Having easy, low-prep, end of the year activities on hand is a must the last few weeks of school. It's imperative for keeping your students engaged up until the very last day, so kids remain focused and stimulated until the last bell.  In this post you'll find several FREE end of the year activities for upper elementary students suitable for grades 3-5. You'll also find a few read alouds to help bring the year to a close.  This time of year is overwhelming, so I hope you find a few end of the year activities here to help make it a little easier.

Create a timeline of events using hashtags to record major events, milestones, and projects.  Remember how much your class has accomplished over the last nine months.  Grab a quick, free printable here.

2) Write a Letter to Next Year's Teacher

Use the year in review activity in #1 to help your students introduce themselves to next year's teacher.  Using events from the prior activity, your kids will let their new teacher know their favorite subjects, skills, and projects they look forward to.  They can share their current year's successes and areas for improvement.  It will also demonstrate their letter writing and paragraph writing skills.  Use the book, "A Letter to My Teacher" noted below to go along with this activity.  Snag the printable here.

3) Ice Cream in a Bag 

An oldie, but goodie.  This is always a hit.  I save this for the last day of school, but it could be done on a field or park day too.  I love how it combines teamwork, perseverance, and a little math and science skills.  I normally use Ziploc plastic bags for this and it's important to have some sort of towel or oven mitts so those little hands don't get too frosty. Depending on the amount of supplies you can gather, you'll put students in pairs or small groups and they will take turns shaking or passing the mixture back and forth until they have reached the desired consistency (approximately 10 minutes).  Don't forget the toppings, and ask about any food allergies before planning this activity.  You can find a free printable here.

4) Digital Class Compliments

Need a meaningful activity that last week of school?  This no-prep digital class compliments resource will have your students finding their classmates' best qualities, reviewing adjectives and character traits, as well as supporting social emotional learning skills. When complete, download as a PDF, share the link, or print as a physical keepsake  Receive it in your inbox by signing up here. 

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn is an emotional end of year chapter book that will have your students relating to sibling relationships, finding ones place in this world, and discovering new adventures in summertime.

Imagine! by Raul Colon is a work of art set against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge.  Readers will be led to think about all of the possibilities that are ahead of them. 

The Last Day of School by Louise Borden is a light-hearted story about all of the emotions that can happen during the last day of school.  Albert is on a mission to give his teacher the perfect gift, but can't seem to find the right time to give it to her.

A Letter to My Teacher by Deborah Hopkinson is a sweet tale of a young girl that wishes to tell her teacher how very special she is to her. This simple story can be used to review letter writing skills. 

My Teacher Likes to Say by Denise Brennan-Nelson is a silly story that will have your students wondering what would happen if your favorite classroom sayings really came true. Cue the laughs.

I wish you all the best as you wrap up another school year.  It's a hectic time of year, but try to take the time to make memories with your students you will treasure for years to come.  ENJOY your summer! You've earned it.

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