End of the year activities for elementary students can be so much more than just time fillers – they can be memorable, meaningful, and filled with some fun. Ending the school year on a grand note filled with fun and lasting memories has always been a personal goal of mine. Sure, classroom and grade-level parties are always a hit (and usually full of sugar and excitement!), but I’ve found that the most treasured moments come from simple, creative activities that give students space to reflect, connect, and celebrate their time together.
During my years in the classroom, I was always looking for fresh and fun ideas to make those final days count-without adding stress to my already full plate. While I loved creating End of the Year Memory books, I often found myself searching for other creative end of the year activities for elementary students. If you’re in that same boat, wondering how to make the last week or two of school extra special, I’ve got you covered.
Here are 5 creative end of the year activities for elementary students that will help you wrap things up in a way they’ll always remember.
Host a Classroom Awards Ceremony
End your year with a lighthearted classroom awards ceremony. Kids absolutely love being recognized, and this doesn’t have to be your typical “Best Reader” or “Math Star” event. Think outside the box with fun and personalized awards like “Future Author,” “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day,” or “Classroom DJ.”
Simply print out simple certificates or handwrite awards on fun paper, and it will make the day feel extra special. You can present them with music playing, or even create a photo booth and take pictures of each student to send home with the award.
This kind of celebration not only boosts confidence but also helps each student feel seen and valued as they head into summer.
For even more award ideas:
- Future Teacher Award
- Positive Vibes Award
- Most Likely to Start a Book Club Award
- Quiet Leader Award
- Creative Thinker Award
- Kindness Champion Award
- Always Smiling Award
Create a Classroom Memory Quilt (Paper Version)
This activity has always been one of my favorites because it’s both reflective and collaborative. A Classroom Memory Quilt is a simple, low-prep way for students to capture their favorite moments from the school year while contributing to a larger class display that showcases the heart of your learning community.
Each student gets a “quilt square” (templates can be found in my End of Year ELA Activities Packet). Once all the squares are completed, assemble them on a bulletin board or display in the hallway to create a beautiful end of the school year display.
Bonus Idea: Take a photo of the completed quilt and send a copy home with each student or include it in a digital slideshow or end-of-the-year memory book. (You can also find a quilt version for this in my End of the Year ELA Activities Packet.)
Spread Kindness with Classmates Compliment Cards
Continue building community up until the last days with classmates’ compliment cards. Upper elementary students are at the perfect age to understand and appreciate kind words from their peers, and this activity gives them a structured way to do that.
Each student receives a compliment card for every classmate (you can provide a simple template or even use sticky notes). They write a short, positive message to each person in the room. Your guidelines might include:
- What’s something you admire about this classmate?
- What’s a moment when they made you smile?
- Why are they a great friend or teammate?
To make it manageable, have students write just a few cars each day during the final week or rotate through stations. Once complete, each student ends up with a full set of compliments from their peers – a keepsake they’ll want to hold on to.
Set Up a Classroom Photo Booth with Props
Few things make the end of the school year feel more like a celebration than a classroom photo booth! It’s a fun, easy way for students to capture memories with their classmates, and it doesn’t take much to set one up.
Use a bulletin board, blank wall, or even a door as your backdrop. Hang streamers, banners, or a simple sign that says “Last Day of __ Grade!” Then add some photo props like sunglasses, chalkboard signs, funny glasses, or graduation caps. You can even create fun or funny speech bubbles with messages for students to hold.
Print a few group photos to post around the room and print individual photos to send home with each student.
The best part? Students love seeing themselves in these fun photos, and it adds a personal, joyful touch to your end of the year activities for elementary students.
End of the Year Activities for Elementary Students: A Memory to Treasure
One of the most meaningful keepsakes for students is a collection of memories from their classmates, and an autograph book is the perfect way to make that happen. Instead of using plain notebook paper or simple signature pages, why not make this activity fun and memorable?
My End of the Year Autograph Book is filled with creative and interactive pages that go beyond just names. Students can enjoy pages like:
- “Doodle for Me” – where friends leave silly sketches along with their signatures
- “This or That” – quick-fire choices that reveal the personalities of classmates
- “Sign a Memory” – a space for sharing favorite memories
- “Gold Medal Moments” – where classmates give out fun awards
What I love most about this autograph book is how much ownership students take in filling it out and sharing it with friends. They end the year with a personal booklet full of laughter, memories, and thoughtful messages that they’ll treasure for years to come.
If your’re looking for an easy, meaningful, and fun addition to your end of the year activities, this resource might be just what you need.
As you wind down the school year, these creative end of the year activities for elementary students can help you end on a high note, full of fun, reflection, and meaningful connection. The final days of school don’t have to feel chaotic – not when you have a plan filled with rewarding moments and fun memories.
Looking for a ready-to-go activity your students will love?
Be sure to check out my End of the Year Autograph Book – it’s filled with fun, creative pages that turn simple signatures into lasting memories. Perfect for the last week of school!
π End of the Year Autograph Book
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