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5 Fun Ways to End the School Year Right

These end of school learning activities and ideas keep students motivated and inspired until the last day of school.

It’s a struggle to keep students engaged and focused on learning as the school year winds down. With the warm weather and summer break in sight, it’s easy for students to get distracted and lose interest in academics. But don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll explore some fun and engaging activities that will keep your students on track while creating special memories of your time together.

EOY End the school year right with these 5 ideas image of kids playing and learning

1. Spring and Summer Crafts and Projects

Get your students excited about learning with spring and summer-themed crafts and projects. Projects can be simple, such as creative and artistic spring butterfly writing projects, or more crafty, like creating flower bouquets from tissue paper or birdhouses out of popsicle sticks. TPT lists countless creative and engaging projects for your lessons. They’re sure to keep students occupied and give them a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Butterfly essay and story writing craft activity being colored by markers and put together

2. Games

Games are a great way to keep your students engaged, alert, and focused. Task Card games are an easy way to review skills in a new and exciting way.  Read more about engaging task card ideas here.

Another fantastic idea is using educational games like Jeopardy or Kahoot. While I don’t have any of these games in my TPT shop, I highly recommend searching them out on TPT. You can also create your own games that are specific to your classroom curriculum to keep things interesting and engaging.

Over the years, I’ve learned that simple is often better, and any time you can gamify learning – it’s a win!

Have you tried this new long division math challenge? It’s a simple way to shake things up.

long division 3-digit by 1-digit math mystery challenge

3. Room Transformation

A classroom transformation is an incredible way to engage students. Imagine transforming your classroom into a themed setting, like a safari, donut shop, or pet hospital, while engaging students with interesting and rigorous content. And best of all, it’s easier than you think! These transformations can be used throughout the year, but they’re extra perfect for end of the year review.
Want to try a FREE room transformation?

You’ll get everything you need in this FREE guide from my friend, The Lifetime Learner.

the floor is lava room transformation

4. Outside Day

Try a change of scenery by heading outside for the day. Create a comfy space by spreading out blankets or sheets, but bring some extras so students can spread out comfortably. Consider bringing some moveable outdoor furniture, such as folding lawn chairs or using any outdoor tables that your school might have.  And since you’re outside, how about mixing academics with fun activities like potato sack races or relay races for an even more exciting day of learning? This outdoor adventure is not only fun, but it will also help students burn off energy and stay focused, all while creating some incredible memories.

planning a day of learning outside can keep students engaged at the end of the year

5. Future Goals Vision Board

Have students make a vision board featuring their future goals and life plans. Encourage them to think about subjects they enjoyed during the school year and how they could apply those interests to their future careers and hobbies. Students can write, draw, doodle, print pictures, and find quotes that are meaningful to their futures, hopes, and dreams. 

end of the school year engagement idea is using vision boards for future goals

BONUS: End-of-the-Year Word Searches

Students will love these end-of-the-school-year word search and banner activities. They’re perfect for students to celebrate summer, and the end-of-the-year activities will keep students busy on those final days.

end-of-the-school-year word search puzzles bundle cover

Decorate these banners with students’ memories, and hang them in the classroom or hallway.

These activities are ideal for morning work, for fast finishers, or as a way to relax and chill the excitement students feel on the last days of the school year.

Final Words

end of the year image of kids learning outside for engagement

With these ideas, you’ll keep your students engaged and focused until the very end of the year. Creating engaging crafts and puzzles, planning room transformations, playing games, and planning a day outdoors are just a few ways to keep things interesting and fun while also learning. So, go ahead, plan some fun, and enjoy the last few weeks of the school year with your class

image of student enjoying the end of the school year activities
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