Choice Boards for Students | Summer | 3rd 4th 5th
Choice Boards for Students
About this time of year, many school districts are implementing standardized testing. While that can be a stressful time for both kids and teachers, the good news is that it’s usually downhill from here.
Giving students a summer choice board for the summer is one way to do a lightweight activity but still have some meaning. They get to plan their summer and choose what they are going to do, but math and other skills are still embedded within the activity.
For this summer choice board activity, yes, most of the activities are done at home with the family over the summer. I present this in a positive way. It helps eliminate the “I’m bored!” sentiments that often happen by week 2 or 3.
However, you can certainly fill some time in a school day with this. We all want to ease off the gas as summer nears, but we have to fill up the days with meaningful activities.
Here are some examples of ways to do that with this student choice board printable.
- Have the kids meet in small groups to discuss which is their favorite, rank the top 5 or 10.
- Have the group present which activities they are most and least looking forward to.
- Increase language and problem solving, creativity–by what would they add to this chart?
- What activities do they think will be easiest, hardest to complete and why?
- Do they think this is for 5th graders, if not why?
Age Groups for Summer Choice Board
This summer choices activity board was created with 5th graders in mind. However, it could be used for 3rd, 4th and rising 6th graders too. You could always put a sunshine or other fun sticker where it says 5th grade and make it applicable to more age groups.
Teachers are resourceful and creative people. I’m sure you can work with this and make it suit your needs.
Choice boards are a great activity. Even as an adult, I use them. I mean, my daily and weekly to-do lists are basically a choice board. I make sure that I put necessary tasks on them, but my fun stuff and self care activities too.
Then, it all gets done, but in an order that is my choice.
Enjoy your summer!
Lisa Lightner is an award-winning and nationally-known Special Education Advocate and Lobbyist who lives in suburban Philadelphia. She has or is serving on the Boards of numerous disability and education related organizations including the Epilepsy Foundation and PA Education Voters. She also has testified before State House and Senate committees relating to special education issues and education funding issues.
