10 Activities for the Last Week of School
Let’s talk about the last week of school—you know, that wild and wonderful time when the countdown to summer has officially begun, your students are bouncing off the walls, and you’re trying to survive while still maintaining some structure and fun.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever thought:
“How do I keep my students engaged until the last possible second?”
“I need flexible, mix-and-match activities that don’t require hours of prep!”
“What are some meaningful yet FUN things we can do before we say goodbye?”
I got you.
This guide is packed with 10 creative, classroom-tested activities that will help you survive (and even enjoy!) the final week of school. Whether you’re looking for reflective writing, collaborative games, or STEM challenges, this list has something for every student—and every teacher who’s ready to finish strong.
Why the Last Week of School Matters
You’ve made it through assessments, classroom management curveballs, and countless lessons. The final week isn’t just a throwaway—it’s a chance to:
Celebrate growth
Reflect on the year
Set the tone for summer
Reinforce classroom community
When your plans are low-prep but high-engagement, you get the best of both worlds: calm and connection.
These 10 end-of-year activities are designed to be flexible—you can mix and match, use them as fast finishers, or structure your entire week around them.
10 Activities to Survive (and Enjoy) the Last Week of School
1. Dream Summer Vacation
Let your students’ imaginations take flight!
In this activity, students design their dream summer vacation. They can:
Choose the destination
Plan an itinerary
Include packing lists, travel buddies, and must-do activities
This is perfect for practicing creative writing, geography, and critical thinking—all in a format that feels like play.
Teacher Tip: Have students create a travel brochure or digital slideshow to present their dream trip.
2. What’s Your Summer Personality?
This one’s a hit: Students take a fun summer personality quiz to discover if they’re more “Beach Bum,” “Adventure Seeker,” or “Chill Campfire Friend.”
Then, they write about:
Why that personality fits them
Their ideal summer day
Activities they’re looking forward to
Why it works: It blends self-reflection, reading comprehension, and writing—with zero resistance.
3. End-of-Year Reflection
It’s not all sunshine and games—reflection matters, too.
In this activity, students think about:
What they’ve learned this year
What challenges they’ve overcome
Their proudest moments
Goals for next year
This is a great way to tie a bow on your classroom experience and show students how far they’ve come.
Bonus idea: Collect the reflections into a class book or slide deck and send it home!
4. Create Your Own Children’s Book
Yes, your students can become authors.
With guided templates and directions, students create their very own children’s book. They’ll:
Choose a theme or lesson
Develop characters and plot
Illustrate the pages (or design them digitally)
This is an excellent cross-curricular activity that integrates literacy, art, and SEL.
Pro Tip: Pair students and have them read their books aloud to each other or record a digital version.
5. STEM Paper Chain Challenge
Need something to get students up and moving? This paper chain STEM challenge is your answer.
The task: Build the longest paper chain possible using limited materials and teamwork.
You’ll be amazed at:
The creative problem-solving
The collaboration
The laughter!
Why it works for the end of the year: It’s low prep, high energy, and taps into those hands-on, active learning vibes your students are craving right now.
6. Grade Level Survival Guide
Want to leave a legacy?
In this writing activity, students create a “Survival Guide” for the next grade level. They share:
What to expect
Tips and tricks
Advice for navigating classroom life
This builds writing stamina and encourages leadership and reflection—plus it’s super helpful for next year’s students!
Display idea: Compile them into a “Welcome Packet” for your future class.
7. Teach the Teacher
This one’s a student favorite: Turn the tables and let them teach YOU.
Each student picks a topic they’re passionate about and prepares a short presentation, poster, or lesson.
Some ideas from past students:
How to draw anime
Why snakes make great pets
The history of Minecraft
Basic ballet steps
What they’re learning: Public speaking, research, organization, and confidence.
And yes, you might learn something new too!
8. Space STEM Activity
Launch into summer with a STEM rocket challenge! Students learn more about:
NASA and space missions
Rocket design and propulsion
The science of launch mechanics
Then, they build their own mini rockets and see which designs go the farthest.
This is great for combining:
Science standards
Engineering design thinking
Just plain fun
Add an extra layer: Have students name their rocket and write a mission statement.
9. Escape the Classroom (ELA Challenge)
Turn your classroom into an escape room, and give your students a final challenge before summer break.
In this ELA-based activity, students complete reading and writing tasks to “escape” school and head into summer.
Skills covered:
Reading comprehension
Grammar review
Logical thinking and teamwork
Why it works: It’s high-engagement review that feels like a game. You’ll get zero complaints about ELA practice in June!
10. Minute to Win It Games
Need a quick brain break? Try some minute-to-win-it challenges!
These fast-paced games include:
Stack the cups
Cookie face race
Paper ball toss
Pencil flip
You can use them:
Between activities
As part of a class celebration
During a full “game day”
Keep a timer and score tracker on the board to make it exciting.
Pro Tip: Assign student leaders to run each station!
How to Use These End-of-Year Activities
There’s no wrong way to mix and match these!
Here are a few options:
Theme a different day of the last week (STEM Day, Writing Day, Reflection Day, Game Day, etc.)
Use them as fast finisher choices
Build a rotating station model
Let students vote on which to do each day
The flexibility makes them perfect for any classroom setup or energy level.
Want all of These Activities Already Done For You?
End of the Year Activities Bundle!
"Exactly what we needed for the end of the year! Students were engaged and inspired to do the different summer prep activities." - Megan G.
You’ve Made It!
The last week of school can be exhausting, exciting, and everything in between. But with the right activities, you can create a memorable ending that your students will talk about for years to come.
So if you’re scrambling for something that’s:
Easy to prep ✅
Actually fun ✅
Still educational ✅
These 10 end-of-year classroom activities will have your back.
Let me know which one your students love the most—or if you’re trying a combo! We’re all in this teacher life together, and you’re doing an amazing job.
