The end of the school year is just around the corner and kids are itching for their fun and wild summer break. Even you, as the brilliant teacher that you are, are ready for some time off to sit with your feet in the sand. As the school year is winding down to the last couple weeks, what better way to end this time with your students than a celebration! Every school is different and, so, policies and leniency will vary, but take these ideas below and modify them specifically for your students interests!
Ideas to Celebrate the End of the School Year
Party Time
End the year with a bang by throwing an awesome party your students will adore. Don’t forget, the best parties always have food. Make it an ice cream party or pizza party, or if you’re feeling crazy, go for both! Here are some more ideas to make your end of the school year celebration just a little extra special:
- Pajama Party – Encourage your students to wear their pajamas and make it a movie day!
- Class Picnic – Take the class outside, complete with blankets and baskets of food.
- Camp Day – Have the students bring in flashlights, pillows and blankets to build forts. Be sure to provide the s’mores for some real “campfire” fun!
- Breakfast Party – If the last day of the school year is an early release, have each student sign up for a breakfast item of choice.
Games Galore
Even if you are not throwing a party for your students, have a day or half-day dedicated to just good old fun and games. There is plenty of room for creativity here. Designate different parts of the room for particular types of games. One corner is for board games, another for card games, and so on. Take the class outside for some fresh air and friendly competition in relay games. Outside you could even include water games. Fill up water balloons and set up a water-slide or a sprinkler for a quick way for your students to have a blast.
End-of-Year Gifts
The last day of school is emotional for the students, but also for you. Being a teacher is emotionally hard, especially if those students will move on to an entirely new school building. You want to show your students how much you appreciate them and all the hard work they have put in to making the school year enjoyable. Goodie bags are always simple gifts that students love. Definitely throw in some lollipops, but make this goodie bag personal by writing a note about an individual student’s growth in the school year. If you have more time to craft gifts, make personal year-books for each student. Include pictures, the student’s drawings and work, and a personal letter from you.
Red Carpet Rewards
Have your very own red carpet runway with rewards as a cute way for each student to get recognized for their hard work in the past year. Lay out a roll of red paper in the front of the classroom. Make it fun and have a craft day where students create something they can wear on this runway. As each student walks across this red carpet to show off their creations, reward them with special certificates that are unique from the other students. Have some music in the background for a silly dance party after the rewards are given out!
What are some of your favorite end of the school year celebration ideas? Share them with us below!
Julie says
Book swap and grab bags are a great way to spend an afternoon exploring new treasures!