It’s the end of the school year. At this point, we are willing to do whatever it takes to keep students engaged and learning (and stay sane at the same time!). End of the year theme days are fun but can feel like a lot of work. Flashlight day is one of my favorites for some low-prep, easy fun! Here are some of the things we do on flashlight day.
Last Days Chain Countdown
If you’ve been following along with my countdown chain, you’ll know that each day brings a new excitement as we inch closer to the end of the school year. Flashlight Day is one of those eagerly anticipated highlights, and it’s a favorite among both students and teachers alike.
Before diving into the specifics of Flashlight Day, let’s talk about our countdown chain. Each day, as we bid farewell to another day of learning and growth, we ceremoniously remove a link from our chain. The student who clipped up the highest for the day has the honor of ripping off the link and unveiling the special activity planned for the following day. It’s a simple yet effective way to build anticipation and keep spirits high as we approach summer break.
So, what exactly does Flashlight Day entail? Let me shed some light on the matter. (Pun intended–ha!)
Flashlight Day Activities
Now, onto the main event: Flashlight Day itself. With a stash of finger flashlights procured from the ever-reliable Amazon, we’re ready to illuminate our day with a series of exciting activities.
Flashlight Limbo
What’s more fun than limbo? Limbo with flashlights, of course! Students bend, twist, and shimmy their way under the limbo stick, all while holding their trusty flashlights to light the way.
Scavenger Hunt
Armed with their flashlights, students embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt around the classroom. They LOVED it. I heard so many times “This is so fun!”. I loved that they were having a blast AND reviewing some math and ELA skills at the same time.
{You can pick up this freebie here}
Shadow Charades
A classic game with a luminous twist. Students use their flashlights to cast shadows on the wall while their classmates guess the object or action. It’s a creative and entertaining way to flex those acting skills.
Flashlight Reading
Who says reading has to be confined to daylight hours? With flashlight reading, students cozy up with their favorite books and let their imaginations run wild as they explore the pages by flashlight.
Dance Party
What better way to cap off Flashlight Day than with a dance party? With flashlights in hand, students boogie down to their favorite tunes, casting colorful beams of light across the dance floor and creating a magical atmosphere that’s sure to leave everyone smiling.
Flashlight Day may be low-prep, but the memories made and the laughter shared are anything but dim. It’s a shining example of how simple ideas can spark joy and foster a sense of togetherness, even as the school year draws to a close.
So, as we bid farewell to another year of learning, let’s embrace the glow of Flashlight Day and bask in the radiance of shared experiences. After all, it’s not just about keeping students engaged—it’s about creating moments that they’ll cherish for years to come.