Let’s face it, the end of the school year can be a little chaotic. The kids are getting antsy and their attention spans are almost non-existent. Planning some fun year-end activities will benefit both you and them. Stir up the schedule and give them something to look forward to and/or something to remember the current school year. Here are 10 ideas to make the last weeks of school more bearable and unforgettable.
Balloon Countdown
Hang inflated balloons from your ceiling with colorful ribbons. Inside each balloon tuck a fun activity for the next day. Hang enough for your allotted time (1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, whatever you choose) At the end of each school day, kids get to choose one balloon and pop it, to find out what fun the next day holds. Some ideas:
- PJ Day
- Silly Day
- Hat Day
- Story Day (read a fun story or write a story)
- Movie Day
- School Colors Day
- Hawaiian/Tropical Day
- Neon Day
Use your imagination to come up with activities that will give them something to look forward to every day.
Photo Booth Fun
Set up a special space in your school gymnasium, auditorium, or lobby for a photo booth. Dress up drab walls with background paper or decorating fabrics. And gather a fun assortment of boas, hats, glasses, and handheld props for students to use in photos!
Last Day of School Day
Organize an all-school dance for your elementary school students. You can even invite parents and make a family event. Decorations can be simple, like gossamer drapes and balloon clusters. Serve cake and punch. And stock up on glow stuff and door prizes, like drinkware, wristbands, and sunglasses for a festive good time!
I Admire You Because…
Give each student a white paper plate and have them write their name in the center. Arrange your students in a circle and pass the plates to the student on their left. Each kid writes something positive, nice, something they admire or remember about that classmate. Continue passing the plate around the class until every child has written on every plate. This activity is a great way to boost self esteem in all students and to help all kids become more aware of the people around them.
Field Trip to the Next Grade
Take a field trip to the next grade level. Arrange to visit a classroom, have the teacher introduce themselves and the students in that grade can tell all about the fun activities and things they’ve learned this year. Play a game or have a special treat together.
T-Shirts
Have a t-shirt day! Kids can decorate their shirt and have their friends sign the back. Have kids bring in a shirt, or get cute t-shirts with your school name, mascot, logo or classroom slogan. Decorate the shirts with tie-dye or freestyle with fabric markers.
Class Awards
Recognize each student for something they excel at. Create enough categories so that each student receives an award and recognition. For extra fun have the class vote for each category. Hand out certificates, pins, pencils, or any small token to recognize and reward each child.
It was a Banner Year!
Make a banner for the new incoming fall class. Your kids can share their messages with them. Start with a blank vinyl banner. Using poster markers or paint pens write something like “Welcome 4th Graders” and then have your kids write a short message, tip, advice, or memory from the year to welcome the new kids next fall.
Your elementary school students will love you and remember their grade school years very fondly with any of the above ideas. Whether you choose several ideas or focus on one big, awesome year-end idea, your students are sure to have a blast!