Back to School Activities for Older Students

Back to school season is here! As we savor those final moments of summer vacation, it's hard not to start thinking about how we'll welcome our students back. With so many ideas swirling around, it's exciting to plan back to school activities that not only engage our students but also set the tone for a successful year ahead. Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite back to school activities that are perfect for older students and sure to make a positive impact!

Importance of Back to School Activities in Middle and High School

When it comes to back to school activities, we often think of them as something just for the younger kids. I’m here to tell you that they’re just as important for our older students in middle and high school. At this age, our students are navigating so much from new classes, different teachers, and all the social dynamics that come with being a teen. Back to school activities provide a way to ease them into the school year, helping to break the ice, build connections, and set the tone for a positive classroom environment.

Even though they might not show it, our older students appreciate a chance to reconnect with friends, meet new classmates, and establish routines in a way that’s low-pressure and fun. These activities help them feel more comfortable and confident as they dive into the more serious academic work ahead. Plus, it’s a great way for us as teachers to get a glimpse into their personalities, learning styles, and group dynamics. So, don’t underestimate the power of back to school activities. They’re essential for getting our older students off to a great start!

Back to School Activities to Learn About Your Students

Now that we've talked about why back to school activities are so important for our older students, let's explore some activities that help us get to know them better. These activities are fun while also giving us a chance to learn about our students' interests, strengths, and even their hopes for the school year. 

About Me Student Survey

One of my favorite back to school activities to kick off the year is my free About Me student survey. It's such a simple yet powerful tool to get to know my students on a deeper level right from the start. This survey asks questions that really tap into their personalities, interests, and even their quirks—like what song on their playlist best represents who they are or what their motto is.

When I hand out this survey, I tell my students that it’s their chance to share what makes them unique in a way that’s not tied to academics or the usual classroom expectations. I’ve found that my older students appreciate having a voice in the classroom from day one. Plus, their answers often spark some great conversations, helping to build a sense of community among the class.

For example, when a student shares their superpower or the historical figures they’d invite to dinner, it gives me insight into their thinking. It also creates opportunities for connections with their peers who might share similar interests. This back to school activity sets the tone for an inclusive and engaging classroom environment where each of my students feels seen and valued.

Make sure to check out the free, Digital About Me student survey as well if you'd like your students to complete it on the computer or another device! 

Back to School Social Media Activity

Another fantastic back to school activity I love using is the Social Media project. My students create a Pinterest board that represents their life. This activity is always a hit because it taps into something they’re already familiar with, which is social media. Then it also gives them a creative outlet to express themselves.

I start by explaining that they’ll be designing a series of “pins” that showcase who they are, what they value, and what makes them unique. Whether it’s a hobby, a favorite memory, or a future goal, I encourage them to draw or write about things that are meaningful to them. I always reassure my students that they’re not being graded on artistic ability! It’s all about the thought and effort they put into representing their lives.

This back to school activity allows our students to share a bit of their personality. It also gives us a window into their world. It’s amazing to see the variety of pins they come up with and how each one is a little glimpse into what drives them. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter and helps build a classroom community where everyone’s voice is heard and appreciated. By the end of the activity, I’ve learned so much about my students, and they’ve had a chance to connect with each other in a meaningful way.

Back to School Activities for Bell Ringers

One of my go-to strategies for getting my students on task as soon as they walk into the classroom is using On This Day bell ringers. These quick, engaging activities are a fantastic way to kick off the class by getting students thinking and focused right from the start. Having these in our routine at the start of class helps my students know what to expect and what they need to be doing when they arrive at class. It helps them shift their mindset as well!

As students file into the room, I project the slide with the day's date and historical events. They know the routine once we go through it a couple of times at the start of the year. They immediately grab their student handout and start jotting down their responses. The questions are designed to be thought-provoking but accessible so everyone can participate without feeling overwhelmed.

Once everyone has had a chance to write down their answers, I like to take a few minutes to discuss the events with the class. This is where the magic happens! Students share their thoughts, ask questions, and even make connections to things they’ve learned in other classes or from their own lives. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and set the tone for the day’s lesson.

These bell ringers help our students transition into learning mode. They also provide a perfect opportunity for some quick historical discussions that are both informative and fun. By the time we’re done, everyone is settled and ready to dive into the day’s main lesson.

Back to School Activities to Review Skills

As we ease back into the swing of things after summer vacation, it’s the perfect time to refresh our minds and brush up on some key history skills. We all know how easy it is to get a little rusty over the break, so I make sure to include review activities that will help my students jump back into the groove. These activities are designed to revisit important concepts and provide tools for the year! It's the perfect foundation for the year ahead.

Countries and Capitals of the World Map Activities

If your students need to brush up on the locations of countries and their capitals, I’ve found that using maps in a variety of ways keeps things fresh and effective. I like to start by putting a blank map up on the SmartBoard or projector. We work together as a class to fill it out, which helps my students get comfortable with the material. Plus, it gives them a chance to ask questions as we go. This interactive approach makes it easy for everyone to stay engaged and ensures that no one falls behind.

For my students who need a bit more practice, I use the animated slideshow that walks them through all the locations. It’s a lifesaver, especially if you don’t have textbooks or internet access handy. The slideshow is designed to be straightforward, which makes it a breeze for students to follow along and complete their maps accurately.

I also love giving them the coloring page version of the map. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to reinforce their knowledge of geography. It also gives them a chance to get a little creative while still learning the important stuff.

No matter which version we’re using, the key is to keep the activity varied and interactive. By mixing things up, our students stay engaged and are more likely to remember what they’ve learned. This makes this particular back to school activity both educational and enjoyable!

World Map Activity

My world map review activities are very similar to the country and capital resources I use. Both provide multiple ways for our students to engage with geography. Whether it's through working together on the SmartBoard, using an animated slideshow, or getting creative with a coloring page, I know my students are reviewing important skills. These map activities are designed to be flexible and accessible, which makes them perfect for meeting the needs of all learners.

The best part is that this world map review makes for great back to school activities! They’re a fantastic way to ease our students back into learning after the summer break. They help them refresh their knowledge while having some fun. By the time we’re done, everyone’s ready to dive deeper into our history lessons with a strong foundation in geography.

Telling Time in History Doodle Notes

One of the back to school activities I love using in my classroom is my Telling Time in History Doodle Notes or coloring sheets. They’re a great way to keep my students engaged. They also help reinforce the material we’re covering in a fun and interactive way.

I often start by projecting the PowerPoint that aligns with the doodle notes so all of my students can see the slides. As I go over the information, my students can either fill in the blanks or simply color and doodle on the page. This dual approach helps cater to different learning styles. Some of my students prefer to listen and doodle, while others actively take notes.

For those who enjoy a more structured approach, I provide the fill-in-the-blanks version. This version guides my students through the key points we’re covering. On the other hand, if they’re more visual learners or just need a creative break, they can focus on the coloring aspects while still absorbing the content.

The colored versions of these notes make for purposeful classroom displays. Once completed, they brighten up the room and serve as visual reminders of the topics we’ve covered. This activity is incredibly effective for helping our students connect with the material.

Back to School Activities to Teach Primary and Secondary Sources

Understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources is a critical skill for our students. There are so many creative approaches we can take to make this concept stick. So, let’s explore a couple of favorite resources for teaching this skill!

Reading Primary and Secondary Doodle Notes and Station Activities

A favorite way of mine to help students become familiar with primary and secondary sources is through the interactive learning stations in my Reading Primary and Secondary Sources resource. This setup of stations makes the daunting task of analyzing primary and secondary sources much more approachable and fun. They also help students build essential skills in a way that’s both structured and creative.

I set up five different stations around the room so groups can spread out. Each focuses on a unique aspect of primary and secondary sources. For example, at one station, students might be coloring in the Republican and Democratic symbols while identifying whether the images are primary or secondary sources. At another station, they might be sorting cards to decide which items are primary sources and which are secondary.

What I love about this setup is the variety it offers. My students get to engage with the material in different ways. One group may be reading a famous speech like FDR’s “Day of Infamy,” while another group uses clues in a document to draw their own conclusions. The stations are designed to take about 10-15 minutes each, so we usually have time to rotate through all of them in one class period.

For early finishers, I always have the option to color and decorate their doodle notes. This keeps them occupied but also reinforces what they’ve learned. If I want to extend the activity, I can spread out the stations over several days, giving my students more time to dive deeper into each topic.

Primary Source Analysis Doodle Notes

Another great resource for helping students get comfortable with primary sources is my Doodle Primary Source Analysis Guides. They’re such versatile tools for helping my students analyze various types of primary sources. We cover art, speeches, songs, letters, photographs, and political cartoons.

When we’re tackling a new primary source, I hand out the doodle guides and let my students work through the prompts as we explore the material together. The guides break down the analysis process into manageable steps This makes it easier for my students to engage with the content and think critically about what they’re studying.

For example, when we’re analyzing a political cartoon, the guide might prompt us to look at specific symbols. We might need to consider the artist’s message and reflect on the historical context. As students doodle and write their responses, they’re not just passively reading. They’re now actively interacting with the source in a way that makes the information stick.

The best part is that these guides are so adaptable. Whether we’re analyzing a famous speech or a piece of art, the structure of the doodle notes helps keep my students focused and engaged. Plus, the creative aspect of doodling makes the learning process more enjoyable, which is always a win in my book!

Additional Resources to Explore

Let’s take a look at some additional resources that can further enrich our lessons. I’m always on the lookout for new tools and strategies to keep my students engaged and excited about learning, so I can’t wait to share a few more of my favorites with you. Make sure to take some time to explore the posts below!

• The Power of Primary Source Letters in History Class
  
• Using Primary Source Photos in the Secondary History Classroom
  

Start Your Year On a Positive Note With Back to School Activities

As we gear up for another exciting school year, I hope these back to school activities have sparked some ideas for how you can create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment right from day one. Whether it's getting to know our students through creative surveys, refreshing their geography skills with fun map activities, or diving into primary source analysis with Doodle Notes, these strategies are all about setting the stage for a successful year ahead. Remember, the key is to keep things interactive, enjoyable, and meaningful. When our students are engaged, they’re ready to learn. Here’s to a fantastic year filled with curiosity, growth, and plenty of memorable moments in the classroom!

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How to Teach the Election Process to Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers

Teaching about presidential elections can definitely feel overwhelming. With so many components and steps, it's easy for students to feel lost or uninterested. I totally get it because I know sometimes the topic can seem pretty dry. Since the election process is crucial to our rights as citizens, I work to make learning about the process as engaging and approachable as possible. Today, I'm sharing some of the resources I use with my students to bring the election process to life!

Teaching the Election Process Benefits Our Students

Understanding the election process is super important for our students because it empowers them as future citizens. When they grasp how elections work, they're more likely to participate actively in their communities and make informed decisions. They'll have confidence when they become voters because they'll know how their vote contributes to the final outcome. 

In our students' minds, learning about elections is all about memorizing dates and facts. From our end, we are helping them understand their role in our democracy. By being aware of the election process, we are helping them appreciate the value of their vote and the impact it can have on their lives and society. 

Teaching our students about the election process also strengthens their critical thinking skills and encourages them to explore different perspectives. They will learn about the importance of looking at everything all the candidates stand for and could do. Then, they think about what matters most to them. Based on all that information, make informed choices. 

While it might seem like a complex and dry topic at first, teaching the election process is really about equipping our students. When we take time to explain the process, we are helping them grow the skills they need to be empowered, engaged, and informed citizens. Who knows? Maybe we're even inspiring some future leaders along the way!

Resources to Teach the Election Process

Let's look at the resources I use to make learning the election process engaging and accessible for my students. With the right tools, even the most complex aspects of elections can become interactive and enjoyable learning experiences. 

Will You Be Elected President: An Election Simulation Game

One of my go-to resources is my Will You Be Elected President simulation game which takes my students through the election process with them in the role of a candidate to become president! This is a digital game that I have my students work through individually so that they are the ones making the choices and they see how those choices play out. It's very interactive and brings excitement to my students' learning!

I assign the game digitally so that each of my students receives their own copy. Once they have it open on their devices, they click on Slideshow, and the fun begins! Your students follow the on-screen directions and choose their path. Their decisions will take them on different journeys, so they can play this game several times to see different outcomes. 

While journeying through the game, your students encounter scenarios where they must choose a response. Some choices result in "Good News," while others lead to "Bad News." The answers are not obviously right or wrong, so this helps to keep them thinking critically and not randomly clicking. If they get a "Bad News," they can recover by answering another question. The game does a great job of helping them learn more bout the election process and the Executive Branch while reinforcing prior knowledge and introducing new content. 

After the game, I have a class discussion about what they learned. We chat about what surprised them and review any questions they may have. Then, I pass out the exit tickets for them to complete. This is a great way to reinforce the material and hear more individually how students feel and understand. 

Propaganda and the Election Process

Teaching our students to analyze propaganda during election years is important for developing their critical thinking skills. One resource I use is my Propaganda in Politics resource. It breaks down the different types of propaganda that are used during campaigns and election seasons. 

I start by passing out the handout explaining the different types of propaganda to introduce the overall topic. It provides clear definitions and examples to set a solid foundation for my students. I usually begin by discussing these with my class to ensure that they all have a basic understanding. 

Then, we start applying the definitions and examples by analyzing regular commercials. Analyzing everyday commercials is a fantastic way to ease our students into the concept of propaganda because they can relate it to something familiar. Once we are comfortable with that format, we move on to political ads. They look for the intended audience of the ad, where the political ad was located, and the different types of propaganda it used. 

The next activity we do focuses on political speeches. During the election process, speeches are frequently given by candidates. This activity has students listen to a political speech and answer questions about who gave it, the location, the purpose of the speech, and the types of propaganda that were used. A similar activity focuses on the debates between candidates, where they keep track of the different types of propaganda that both candidates used during the debate. 

Once we work through these activities, I like to wrap up with a class discussion to share and reflect on their experiences. Many are surprised by what they learned and how passionate speeches and debates can become. I love the moments when classmates point out something that others missed, and then they discuss it!

Political System and Election Process PowerPoint and Guided Notes

To understand the different parts of the election process, we go through a Political System and Election Process slideshow and guided notes that start with the basics and go until the end of the process. We begin with the political parties and chat about how they started, compare Republicans and Democrats, and examine third parties. 

When it comes to voting, the notes guide us through the expansion of suffrage, how to register to vote, and the differences between primary and general elections. We also talk about how the voting landscape is changing and will continue to change. The Electoral College, which is tricky, is explained in a way that's super easy to grasp. 

We also explore what shapes public opinion and dive into the world of propaganda, which is a good way to introduce the topic. The notes also cover interest groups and their influence on government and public opinion. I did this to make it clear how these groups operate and impact policymaking. 

I also included a section encouraging our students to take an active role in the government. We look at practice steps for getting involved in political campaigns, contacting public officials, and participating in community activities. We can empower them to see themselves as active participants in and out of the classroom for change. 

Doodle Notes for the Election Process

Growing up, note-taking wasn't my favorite thing. As a teacher, I know it's not a favorite of many of our students. Doodle pages are a fun take on traditional note-taking. Our students write down the key points while adding doodles and colors to help them retain the information!

Electoral College

To teach the Electoral College, I use my Electoral College doodle notes. These notes make learning interactive and fun while helping my students easily understand an intricate concept. 

I make sure each of my students receives a copy, whether it be fill-in-the-blank or completely blank. As we go through the materials, we fill out our notes. We talk about how the Founding Fathers created the Electoral College as a safeguard. We also discuss how electors are chosen to formally elect the President and Vice President. 

Once we finish our notes, I give them time to color and doodle on their notes. This helps to reinforce the material in a memorable way.  By doing this, we can go back through and review key points like how states allocate their electors and the importance of the popular vote versus the electoral votes. 

How to Become a President 

Over the years, quite a few students have always been surprised by how much goes into the road a presidential candidate has to go through to hopefully become president. I use my How to Become President doodle notes to clearly map out this road and explain each mile marker. 

I pass out the notes to my students, making sure to differentiate between blank and fill-in-the-blank versions. As we go through the interactive slideshow, we fill out our notes along the way! We cover how candidates announce their intention to run for President and the symbols of the two parties. I explain how candidates are narrowed down in primary elections. The notes go into how National Conventions are where delegates from each state vote based on the primary election results and the formal nomination of Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates. 

As we move towards the general election, the doodle notes and slideshow help illustrate how candidates campaign across the country, engage in debates, and use various media to reach voters. The notes also guide a discussion on the importance of voting by secret ballot and how the Electoral College ultimately decides the winner. I included videos in the slideshow to help communicate and showcase information in a different format as well. 

Political Parties

The next set of doodle notes I use in my classroom covers all my students need to know about Political Parties. Once my students are situated with their copy of the doodle notes, we dive into learning the basics of political parties. 

We look at what influences someone to join a particular party, the structure and organization of the parties, and the difference between Republicans, Democrats, and third parties. The notes do a great job helping to develop their understanding of how political parties function and their role in the election process. 

From there, we explore how the parties are organized into committees, the role of the National Committee, and how the parties get their funding. The notes introduce students to the Political Action Committees and Super PACS and explain their importance to political financing. I build on these notes with the videos in the slideshow that provide real-world examples and additional explanations! 

Electoral College Map Activities

Next on my list of resources for the election process is the Electoral College Map Activities. We first look at the map of the 2012 presidential election. I have my students complete a map illustrating the Electoral College breakdown between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. This visual activity helps them understand how the electoral votes are distributed. We then discuss the trends we see on the map. 

Then we move to the 2016 election, where students will complete the same activity, but this time, it will be between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. This time, we might talk about how the New England states did not vote as a solid block for Clinton and how the South was solidly Trump. We also talk about split electoral votes in states like Maine and Nebraska and the role of faithless electors in the election. 

For a more recent perspective, we examine the 2020 election. We complete another Electoral College map to show the breakdown between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. We look at interesting trends, such as Binden winning Georgia and Virginia while Trump once again secured the majority of southern states. 

During an election year, we take this learning a step further. We would use what we learned about the trends of previous elections to make a prediction about a future election. I like to encourage my students to predict the Electoral College outcome based on the previous elections. They answer questions and create their own scenarios for the election. This helps them to see the complexities and possibilities within the electoral process. 

I also love to use this map on election day.  Students go home with the map and mark the states based on the election results.  Then in class, we predict the winner based on the electoral votes.

The Political System and Elections Review Game

When learning about political systems and the election process, there is a lot of information to cover. So I liked to find fun ways to review it all. The Political System and Elections review game is perfect before a big test! Throughout the game, students review important information about the election process. The competitive element keeps them engaged and motivated to participate! 

To start, I divide my students into groups. Depending on the setup, I either give each group a computer to play the game or project the game onto a screen. If I do it the second way, I divide the class into four teams. 

When we play the game, teams take turns choosing a question by clicking on a number on the board. As the teacher, I act as the judge to determine if their answers are correct. If a team answers correctly, they get to roll the dice by tapping on it to start and stop the roll. Then, they move their game piece to the appropriate number of spaces by tapping on it. 

Some numbers on the board might not reveal questions but instead, offer free rolls or cause the team to lose a turn, adding an element of surprise and strategy to the game. We continue playing until all questions are answered or someone reaches the finish square. If all questions are answered before reaching the finish, the time furthest along wins!

Becoming President and Electoral College Review Game

My students love this Becoming President and Electoral College review game! It's another great review game for the election process. Students are engaged, working as a team, and enjoying their learning! 

I divide the students into groups but different groupings than the previous game. When we begin to play, I have teams take turns choosing a question from the tumbling tower in the slideshow by clicking on a numbered block. I act as the judge to determine if their answers deserve full, partial, or no credit. Incorrect answers receive no points unless I decide partial credit is due, while correct answers earn full points. 

To keep track of the scores, we simply tap the numbers under the team names. If we accidentally tap too many times, we just keep tapping until the correct number comes back around. There's an exciting twist with a mystery block that can cause the tower to tumble, which makes the team lose all their points. Their reactions are pretty entertaining. We continue playing until all questions are answered. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins!

Make Teaching the Election Process Easy and Fun

Teaching the election process doesn't have to be daunting or boring. With the right resources, you can make learning about elections engaging, interactive, and fun for our students and ourselves! From simulation and doodle notes to review games and map activities, there are plenty of ways to bring this important topic to life. By doing so, we're helping our students understand the mechanics of elections and empowering them to be informed and active participants in our democracy. I hope these resources inspire you as much as they have inspired me and that they bring a new level of excitement to your classroom. Here's to shaping the informed voters and leaders of tomorrow!

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Remember to save this post to your favorite social studies Pinterest board to start planning out your election process lessons! 

Presidential Election Game: Do You Have What It Takes to Be President?

Becoming the President of the United States is not quite as easy as just being on the ballot in November. There are multiple stages and steps to the process. Helping our students understand this process also gives them some insight into the democratic process and politics in general. But how exactly do teach all the ins and outs of becoming the President? I have just the thing! I'm so excited to share with you a new digital resource that I have made to help you and your students. Let's explore what the Presidential Election Simulation Game has to offer! Whether you are teaching a government unit or diving into the election process during an election year, this game is going to put your students right in the middle of the action.

Benefits of Gamifying Learning

When it comes to gamifying learning, there are several benefits, especially for our middle and high schoolers. Students are full of curiosity but often need a little extra motivation to stay engaged. That's where gamifying learning comes in, and trust me, it can make a world of difference! 

Gamification simply makes learning fun. When our students are having fun, they're more likely to stay focused and retain information. Games naturally encourage participation, which means students are more engaged and active in their learning process. This is particularly beneficial for secondary students who are at an age where keeping attention is challenging. 

Games also provide immediate feedback. In a traditional classroom activity, students might have to wait days to find out how they did on an assignment. With a game, they get instant feedback on their choices and actions, which helps them learn and adjust. This immediate reinforcement is essential for developing a deeper understanding of the material. 

It also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. Games often present scenarios that require them to think strategically and make decisions based on the information they have. This kind of active learning helps develop important skills that our students can take beyond the classroom. 

Gamifying the Presidential Election Process 

What if you could reap all the benefits of gamified learning while teaching your students the ins and outs of the presidential election process? Well, now you can! With this Presidential Election Simulation Game, your students have the chance to explore the election process while making decisions just like real candidates. They learn about the campaigning, debates, and the Electoral College, all while having fun! The game adapts to their choices and offers different outcomes to keep them exploring different experiences. 

As they play, they'll see the inner workings of the presidential election. While doing so, they can build on their decision-making and critical thinking skills. Since it's so interactive, it's going to also grab their attention and create buy-in to focus on the task. 

What is the Presidential Election Process?

Before diving into the game, let's take a look at exactly what the presidential election process involves! Many of my students are surprised when they learn that it's more than just showing up to vote on Election Day. The journey to becoming President starts long before that. 

First, potential candidates announce their intention to run. This is usually accompanied by lots of debates. They are trying to win over voters during the primaries and caucuses. These are essentially mini-elections held in each state to determine which candidates will represent their political parties. 

Once the primaries and caucuses wrap up, each party holds a national convention. This is where the official nominees for President and Vice President are selected. It's also a time for the parties to rally their supporters and lay out what they stand for. 

After the conventions, the real race begins! The nominees campaign across the country, sharing their visions and plans. They are hoping to win the support of as many voters as possible. It's a whirlwind of rallies, advertisements, and debates. 

Then comes Election Day, which is always the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This is when citizens cast their votes. The winner isn't decided by the popular vote alone. The Electoral College comes into play. Each state has a certain number of electors based on its representatives in Congress. In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote gets all the state's electoral votes. 

To win the presidency, a candidate needs a majority of the 538 electoral votes available, which means at least 270. If no one reaches his number, the House of Representatives decides the outcomes. 

And that, in a nutshell, is how we elect the President! It's a fascinating process with lots of different moving parts. I love helping my students understand it all through a simulation game. It puts them in the race and really brings the whole experience to life!  

Presidential Election Simulation Explained

Behind the Scenes of the Presidential Election Resource

Every four years, we elect a President. For our students who are not voting age, voting in a presidential election seems far in the future. Many don't see the need to know about the process when they don't even get to participate. This is a great learning opportunity for the lesson of being responsible and informed citizens!

On the flip side, let's be honest, it's not the most exciting concept, whether we are the ones teaching it or the ones trying to learn it. This game helps make it more fun as it puts students in the front seat of the election process. They get to have the chance to run for President and make decisions that will determine whether they win or lose the election. 

Along this digital journey, they'll learn step-by-step about the election process. The best part? It's okay if they don't have any prior knowledge to play the game. The slides guide them through the entire process! It's also a great resource for reinforcing content if your students are already feeling like experts on the process! Once they get to the end, they'll find out if they won the election or came up short. To wrap it all up, each of them will fill out an exit ticket to reflect on what they've learned! 

How the Presidential Election Game Works

The beauty of this game is that it's entirely self-contained, so you and your students don't have to worry about juggling multiple resources or flipping between multiple tabs. Your students will have the chance to take part in decision-based learning as they navigate through the slides as they travel through the presidential election process. 

The game comes in PowerPoint and Google Slides formats with over 300 slides. There are multiple paths, so your students can play on repeat. 

Each time they play, they'll experience something different. As they interact with each slide, they'll absorb information from the questions they encounter that reinforce what they know or explain new concepts. It's a fun and interactive way to make the presidential election process approachable! 

Time to Play the Presidential Election Game!

The Will You Be Elected President: Presidential Election Simulation Game is a game-changer for teaching the election process. By turning this complex topic into a fun and interactive experience, we make learning accessible and engaging for our students. This game helps them understand the ins and outs of elections while boosting their decision-making skills. I'm so excited to bring this resource to you and your students. So, I ask, do you have what it takes to be President? 

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Remember to save this post to your favorite Pinterest board for when you are planning your lessons for the presidential election process!

Memorable End of Year Activities for Middle & High School Students

As the end of the school year approaches, it's a whirlwind of emotions for both students and teachers. We're all eagerly anticipating the upcoming summer break, counting down the days until we can kick back and relax. Amidst the excitement, there's a tinge of bittersweetness, especially for teachers. 

As you glance around the classroom during these last few weeks, you'll likely feel a surge of pride seeing your students working, chatting with their friends, or sharing a moment of laughter together as a class. It's incredible to witness how much they've grown since the beginning of the year. I know sometimes it can feel like we are spinning wheels when we are in the thick of it, but these moments make me realize just how far they've come. 

Nine months may seem like a short time, but within the school year, so much can happen. That's why it's essential to pause and reflect on all the achievements, big and small, that our students have accomplished. Today, I'm sharing a few ways I celebrate the end of the year with my students to make these final days memorable! 

End of Year Celebrations Positively Impact Our Students

End of year activities to celebrate our students are so impactful! They're a fantastic way to acknowledge all the hard work and growth they have achieved throughout the year. We acknowledge these milestones throughout, but having a celebration at the end helps them see all they have accomplished. Each year, so many of my students start to remember important moments they had when we take time to look back. It's fun to see their eyes light up, and a smile start to break through on their faces when they realize how they have grown! 

 In a way, these celebrations create a sense of closure and excitement as we wrap up the year together. It's a chance to look back on all the fun memories we've made and the challenges we've overcome as a class. By marking the end of the year with special activities, we're reinforcing a positive and supportive classroom environment. 

Not to mention, these festivities help build lasting connections between us and our students and between students themselves. It becomes a time to show appreciation for each other. On top of it all, we are continuing to strengthen our sense of community before heading off for summer break. This is even more beneficial if we are in a grade level that leads into a transition time, like 8th grade into high school and high school into college. 

End of Year Ideas with Your Students

I have some end of year ideas to help you wrap up your school year with your students! These activities have brought great joy, some laughter, and a bit of reflection to my students each year I have done them. Here are a few ideas to make the last days with your students extra special! 

Yearbook Signing

There is nothing more end of the year than signing yearbooks. If you do not do a school-wide signing, then making time for this activity in your classroom is a must. 

Even if they act like they're too cool, they love the chance to reminisce with one another. A picture might strike up a funny story that everyone pauses to listen to. A project that was forgotten about may remind them how much they've learned. 

Once they have had time to flip through and tell all the iconic stories, I give them time to sign each other's yearbooks. I have markers on hand for them to use as they sign and write messages. My rule is that they sign everyone with a positive message. Everyone may not be best friends, but they can still support each other and wish them a fun summer! 

If you happen to be at a school that doesn't pass out yearbooks until the start of the new school year, you can still experience the same type of reminiscing. Making a slideshow of pictures that highlight your class or the school year is a great alternate activity. They still get to tell the stories and remember moments from the year.

Get Outdoors

As we inch closer to the last day of school, my students are practically bouncing off the walls. Who can blame them, though? The weather's warm, the sun's shining, and even I can't resist the urge to get outside and soak it all in. So, I make sure to plan a special day where we can ditch the classroom and head outdoors for some fun and games. 

My students have their favorites, like kickball, capture the flag, and frisbee, so those are always on the agenda. I don't stand on the sidelines the whole time. I jump right into the action with them! We run, we laugh, and we make memories. 

If you can do an outdoor event that is longer than one class period or with the entire grade level, consider a faculty vs. students kickball game. It's a riot! The kids love it, and whenever they come back to visit us, it's one of the first things they mention. It's a chance for all of us to let loose, be a little silly, and bond over some friendly competition. 

Minute-to-Win-It Challenges

Minute-to-Win-It games get everyone out of their seats and participating! I love them for that reason but also for their simplicity. We can have a lot of fun together in just a few minutes using these short but interactive games!

Games include stacking cups at lightning speed and trying not to crack up while fellow classmates try to nudge a cookie down their faces into their mouths without using their hands, or a blindfolded jockey challenge. 

We definitely laugh as classmates try to shake out ping-pong balls from empty Kleenex boxes tied around their waists! These games are quick and wacky and guaranteed to have the whole class bonding and laughing. 

End of Year Gratitude Graffiti Wall

This one is one of my favorite end of the year activities we do. I usually hang a large piece of bulletin board paper up on a wall in my room. I'll eventually place it in the hallway if there is a good spot! On this graffiti wall, my kiddos have a chance to write out messages showing gratitude towards a teacher, classmate, or situation during the year. 

We start by brainstorming together to get the ideas going. Once we have thought of a handful, I give them some time on their own to think of other people and events they'd like to show gratitude to. Then, they are free to go up to the wall to write or draw their messages of gratitude. 

I love how this activity encourages my students to take the time to reflect on who was a light in their lives. They see how even the smallest action or statement can help turn a situation around. During a time of year when emotions are running thin, this helps to spread positivity. It's beautiful to witness how grateful so many are for what has happened throughout the year! 

End of Year Reflection Doodle Page

A must-do end of year activity I do with my classes each year is an End of Year Reflection Doodle Page. The page I give them is full of fun shapes that are filled with prompts to answer about the school year that is ending. 

My students write out the school year and their grades. Then, they write down the most memorable quote or saying. These always crack me up, and I find myself nodding in agreement! They have a chance to write down the one thing they will always remember from the year. There is space to record all of their accomplishments from the year, from athletic to extracurricular. 

One of my personal favorite groups of prompts is called This Year's Favorites. This gives them space to write down their favorite song, movie, series, book, class, and phone app. I always tell my students to keep this page, and when they randomly find it while cleaning their room in 5 years, they're going to be amazed at what their interests used to be. 

I encourage my students to be proud of themselves for what they do, so I made sure to include a space for them to write down what they are most proud of from the year. Then, they have a space to write down three things they learned. I don't limit them to just academics, so if they want to include more of a life lesson they learned, then that's fine with me! 

They then have the chance to illustrate something that represents the school year. For some, it might be a pile of books and paper for too much homework! While others might draw something sports-related or an emoji. With time left over, I encourage them to go ahead and color in any of the shapes on the paper and add their own doodles!

The completed page is a great addition to their yearbook.  It allows them to have a space for some personal memories as well as school-wide ones. Students can glue this page inside the front or back cover, or they can tape it along the spine of the yearbook as an additional page.

Time to Celebrate the End of the Year With Your Students

As the school year winds down and summer break calls out to us, it's essential to take a moment to celebrate all the hard work and achievements of our students. From outdoor adventures to creative activities, there are countless ways to make the end of the year memorable and meaningful. 

Whether it's laughing together during the Minute-to-Win-It challenges or recalling personal accomplishments, these moments together strengthen connections between teachers and students. So, make sure to seize the opportunity to create a few more memories with our students before we send them into summer!  

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