You don’t need to spend hours transforming your classroom into a Pinterest-perfect party to celebrate the end of the school year with your students. The end of the school year is busy enough- you don’t need to add “party planner” to your resume this year. Here are 10 simple ways to celebrate the end of the school year while making sure your kids have fun (and you stay sane)!
- Alphabet Countdown
For the last 26 days of school, plan something on each day based on a letter of the alphabet. Start at Z and work your way backward until you reach the letter A on the last day of school. You can plan simple things like “wear something with a Zipper,” or more involved things like an obstacle course day.
- Slideshow
Compile the pictures you’ve taken this year into a class slideshow. Share it on your interactive whiteboard and enjoy a snack while you watch! This is even great for a virtual end of the year celebration because you can watch the slideshow together on a Google meet.
- Student Awards
Give each of your students an award that shows their character and personality. Print out these cute certificates as a keepsake!
- Photo Booth
Take pictures of your students holding these “last day of school” signs and send them to parents. You can even add props like sunglasses and hats to create a DIY photo booth.
- Class Book
Have your students create a class book that you can read on the first day of school next year to your new class. They can write about their favorite part of school, what they learned this year, or something your new class should look forward to. Put all of the pages together to make a class book.
- Minute To Win It
Is there a better party game than Minute to Win It? There are so many fun Minute to Win It-type games that are perfect for students. Check out this blog post for some great ideas!
- Bucket List
Have your students create a “bucket list” of things they want to do during the summer. It’s a great way to hear about their summer plans, give them some ideas, and even squeeze a little writing in!
- Ice Cream or Treat
What’s a celebration without a special treat? Ice cream bars make a fun addition to any celebration, but any type of treat will do! Ask for parents to volunteer to send in snack donations, and enjoy a special treat together.
- Student Gifts
Student gifts don’t have to break the bank. Get something small, or create a gift that your kids will love. I love getting my kids bubble wants that we can go outside and play with together.
- Free Play
What kids don’t just want more time to play with their friends? Extra time to play outside (or inside) is always well received by students. Let them choose what they want to do and enjoy each other’s company!
Stop Stressing!
There are tons of ways you can celebrate the end of the school year, and they don’t all have to be elaborate! Let’s face it, the end of the school year comes with a TON of its own extra stressors (assessments, report cards, meetings, packing up your room), and you can only be spread so thin. Your kids will enjoy anything you do for them!
Next Steps
Want to try some of these simple ideas for your own end of the school year celebration?
Click here to download the last day of school photo signs for free!
Looking for more? I’ve got everything you need for a stress free end of the school year celebration! Click here to grab it in just a few clicks!
