As the school year comes to a close, it is important to honor our students' hard work and accomplishments. In this article you'll discover three end of year activities for elementary students I use in May and June. Plus, download the printable end of school year worksheets for your classroom.
Every year, I always provide my students with end of year activities that encourage reflection and celebration! I also give them the opportunity to praise their classmates for their accomplishments as well. Ending the year on a positive note is something I strive for every school year. It is my hope that each and every student leaves my classroom feeling proud of themselves and the effort they have put forth.
My Reflect & Celebrate Writing Activity serves two purposes. First, it gives students an opportunity to reflect on the school year and celebrate their accomplishments. Second, it allows me to survey students and see exactly what they enjoyed and what they found difficult. This quick writing activity helps me plan for the next year and gives me valuable information to share with their teacher in the next grade.
Hint: Make a copy of the students' work before sending it home with them to keep in your records or their portfolios.
One of my most popular end of school year activities for elementary students is the Blue Ribbon Classmates Activity. I do this simple activity with students every year, no matter the grade level. Students at any age can use some positivity!
Every student in the class is given two blank "blue ribbons" (available for download). Then each student selects a name from the classroom name jar. The student then makes a "blue ribbon" for that classmate. The second ribbon is for a classmate of their choice. On the ribbons the students write something positive about their classmate. In the past I’ve given younger students a sentence starter, for example:
“____Name_____ is a blue ribbon classmate because _______________________________. “
Primary: Sean is a blue ribbon classmate because he shares his crayons and markers with me.
Upper Elementary: Claire deserves this blue ribbon because she has been a leader in our small group book discussions. I learned so much because of her.
Note: Before pulling names you may want to remind students that showing disappointment over the name they pull is not allowed. Also there is no such thing as not having something positive to say.
The goal of the I Bloomed This Year Writing Activity is for students to recognize how much they have grown in the past school year! Ask your students to think about something new they learned this year or how they grew as a person. Then, on my flower template, have them share their thoughts. Check out my download for further instructions.
Hopefully my three end of school year worksheets will help your students celebrate and reflect on their many accomplishments throughout the school year!