End of Year Coloring Sheets for Upper Elementary That Actually Work
As the school year winds down, let’s be honest — we all need a little breathing room. The last week of school is full of assemblies, cleaning, schedule changes, and feral children. If you’re an upper elementary teacher looking for an easy, no-prep activity that still feels meaningful (and lets you sip your coffee in peace), I’ve got just the thing: end of year coloring sheets made specifically for upper elementary students.
These aren’t your average cutesy, baby-ish coloring pages. They’re a bit more grown-up, a little more reflective, and a whole lot more engaging for your older students. Let’s talk about why they’re a must-have in your end of year toolkit.
Why You Need End of Year Coloring Sheets for Upper Elementary
It’s About Sanity — Yours and Theirs
Let’s not pretend we’re thriving during the last week of school. Between collecting textbooks, organizing supplies, and navigating random schedule changes, there are moments when you just need your students to sit quietly for five to ten minutes.
Coloring sheets give you:
A moment of peace
Time to finish tasks while students stay engaged
A calm classroom atmosphere (yes, even in May or June)
Most Coloring Sheets Aren’t Made for Upper Elementary
The problem? A lot of coloring sheets out there are clearly designed for primary grades. Big-eyed animals, simple shapes, or “color by number” activities just don’t cut it with 5th graders who are too cool for school.
That’s why I created a different kind of end of year activity — one that blends creative expression, self-reflection, and just the right level of fun.
What Makes These Coloring Sheets Different?
They're More Like an End of Year Journal
Instead of just filling in designs, students get prompts and reflection activities they can color and write about. Think of them as part journaling, part art — and all student-approved.
Each page invites students to:
Reflect on their favorite memories from the year
Think about their growth as learners and people
Look ahead to summer and beyond
Get creative with doodles, colors, and personal touches
They’re Designed with Upper Elementary in Mind
These end of year coloring pages were specifically created for students in grades 3–5. That means:
No babyish clipart
No overused generic phrases
No “fill in the alphabet” activities
Instead, students will find:
Clean, modern designs
Age-appropriate prompts
Just enough structure to keep them focused — and just enough freedom to let their personalities shine
How to Use End of Year Coloring Sheets in Your Classroom
During Transition Times
The last week of school is full of interruptions. These coloring sheets are perfect for those “What do I do with them now?” moments:
Before or after an assembly
When half the class is finishing an activity
While you're packing up your classroom
When your students need a break from active learning
As a Daily Reflection Journal
You can also use these as a countdown activity during the final days of school. Give students one sheet each day to reflect, journal, and color. By the end of the week, they’ll have a personalized keepsake — and you’ll have five days of no-prep lessons done.
For Early Finishers
End of year coloring sheets are the perfect solution for students who speed through your other activities. They can work quietly while the rest of the class finishes, and you won’t hear, “I’m done! What do I do now?”
Why It Works for Student Engagement
Reflective Without Feeling Like Work
These coloring sheets strike the perfect balance. Students are engaged in meaningful reflection — but it doesn’t feel like work. That’s exactly what you need when attention spans are short and summer energy is high.
Gives Students Ownership
Because the sheets are open-ended and creative, students make them their own. It’s not a worksheet. It’s theirs — their memories, their art, their year in review.
Keeps the Vibes Positive
The end of the year can feel chaotic and bittersweet. These activities help students process their emotions, celebrate their progress, and say goodbye in a way that’s fun and uplifting.
Give Yourself the Gift of Calm
If you’re heading into the last week of school wondering how you’ll keep everyone occupied without losing your mind, these upper elementary end of year coloring sheets are exactly what you need.
They’re:
Low-prep (just print and go!)
Engaging
Reflective
Quiet (bless.)
Designed for big kids who don’t want to feel babyish
And the best part? I’ve already made them for you.
Want the Coloring Sheets Ready to Go?
If you’re nodding along thinking, Yes, please, I’ve got you covered. These coloring journal pages are ready for you to download and use right away. Whether it’s for a quiet moment, a keepsake, or a brain break, they’ll make your end of year smoother and more enjoyable. Just sign up for my happy teacher newsletter here and I’ll automatically send the coloring sheets straight to your inbox!
