Adventures in Student Approved End Of Year Activities

If we’re Instagram buddies then you may have seen me sharing one of my classroom go-to’s this past week – Color By Word! It also happens to be the topic of this week’s YouTube video and if you watch that, or keep on reading, you’ll see there’s a good reason I’m talking about this activity! 

Believe it or not, I wrote about Color By Word  waaaay back in 2020 as one of my very first blog posts.  Five years later, and it’s still a total win in my classroom. This is an especially great addition to the last few weeks of school when tech access might be limited or gone altogether, students (and teachers!) are eager for summer, and we’re all in need of an engaging activity that still feels fun. 

The basics of Color By Word are simple- students practice a color in their target language by writing it and coloring it. Sounds easy enough, but trust me when I say- it’s a game changer. 

Here’s why Color By Word continues to be one of things I reach for year after year: 

#1- Easy to Use (Especially For CI or Beginners) 

If you’re looking for EASY ways to add in CI style teaching, maybe because you’re just starting to explore it, or you’re required to follow a textbook, or you just aren’t sure how to mix it up… this is SUCH a great way to dip your toes in. Because it has so many uses, you can get tons of target language exposure for your students in a simple and well structured way. 

It’s a great way for world language teachers  who want to keep their teaching meaningful without overcomplicating prep or having to do too much extra guidance for students. 

#2- Low Prep OR High Prep- You Choose! 

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I love a versatile activity idea that I can use in different ways. That’s another reason why Color By Word is one of my favs– you can pick to prepare this beforehand, or make it as easy as handing your students a blank sheet of paper and colored pencils so they can create their own drawings. 

For those that want to prep a little more, you can use printed coloring pages or this flag reading and coloring duo which doubles as an easy sub plan option. 

#3- Teacher AND Student Approved 

Sure, I love this activity but how about my students? When looking for anything I do in class, my priorities are to find or create something that is meaningful and enjoyable to my students. 

Check and check! Color By Word is it! 

Even the peskiest middle schooler who is too cool for school will actually WANT to do this one. They’re still learning, but in a calming and authentic way. I mean, who doesn’t love coloring? 

Conclusion: 

If you’re in a place like I am – end of the year, not done yet, you “have to still educate – no movies”, and you just need something to keep them engaged even though everyone is D-O-N-E for these last few days, do what I do and use – COLOR BY WORD!