect Attendance, Honor Roll, High Academic Achievement, Most Improved Student, High Test Scores, and Oustanding Athletic Ability just to name a few.
The High School Luncheon: This is often the first event of celebration for the graduates. This is their opportunity to invite their families to dine with them, and meet their fellow members of the graduating class. At this event, they receive accolades for their hard work as they listen to the principal and staff say nice things about them and their accomplishments .
The High School Prom: This is the Red Carpet event for the graduates, or should I say Fashions on Parade. This appear to be one one of the most anticipated events of the school year. It’s a time to dress up, shine, enjoy the festivities and enjoy their friends before moving on toward the bright futures that await them.
High School and College Graduation Exercises: This is the grand finale for the graduates. This is the long awaited moment where the diplomas are awarded, and the degrees are conferred after a spirited and motivational speech is delivered by a person of influence. The tassels are turned, and the graduates are off to conquer the world.
As you can see, the students were busy. The teachers were busy too. In addition to coordinating, facilitating and supervising the above activities, they were also checking attendance records, administering test, evaluating class projects, and compiling grades to assess the overall growth, or lack there of, for the school year.
Other than being super excited about getting out of school, two of the most anticipated moments for the kids at the end of the school year were (1) waiting to see if they would be promoted to the next grade and (2) waiting to see who their new teacher would be for the upcoming year. This is a really big deal for the kids each year and some of the parents as well. Especially at the primary and middle school level.
Now that school is out, where are the kids?
Some of the children are traveling with their famalies to popular vacation spots, family reunions. Some are off to summer speciality camps, day camps, summer school programs, and some have summer jobs. Some of the children are hanging out at home catching up on their video games, movies, and at the neighborhood splash pad or area pool.
Now that they’re on vacation, may I suggest that you keep their minds stimulated. Learning is continuous. The goal is to keep their minds sharp so they won’t lose the mastered skills from the previous grade.
” The world at large is a giagantic classroom,” There are so many things to learn as the children interact with their families and friends this summer. Utalize the time you spend with them as they travel to the grocery store. This is a great opportunity for them to read food labels, compare brands and prices, read billboards while riding in the vehicle, play lincense plate games, make selections from the menu at restaurants and pack the picnic basket which helps with their organizational skills.
Ask questions and focus on answers that require them to think before responding. They can enjoy their vacation, and have fun in the sun while increasing their knowledge at the same time.
Have a safe and fun summer kids!!!
What fun yet educational thing can to add to this list? Please share your ideas in the comment section below.
To learn more educational or fun tips for the kids go to www.helpingkidslearn.org.
Email me with your questions or to schedule a consultation at Ruby@rubyfreeman2.com
Have a great Summer,
Ruby Freeman
Wishing you much success,
Ruby Freeman, Academic Coach / Founder of HelpingKidsLearn.org / Ruby@HelpingKidsLearn.org
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