One of the most challenging times of the year is when testing if completed, and the kids (and teachers) are excited about Summer. I am not the kind of teacher who just throws puzzles at my students as the last day of school approaches. I try and find meaningful but fun activities that still require students to turn on their thinking caps, but also also them to be creative and enjoy their last days of school. This activity, however, can work for any time of the year! 

Get Students Thinking of Their Futures

I have made an activity for my students that allow them to think about their futures. It puts a positive, creative spin on a common end of the year activity.  The students are required to think about what they want their futures to be like.  What do they want to be when they grow up? In the next grade, what do they want to accomplish? What hobbies or activities do they want to complete over the summer?  All of these questions are ones that I encouraged the students to think about when doing this activity.

Each Students Chooses Their Own Sunglass Design!

The activity is called, “My future is so bright, I have to wear shades!”  The students pick from 15 different sunglasses templates. I suggest making a few copies of each design, laying them on a table, and drawing names to let them choose.  They then draw two different illustrations inside of each lens representing two goals they have set for their futures.  Then, they draw their faces around the “shades”.  After the illustration, they write a couple of paragraphs describing their drawings. I love reading their writings and getting a glimpse into their plans for their futures!

Students Samples