End-of-Year Teacher Survival: What to Do With Those Last 5 Minutes
The end of the school year is officially upon us, and if you're anything like most upper elementary teachers, you're running on caffeine, countdowns, and sheer willpower. Between assemblies, field trips, testing, and packing up your classroom, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something—anything—to fill those unexpected five-minute gaps in your day without chaos erupting.
Whether it’s five minutes at the end of the day or a moment of downtime before your next transition, those little windows of time don’t have to feel like a lost cause. In fact, they can be an opportunity to make meaningful memories, encourage reflection, and bring some fun into the final stretch of the school year.
Let’s dive into two teacher-approved, student-loved resources to help you survive and thrive in May.
Why You Need a Plan for the Last 5 Minutes of the Day
It always starts the same: You wrap up your math block a few minutes early. Or the assembly ended sooner than expected. Or maybe your students just flew through their centers for once. You glance at the clock and realize you have five minutes to fill—and no energy left to make a game-time decision.
Sound familiar?
Those unstructured minutes often feel small, but they can quickly spiral into restlessness or even behavior issues if not filled with intention. That’s where having ready-to-go activities at your fingertips becomes a game-changer. Enter: end-of-year coloring sheets and cutie little classroom slides.
These quick, low-prep tools will help your students wind down, reflect, and even celebrate the school year—all while giving you a much-needed breather.
Favorite Go-To: End-of-Year Coloring Sheets
Why Coloring Works
Coloring isn’t just a filler—it’s a powerful, purposeful activity in disguise. Here’s why it’s perfect for May:
Calms the chaos: After a long day (or year!), coloring naturally helps students decompress.
Encourages reflection: With themed prompts, students can look back at their school year.
No prep required: Just print and pass out.
What’s Included in the Coloring Pages
The end-of-year coloring sheets go way beyond mandalas. These are designed specifically with upper elementary students in mind:
Favorites pages: Students color while rating their favorite books, subjects, field trips, and memories from the year.
“You’ve Got This!” growth mindset quotes: A great way to reinforce positive thinking even in the final days.
Year-in-review reflections: Prompts that help students process the highs and lows of the year.
Countdown-themed pages: Add a little excitement as the last day approaches!
You can slide them into your sub plans, morning tubs, fast-finisher folders, or just keep them nearby for those “what do we do now?” moments.
Classroom Vibes: Cutie Little End-of-Year Slides
The May Mood: Patchwork & Positivity
Let’s face it—May has a distinct vibe. We’re talking sunshine, countdown chains, and a mix of excitement and exhaustion. That’s exactly why these end-of-year classroom slides are designed with a fun patchwork aesthetic that screams summer and joy.
Think:
Bright, cheerful colors
Whimsical fonts
Simple but engaging prompts
Perfect for homeroom, transitions, or the start and end of your day.
How to Use the Slides
Here are just a few ways to incorporate them without adding anything to your already-full plate:
Morning Welcome Slides: Set the tone for the day with cheerful messages and a “question of the day.”
Brain Break Prompts: Encourage movement, silliness, or quick reflection.
End-of-Day Wrap Ups: Use them to review what students learned, or let them shout out classmates.
Teacher Bonus: It's All Ready for You
No designing, formatting, or planning required. Just upload the slides, project them, and you’re good to go. Your students will love them—and you’ll love not having to think about what to do next.
How to Get Your Hands on These Freebies
These end-of-year activities are part of a special teacher treat—because you deserve it. Here’s how to grab them:
Go to my Happy Teacher Email List Signup page
Enter your name and email address
Click the ‘Submit’ button
Check your inbox for instant access to:
End-of-year coloring sheets
Cutie little patchwork-themed slides
More happy-teacher extras
It’s that simple!
Extra Tips for Wrapping Up the Year with Ease
Make Those Last Weeks Count
The final days of school might be unpredictable, but they can still be meaningful. Here are a few teacher-tested ideas to pair with your end-of-year resources:
Have students make a memory book using coloring pages as prompts.
Create a "Best of the Year" bulletin board with student favorites.
Set up a rotating "Reflection Station" where students spend a few minutes each day journaling or coloring.
Start a countdown calendar using the patchwork slides as part of your daily routine.
Remember What Matters
You’ve poured your heart into your students all year. These last few weeks? They’re about connection, celebration, and closure. Whether it’s through a simple coloring activity or a cheerful morning slide, you’re giving students the chance to look back and feel proud of how far they’ve come.
You’ve Got This, Teacher 💛
As we wind down another school year, don’t forget that your presence, your energy, and your care are what matter most to your students. The final days don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect—they just need to feel safe, joyful, and full of heart.
So next time you find yourself with “just five minutes,” remember: you’re not alone, and you do have a plan. Grab your free end-of-year coloring sheets and slides, and let those final moments be just as magical as the first.
Ready to get your end-of-year freebies? Join the Happy Teacher List now and let’s finish this year strong—together. 🌟
