Activities to Connect and Celebrate at the End of the School Year
Subject
- Civics & Citizenship
- Social Studies
Grade
6–12Language
English — USPublished
Overview
About This Mini-Lesson
We often pause at the end of the school year to celebrate as a school community and reflect on the year. Right now, it is especially important for students to have opportunities to connect and process before heading off for the summer. According to a CDC survey, teenagers are reporting more mental health challenges than in past years. While many teens’ mental health was already suffering before 2020, the disruptions and trauma caused by the pandemic have further eroded many young people’s sense of wellbeing. On a positive note, the survey also found that schools can play a vital supporting role, and that students who feel “a sense of being cared for, supported, and belonging at school” report feeling much more hopeful.
This mini-lesson contains six activities that can help students reflect on the past school year, celebrate their school community, and look ahead to what comes next. Each activity can be used on its own, so choose any combination that will work well for your class.