As it draws close to the end of the year, it is important to recall the good memories and reflect on lessons learned this past year. Going to school is not only for students to gain new knowledge and finish the syllabus but also it helps sharpen their communication skills as well as build good relationships with their teachers and peers. Perhaps maybe some end-of-the-year activities for your students?

It is also beneficial for parents to get involved with school activities. It helps parents to build strong relationships with teachers and other staff. When parents and teachers have strong relationships, children get many academic and social benefits in return.

There are many ways to build relationships at school. Parents can start by helping in the classroom, going on excursions, working on the canteen and more. Since it is also the holiday season, everyone is also more likely to be in their holiday spirit which makes it more exciting to mingle around and get to know each other. However, if the school had just recently hosted an open day or a similar event, teachers can opt to carry out other fun activities in the classroom to sum up the school year. This way, they could also foster creativity in the classroom.

Ideas for end-of-the-year activities

1. Writing a letter to your future self

Teachers could get their students to write a letter to their future selves. It could be a simple written letter or they could go all out and even decorate the letters with art and craft supplies! The teacher will keep those letters safe until the end of the next school year. This allows them to read and reflect on their achievements. To make it even more fun, teachers can decorate a cardboard box making it look like a time capsule for everyone to drop their letters in.

2. Sending thank-you notes

This is a skill every kid should learn—writing and sending thank-you notes. Have your students write a note to someone who made their school year special, then seal them in envelopes and send them. The notes could be addressed to fellow classmates, teachers, or even their parents. It is important to instill gratitude from a young age. Teachers should write thank-you notes to students as well. This could be a printed note with personalized names since it would be hard for teachers to write personal notes to each and every student. 

3. Let students do the teaching

If you still have lesson plans left to finish for the year, break up the students into groups and have them teach the class instead. They can be given a week to prepare the materials and split up the work among group members. Otherwise, students can also teach the class. For instance, how to bake the best chocolate chip cookies (they do not really have to bake in class, just explain and talk in front of the class about the recipe and techniques) or how to edit your summer vlog! Kids these days are very tech-savvy, they could even present their own vlogs for their classmates to see.  Although it sounds like all fun and games, it is actually an opportunity for them to brush up on their public speaking skills. 

4. Put on an “end-of-year” show

Consider a talent show, dramatic readings, acting out a story, a poetry slam (reading their own or reciting poems of their choice), or even storytelling. This is suitable for students of all ages, having them perform different shows based on their grades. Perhaps the older students could act out a Shakespeare play and the younger ones perform action songs. It is good practice for students to overcome stage fright. A casual vibe and plenty of snacks. Sounds like a whole lot of fun! This could be hosted for parents if the school decides to host a get-together, or otherwise just for your own amusement. You could even send an e-invite and have families watch virtually via Zoom. 

5. Creating a theme for every day for the last week of school

This would be a really fun activity for the last week of school. It does not have to be anything fancy. Maybe they could dress up as their favorite movie characters in a super subtle way, or have different colors assigned every day so everyone is matchy-matchy! It could also be focused on a specific theme like “Hogwarts day” or dressing up as Disney characters. (And no, this does not only mean Disney Princesses.) It’s a pretty fun idea. Students just have to be reminded that costumes should be child-friendly and it isn’t offensive or violent.

6. Have an end-of-the-year party! 

This last activity could be paired up with the activity mentioned above! For instance, if they decide to dress up as Harry Potter characters, students and teachers could also prepare early to decorate the classroom according to the theme. The class could set up a photo booth. All you really need is a fun background, some props like silly glasses, hats, feather boas, or props related to the theme of choice if you’d like. Teachers could also make a sign with their grade level and class number. On the last day of school, everyone will turn up in their costumes and it’s time for the end-of-year party! 

Importance of carrying out these fun classroom activities

It is always important to switch things up sometimes. What better time if not the end of the year? When teachers try to make it more fun and enjoyable for students, they are more excited to learn. It really motivates them to attend school when it isn’t always so dull and boring. It could also possibly enhance student attendance for the upcoming school year.

Although these activities may not seem “educational”, there are important lessons behind every activity carried out. By carrying out these activities, students are also creating friendship bonds among themselves and strengthening teacher-student relationships. 

As much as it is important to be prepared for the new school year, it is also important to celebrate student victories and accomplishments. Carrying out these fun activities is also a form of celebration for the students before they resume classes after Christmas break. After tireless days and sleepless nights studying and making it to the end of the year, it’s like saying “YOU DID IT. Now it’s time for some fun!”. You could also check out our article on Top Holiday Classroom Activities for Teachers for more ideas and inspiration. We hope this helps and feel free to let us know what you would like to see more of in the comment section! 

We hope you have a great new year!