Closing routines are as important as opening routines in any class. In fact, they’re not just relevant to how they end the class with you, but they also set the tone for whatever comes next in the schedule. Even if you are the last class your students have in the day, you really want to make sure they know what to expect and how to close out each day with you.
Depending on the grade or level you teach, closing a class might be a good place to check for understanding and to help you decide what to focus on / how to adapt plans for your next class session with a group of students – teaching adaptively! It can also be a place to review some vocabulary or structures. I do have to be honest, I’m still learning how to work closing routines into my class. Sometimes I run over time and send my students straight to line up, and then I come back to my room and it’s a whole mess because I didn’t take the time to close my class correctly and the feeling is not good. But sometimes I totally nail it!
Some Ideas to Close Your Class
Putting materials away if needed.
Exit ticket: This may be done orally or written. Just asking a simple question related to your lesson. Visit this link to learn more about it!
Sending students to line up by colors they are wearing, age or favorite food or animal.
Closing as a whole group with a quick calendar talk about when you will see them again. A great opportunity to practice “hasta mañana” or “hasta el lunes.”
Singing a goodbye song: Here is a list of possible songs to close your class with younger students. I haven’t found one yet for older grades, so if you know one please feel free to share it in the comments.
Have fun!
You might like these resources on Teachers Pay Teachers:
