The last week of school is a perfect time to celebrate, reflect, and have fun! These easy, low-prep activities help teachers and parents create joyful end-of-school-year moments kids will remember-without the stress of big projects or plans. Simple ideas packed with meaning, laughter, and connection.
As the year winds down, it’s tempting to shift focus to summer schedules and upcoming plans. But taking just a little time to look back, reflect, and celebrate what’s passed can help kids—and adults—feel more grounded, grateful, and ready to begin the next chapter.
The best part? You don’t need glitter, glue guns, or elaborate parties. Just a little intention, a few simple ideas, and the heart to make it count.
Make the Last Week of School Memorable
Whether you’re teaching a classroom full of students or guiding your own child at home, these simple, low-prep ideas can help you end the year on a high note without adding to your to-do list.
Classroom Ideas That Keep Things Fun and Focused
When attention spans are short and structure starts to slip, these easy activities can help keep your class engaged without the need for complex materials or prep work. Don’t worry! There won’t be a test. You can download this list below!
- Memory Booklets – Staple together five to ten blank pages and let students turn them into personal memory books. Encourage them to draw pictures, write favorite moments, or list friends they made this year.
- Autograph Wall – Tape up a big sheet of paper and let students take turns writing kind messages, doodles, or signatures. Take a picture! It makes a great keepsake and gives everyone a chance to say goodbye in a creative way.
- “I Will Never Forget…” Circle – Gather your students in a circle and pass around a small object, like a stuffed animal or talking stick. Each student can share one thing they’ll never forget about this school year.
- Summer Bucket List Poster – Let kids brainstorm all the things they hope to do this summer—from swimming to visiting cousins. Write them on sticky notes or draw them on a large poster you create together.
- Desk Awards – Give out silly, light-hearted awards like “Best Crayon Collection” or “Most Colorful Desk.” You can even have students suggest ideas for their classmates and vote.
- Read-Aloud Picnic – Take your story time outside. Bring a blanket and a favorite book, then read aloud while enjoying fresh air and a little sunshine.
- Teacher Notes – Write a brief but meaningful note to each student telling them what they meant to you and what you learned from them this past year.
- Teacher Time Capsule – Have each child write a note to their future self or next year’s students. Collect them in an envelope or box and set it aside for a future read—or hand it off to next year’s class.
At-Home Ideas to Make the Last Week Feel Special
If you’re a parent watching your child wrap up the school year, you can still make these final days feel fun and meaningful without a big party or special event.
- End-of-Year Interview – Take a few minutes to ask your child fun questions like “What was your favorite lunch this year?” or “What’s something you learned that surprised you?” Write down or record their answers and save them to look back on later.
- Photo Day – Recreate your child’s first day of school photo with a matching pose or outfit. It’s a great way to mark how much they’ve grown in just one school year.
- “Last Lunchbox” Surprise – Tuck a note, a sticker, or a favorite snack into their lunch on the final day. A small surprise can go a long way in making them feel loved and celebrated. You can download your free Last Day of School Lunchbox Notes below!
- After-School Celebration Walk – Take a walk as a family and talk about the school year. Ask your child to name their favorite moment, proudest achievement, or something they’ll miss.
- Backpack Cleanout Challenge – Make cleaning out their backpack into a race or scavenger hunt. Set a timer and see how quickly they can find and sort their supplies.
- Summer Wish Jar – Have your child write down a list of things they’d like to do this summer—big or small. Fold each wish and place it in a jar. Pull one out when you need a fun idea on a slow day.
- Schoolwork Art – Turn leftover worksheets into something creative—origami, paper airplanes, or a mixed-media art project. It’s a fun way to clear out clutter and give old papers new life.
- Kindness Chain – Write one kind thing your child did this year on a strip of paper each day and link them together. You’ll end up with a beautiful chain of their kindness and growth.
For parents who may want to mark the special occasion with the whole family, take a look at How to Host an End of School Year Family Dinner.
TeachMama wishes all of you the best school year memories and the best summer ever!
Grab Your Free Download
Toss your email in the box below and the download link for your free Activities List and Last Day of School Lunchbox Notes printable will appear in your inbox like summer magic! Print on bright white card stock and you’re in business!
More End of School Year Tips and Tricks
- Host An End Of School Year Family Dinner
- Quick, Cool Teacher Appreciation Gifts
- How To Make Super-Easy, Beautiful Flower Pens
- Quick And Easy Inexpensive Thank You Gifts For Teachers
- DIY Butterfly Pens: A Sweet Spring Garden Gift
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