Are you struggling to find end of the year craft ideas for 2nd grade? After giving literally one million assessments that all need to be given one-on-one and are all coincidentally due in the same week, is it any wonder that we teachers are completely exhausted? Oh wait, I forgot to mention that we also have field day, field trip, class picnics, and awards ceremonies. Don’t forget about Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Bus Driver’s Day, Custodian’s Day, Nurse’s Day, Administrative Assistant’s Day, Grandparent’s day, and your Cousin’s Friend’s Dog Appreciation Day.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love celebrating all of the wonderful people who help make our schools run smoothly. There is no way teachers could function without all of the incredible people who support students inside and outside of the classroom. But sometimes, I just wish we could maybe appreciate all of them throughout the year instead of cramming all those days in the last few weeks of school when I am desperate for summer and my students are borderline going feral.
If you are like me and are driving the struggle bus through these last few weeks of May and, if you are terribly unfortunate, June, then let me help you out here friend. This spring, I was looking for something to display in my classroom for Open House that would look cute, be easy and not cause me to lose my mind. Not only did my students make an adorable craft, but the things I learned from them during this project literally brought me to tears.
Look How I Have Grown
Unless you have been living under a rock, and after the last few years I totally would not blame you, I am sure you have heard of growth mindset in education. As a special education teacher, this movement is my jam. I am all about teaching my students to see their own limitless potential, talk about the power of yet, and remember that we can all do hard things. I love it so much that I literally put it on my wall.
When thinking about end of the year craft ideas, I decided to have students make a flower and do “Look How I have Grown.” I was thinking I could conference with each student and tell them how I have seen them grow this year. I started off my brainstorming a list of different statements that would work for more than one student.
- I know more sight words.
- I can read with fluency
- I am better at adding and subtracting three-digit numbers.
- I can write a strong paragraph.
- I know how to write my first and last name in cursive.
Once I gave these kids the chance to share, I could barely hold it together. Here are some of the things by 7 and 8 year olds shared:
- I am a more responsible student.
- I am better at being flexible when I am not first in line.
- I know how to work hard to meet a goal.
- I want to come to school every day.
- I know I can do hard things.
- I feel powerful at school.
I was not expecting that. After a long winter of yet another long year, this lit me up. Thank you sweet students for reminding me that my work is important. Thank you for showing me what matters so much more than your DIBELS, DRA, or any other score will ever show.
How to make a memorable end of year craft for 2nd grade
You can grab this amazing craft over here. For other end of the year craft ideas, check out these options!
Step 1 – Talk about how you have seen your students grow this year. You could create an anchor chart with their ideas like shown below.
Step 2 – Use the planning guide to draft ideas. Each sentence should be one way that the student feels they have grown this year.
Step 3 – Students will write the ways they have grown on each flower petal. Students can write in pencil and trace with marker or use pen.
Step 4 – Cut out petals, stem, and flower center.
Step 5 – You are ready to glue! First, glue the stem. Then, arrange your flower center and petals to fit nicely.
Step 6 – Glue petals one at a time and then glue the flower center on top. Allow students to decorate the background. All finished!
Enjoy this craft! Share them with parents! Save them for the days you are just too exhausted to put your themed outfit on for yet another “fun” day with your feral students. Remember you are a game changer for these kiddos!
If you are looking for ways to get yourself ready for summer, be sure to read Special Education Organization Tips for Summer Break.
