May is such an exciting time in the classroom, isn’t it? With the end of the school year peeking around the corner, it’s like we’re approaching the finish line of a marathon. We’re tired and all feeling the excitement, but also feeling a little bittersweet. This time of the year is when I realize just how much my students have blossomed throughout the year, both in height and in their academic journey. While we’re savoring those last precious moments together, we can still sneak in some valuable learning experiences. Let’s face it, dealing with a case of “summer-itis” is practically a rite of passage this time of year! So, today I’m sharing with you some of my tried-and-true May activities that keep my students buzzing with excitement while continuing their learning!
May Activities for Morning Work
There’s something about kicking off my students’ day with a morning work page waiting for them at their seats that sets the tone just right. I’m sure you know how it goes. Some of them bounce in bright and early, ready to tackle the day, while others stroll in right before the bell. Morning work brings everyone together, establishing a structured routine that helps tame the chaos of those early hours.
With May rolling in, it’s time to switch gears and keep the momentum going. I’ve got a fresh batch of morning work pages lined up, ready to engage my students with a mix of math and literacy activities. The best part is that it’s all spiral review that weaves in those essential skills throughout to keep them sharp and ready for whatever comes their way.
Now, I get it. Mornings can be a whirlwind, especially when you’re juggling a classroom full of eager learners. These May morning activities are as versatile as they come. Need a quick fix for early finishers? I’ve got you covered with a nifty booklet format. Just print, staple, and voilà – instant engagement for those speedy scholars. I’ve cycled these activities through our centers and sent them home for independent practice. They’re adaptable to whatever you need them to be.
May the Fourth Be With You May Activities
Ah, May activities, hmm? A time of learning and adventure, it is. But special, May the 4th activities, we have, hmm? Excited, your young padawans will be, yes. My students love my attempts at a Yoda impression and I’m sure you did too!
I truly love being able to build on my students’ excitement when May 4th comes around each year. We bond over a similar interest in all things Star Wars! Plus, I’ve found that when you give them a little something that excites them they’re more willing to engage with some work.
I print, laminate, and cut these May the Fourth Be With You Themed Bookmarks for each of my students. Each one comes with a Star Wars character and a short motivational quote to encourage their reading! I give them out during reading time for them to use with their books. Then, I have a Star Wars themed word search with different characters’ names and words. As they scour the puzzle, lightsabers (highlighters) at the ready, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air. There’s a sense of camaraderie and excitement while working together.
Cinco de Mayo Easy Prep May Activities
In my Cinco de Mayo Literacy and Math set, my students dive into a fiesta of learning fun! I love seeing my students immerse themselves in the festivities while sharpening their skills. It’s like a mini celebration of learning, complete with a pinch of cultural exploration!
First up, we explore the significance of Cinco de Mayo through a short passage. From there, it’s all about the activities! Think unscrambling words related to Cinco de Mayo, strengthening alphabetical skills, and even a dash of color with themed coloring pages for those early finishers.
My students love working through the coding pages for math. Each Cinco de Mayo symbol represents a number. They have a blast matching the symbol to the number to solve the math problem!
Another activity that is a major hit to celebrate the day is my Cinco de Mayo Sight Word practice. It’s our typical sight word practice with a fun-themed twist! As they read and color in the sight words, a vibrant Cinco de Mayo picture starts to emerge.
The best part of these activities? They’re all just a click and print away, making it a breeze to set up for centers or general work time.
Mother’s Day Activities
It’s precious how excited my kiddos get to celebrate their mothers or mom-like figures! Their love and creativity really shine through as they learn how to celebrate the special day. My Mother’s Day Activities resource is full of different options to choose from and it’s so easy to prep!
We start with reading a short informational text to learn more about what Mother’s Day is. Then, we answer some comprehension questions to set the stage. Once we are finished, I have them work on a Mother’s Day word search, which is a perfect way to engage their minds with vocabulary centered around the day.
Our favorite activity as a class is the chance they each have to interview their moms. They get the opportunity to ask questions to learn about what their moms love. Then, my kiddos write their mom a letter or poem to express what they’re grateful for or what they love about them.
Of course, we can’t forget the power of writing! With Mother’s Day writing prompts and poems, my little ones unleash their creativity, crafting heartfelt messages and verses that capture the love they feel. To add a splash of color to our festivities, I have coloring sheets featuring all things mom. For a math-meets-art twist, a 100’s chart with a hidden picture adds a fun challenge while keeping students engaged.
End of Year Memory Book
One of my favorite May activities is creating our end of the year memory book. It’s a project my kiddos eagerly anticipate. I always hear how it becomes a cherished keepsake filled with memories and mementos from our time together.
In my End of Year Memory Book resource, I’ve created a collection of templates that offer a variety of options to suit every student’s preferences. Each writing prompt comes in two versions: one with dotted lines for those who benefit from a little guidance, and another with solid lines for those who are ready to write freely.
My students choose a cover to color. From there, they’ll fill out an overview page, documenting details like their name, age, favorite things, and even pages on the principal and custodian. There’s space for classmates to leave autographs, a dedicated section to jot down favorite memories from the year, and even prompts to reflect on their experiences in different classes. It’s capturing a snapshot of their school year journey to preserve it for years to come.
May Activities for Writing
As May rolls on and our kiddos’ energy levels soar, I’m always on the lookout for ways to keep them engaged and moving. One of my go-to strategies? The Summer Sight Word Scoot game! It’s like a breath of fresh air, getting them up and out of their seats while reinforcing those crucial sight words.
I scatter task cards around the room or place one on each desk. Each card has a series of summer symbols that represent different letters. As my students move about, they decode the symbols to form sight words, writing their findings on their recording page. Once we’ve covered the expectations for transitioning between cards, it’s off they go, buzzing with excitement as they tackle each challenge.
To inject a burst of creativity into our writing centers, I switch out the prompts regularly to reflect on the season or upcoming holidays. As May ushers in thoughts of sun-soaked adventures, I start sprinkling in some summer writing prompts from my Creative Writing Prompts bundle.
My kiddos devour these prompts, reveling in the endless possibilities they offer. With the roll of a dice three times, they piece together a sentence that forms the foundation of their story. From there, their imaginations take flight as they build narratives brimming with excitement and creativity.
Low Prep May Activities for the Win!
As May draws to a close and we approach the final stretch of the school year, I can’t help but reflect on the whirlwind of excitement and growth that has filled our classroom. It’s been a journey filled with highs and lows, laughter and learning.
From our spirited May the Fourth celebrations to our heartfelt Mother’s Day tributes, each activity has been a chance to foster connections, spark creativity, and make learning come alive. Whether we’re decoding sight words or crafting heartfelt letters to our moms, every moment has been infused with a sense of joy and purpose.
So here’s to May, to the excitement it brings, and to the endless possibilities that lie ahead. With a little creativity and a lot of heart, we’ve made this month one to remember. As we close the book on another school year, I can’t help but feel grateful for the journey we’ve shared. Until next time, my friends, let’s make every moment count!
Save for Later
Remember to save this post to your favorite teacher Pinterest board for when you are planning your May activities!
