We’re nearing the end of the school year already! And it can be hard manage the end of the year chaos while keeping students engaged. Everyone is looking forward to summer break, and their excitable behavior proves it. If any of this sounds like your current classroom climate, stick around and peruse the engaging end of the year activities packed into this post. Let’s ease into summer break while saving our teaching sanity.
1 – Interactive Review Games
Your students will love these colorful, digital flashcards. This is a great tool to use when reviewing skills taught throughout the school year. Try using these as a station or project whole group to get kids up and moving.
2 – Scoot Games
Scoot games not only review skills but give students much needed movement breaks. Place one scoot card at each student desk, and they travel around to solve each card. I like to have a fun “reveal” of the answers when the game is done.
Find our entire collection of scoot games here.
3 – Crack the Code
If you haven’t already integrated coding apps into your instruction, now is a GREAT time to start. I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and your students will get so much out of it! Coding is a great way to infuse new energy into student learning.
You might be asking; Why do primary students need to be exposed to coding? Or, Will it even be useful for my young students at this age? The answer is ABSOLUTELY! I want to support teachers when it comes to trying new things—especially when it comes to integrating technology— so I have a coding blog post to answer all your questions and hopefully ease any doubts you might have about trying it in your own class.
There are coding apps that can be used with IOS, Android or Google Play. Below, I list my personal favorites, make sure to check out the “My Favorite Coding Apps for Kids” blog post for comprehensive information on these apps and all things coding for kids!
- Code Karts
- Box Island
- Scratch Jr.
- Lightbot Jr
- Hopscotch(for more advanced coders)
4 – Partner Games
With most of the academics done, the end of the year is a great time to let students play partner games. Try a new one each day for the rest of the year, or introduce a few a week to play on repeat.
5 – Science Experiments
Young learners typically love hands-on experiments. These experiments can be completed with just a few items you probably already have sitting around. Peruse science experiments here.
For more easy science experiment ideas, check out this post: Easy Science Experiments for 1st and 2nd Grade.
6 – Classroom Transformations
Transform your classroom for a day into a whole new world…at least it will seem so in students’ eyes! The best thing about classroom transformations is you can go as big or little as you wish! Some favorite end of year transformations are:
- Camp Read-a-Lot
- Restaurant Day
- Game Day
- Coffee Shop
- Garden Day
Read more about classroom transformations here: Top 10 Classroom Transformations.
7 – Memory Book
Spend the last week creating school year memory books as a fun take-home souvenir to help your students reflect on their year. This can be a simple booklet, a lapbook, or up to a craftivity packed project.
8 – Reader’s Theater
Pair up your students for an end of year theatrical review. Using decodable, paired plays students review phonics sounds while getting their time to shine. The “performances” can be as simple as students reading from the script. If you want to go bigger, give each student pair some time to create backdrops, props, etc.
You’ve Got This!
You’re in the home stretch! It’s a great time to find new ways to infuse fun into classroom activities. I’d love to hear more about what activities you are including in your end of the year plans.
Grab All the End-of-Year Fun for Just $1!
Don’t miss out! Get access to everything shared in this post – worksheets, activity ideas, and more – for just $1. Click below to make your year-end celebrations easy and exciting for your students!
