It’s almost the end of the school year, and that means it’s time to wrap things up with a few fun and engaging activities for your younger students. We’re sure you want to celebrate their accomplishments and give them a chance to reflect on their favorite moments of the year.
ThinkFives has put together a list of the Top 5 End-of-Year Activities that are sure to be a hit with your students. From creating memory books to holding an awards ceremony, these activities will help your students end the year with a smile on their face. So, let’s dive in and check them out!
Class Scrapbook
Work together to create a class scrapbook, filled with photos and mementos from the year. Encourage students to contribute items and to reflect on the memories they have made throughout the school year. This activity helps build a sense of community and provides a keepsake for students to remember their kindergarten year.
A sample lesson:
Objective: To create a class scrapbook to celebrate the memories of the school year and promote a sense of community.
Materials: Scrapbook paper, glue, scissors, photos, mementos.
Procedure:
- Introduce the concept of a class scrapbook and explain its purpose.
- Provide students with the necessary materials.
- Encourage students to contribute photos, mementos, and written reflections to the scrapbook.
- Allow time for students to work on the scrapbook, providing assistance as needed.
- Once completed, display the scrapbook in the classroom or school for others to enjoy.
Awards Ceremony
Hold an awards ceremony to celebrate the unique talents and contributions of each student. Create awards for things like “Best Helper,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Storyteller.” This activity promotes positivity and self-esteem in students.
A sample lesson:
Objective: To celebrate the unique talents and contributions of each student and promote positive self-esteem.
Materials: Award certificates or ribbons, art supplies.
Procedure:
- Introduce the concept of an awards ceremony and explain its purpose.
- Create a list of awards and explain the criteria for each.
- Allow students to vote for each award, or select winners yourself.
- Create certificates or ribbons for each award.
- Hold an awards ceremony and present the awards to each student, allowing time for them to be recognized and celebrated.
Fun Day
Plan a fun day filled with games, crafts, and other enjoyable activities. This could include a mini carnival or field day with a variety of activities for students to enjoy. This activity promotes socialization and teamwork, and gives students a chance to let loose and have fun.
A sample lesson:
Objective: To provide a day of fun activities for students to enjoy and promote socialization and teamwork.
Materials: A variety of games, crafts, and activities.
Procedure:
- Introduce the concept of a fun day and explain its purpose.
- Set up a variety of activities for students to participate in, such as relay races, arts and crafts, and carnival games.
- Encourage students to work together and have fun.
- Provide snacks or treats for students to enjoy.
- Reflect on the fun day with students and discuss their favorite activities.
Thank You Cards
Encourage students to create thank you cards for teachers, staff, and classmates. This activity promotes gratitude and empathy, and helps students develop their writing and communication skills. It also provides an opportunity for students to express their appreciation for the people who have made a positive impact on them throughout the school year.
A sample lesson:
Objective: To promote gratitude and empathy and help students develop their writing and communication skills.
Materials: Construction paper, art supplies.
Procedure:
- Introduce the concept of thank you cards and explain their purpose.
- Provide students with the necessary materials.
- Encourage students to create thank you cards for teachers, staff, and classmates.
- Allow time for students to work on their cards, providing assistance as needed.
- Once completed, have students deliver their cards to the recipients and discuss the impact of expressing gratitude.
Photo Shop & Memory Book
Help students create a memory book filled with their favorite moments and experiences from the school year. They can include photos, drawings, and written descriptions of special events, field trips, or classroom activities. Teachers can even set up a photo booth and provide fun objects to take pictures with. This activity encourages reflection on the year and helps students celebrate their accomplishments.
A sample lesson:
Objective: To create a memory book to celebrate the accomplishments of the school year and promote reflection on the year
Materials: Blank booklets or construction paper, photos, art supplies, glue, scissors, camera, items for photos
Procedure:
- Introduce the concept of a memory book and explain its purpose.
- Provide students with the necessary materials.
- Encourage students to think about their favorite moments from the school year and to include photos and descriptions of those experiences in their memory books.
- Set up a photo booth for fun year-end pictures.
- Allow time for students to work on their books, providing assistance as needed.
- Once completed, have students share their memory books with the class.
Do you have any special end-of-year activities you do with your classes?
Thank you cards are a wonderful way for students to reflect as well as show appreciation.