Keep Students Engaged Until the Last Day of School with This Simple End of Year Game
Let’s be honest: students at the end of the school year are not the same students we met in August.
By the time May or June rolls around, they’ve got one foot out the door. Summer is calling. Attention spans are short. Energy is high. And let’s face it — classroom management gets a whole lot harder.
That’s why end of year teaching requires a different approach. You need classroom activities that are high-energy, engaging, and just structured enough to keep the chaos in check. My go-to solution? Classroom games — especially low-prep, high-impact games that keep students involved, laughing, and learning.
And today I’m sharing one of my favorites with you: Pass the Apple (or calculator, or marker — whatever you’ve got handy). It’s simple, flexible, and students love it.
Why You Need More Classroom Games at the End of the School Year
End of Year Students = A Whole New Vibe
By now, your students are:
Comfortable with each other
Easily distracted
Over the novelty of most routines
Bursting with end-of-year energy
They don’t need more worksheets. They need movement, community, and a touch of chaotic good energy to stay invested.
That’s where classroom games come in.
Games Keep Students Engaged — and You Sane
Games aren’t just fun — they’re classroom management gold. When students know there’s a game coming:
They’re more likely to stay on task
They have a reason to participate
You have a built-in incentive system
Transitions become smoother
Plus, games help you maintain structure without feeling like you’re dragging everyone across the finish line.
My Favorite End of Year Game: Pass the Apple
What Is Pass the Apple?
Pass the Apple is a simple, high-energy game that combines quick thinking, group participation, and a race-against-the-clock format that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.
Spoiler alert: It doesn’t require an apple. You can use any classroom item — a marker, a calculator, a stuffed animal, whatever you’ve got nearby.
How to Play Pass the Apple
Here’s the full breakdown:
Form a Circle
Have your entire class stand or sit in a circle. The energy of the game comes from the group interaction, so make sure everyone can see each other.Choose Your Object
Grab any small object from around the classroom — a calculator, a dry erase eraser, a random plushie — anything that can be passed from student to student.Pick a Category
Before the game begins, choose a category. You can go the fun route (like:Chips
Candy bars
Animals
Movie titles
Or keep it academic with categories like:U.S. states
Fractions that equal 1
Characters from a novel you just read
Vocabulary words
Designate the Starter
One student starts with the object. Their job is to think of 7 things that belong in the category. But here’s the twist — they can’t say them yet.Start the Race
When the student is ready, they yell “Go!” and start naming their seven items out loud, one by one. At the same time, the rest of the class starts passing the object around the circle as fast as they can.The Goal
The class is trying to pass the object all the way around the circle before the starter finishes naming all 7 items.
If the object makes it back to the starter before they finish? The class wins.
If the starter finishes before the object returns? They win!
Why Students Love It
It’s fast-paced and fun — no waiting around!
Everyone is involved — it’s not just one student at a time
It’s silly and unexpected — especially with goofy categories
They love the challenge — it’s a race, and they’re into it
And best of all? You can adapt it to ANY subject.
Ideas for Making It Academic
This game isn’t just a brain break — you can easily align it with your curriculum. Try these academic category examples:
Math Ideas
Factors of a number
Multiples of 6
Shapes with 4 sides
Equivalent fractions
ELA Ideas
Synonyms for “happy”
Main characters from a story
Types of figurative language
Verbs in past tense
Science Ideas
Planets in the solar system
Types of energy
Vertebrates
Parts of a plant
Social Studies Ideas
U.S. Presidents
Countries in South America
State capitals
Branches of government
The beauty of Pass the Apple is that it’s flexible. It’s not just for the last day of school — it can become part of your classroom culture all year long.
Tips for Success
Here are a few teacher-tested tricks to make your game run smoothly:
Model it first. Play one round with you as the starter so they can see how it works.
Use a timer. Set a 20-second limit if students get stuck or the object gets stuck.
Switch categories quickly. Keep it moving to hold their attention.
Choose a new student each round. Everyone gets a turn eventually.
Use it as an incentive. Tell students they can play a round after finishing a task or showing great teamwork.
Why Games Like This Matter at the End of the Year
You’re Creating Core Memories
Think back to your own time in school — what do you remember? Probably not the worksheets. Probably not the last grammar lesson. But I bet you remember the fun activities, the games, the laughter with friends.
When you use classroom games like Pass the Apple, you’re giving students something to hold onto. You’re ending the year on a high note. You’re reminding them (and yourself) that learning can be joyful — even when everyone’s counting down the days.
You Deserve a Break, Too
Let’s be real — you’re tired. You’ve managed behaviors, supported every learner, gone to a million meetings, and probably haven’t peed in peace since September.
Games are good for your mental health. They give you a moment to smile, to step back, and to watch your class enjoy one another. And they require almost zero prep.
That’s a win in my book.
End the School Year Strong (and Smiling)
Whether you’re looking for a last day of school activity, a way to keep students focused during a chaotic week, or just a burst of positive energy in your room, Pass the Apple is a perfect choice.
It’s:
Fast-paced
Fun
Flexible
Academic or silly
Easy to play over and over again
And best of all — it makes your classroom feel joyful in those final days together.
