Surviving (and Thriving) During the End of the School Year: 10 Teacher-Tested Tips

The countdown is on!

The end of the school year is one of the most exciting — and chaotic — times in the classroom. We’re wrapping up lessons, assessing what students have learned, planning celebrations, and, let’s be honest, trying to maintain some semblance of control while everyone (including us) is so ready for summer break.  

After more than 25 years in the classroom, I’ve learned that the last week of school doesn’t have to be stressful, even when both you and your students are "done" and your classroom is too hot to work in! It just takes a little planning, a lot of patience, and it doesn't add to your already full plate!

Here are my tried-and-true tips to survive and thrive during the end of the school year:

1. Stick to Your Routine (as much as possible)

Even though it's tempting to toss the schedule out the window, keeping some consistency will help your students (and you!) feel grounded. Small changes are fine, but stick to your main routines for carpet time, centers, and transitions to keep behaviours in check.

2. Overplan, Overplan, Overplan

This is not the time of year to wing it. Downtime can quickly turn into chaos. Plan lots of quick, hands-on activities, brain breaks, read-alouds, and projects. That's not to say you can't have a lot of free time at this time of the year. It is helpful to sprinkle in free play with more structured activities. 

3. Make Time for Review (But Keep It Fun)

Use games, scavenger hunts, and simple group activities to review skills from the year. Think “Jeopardy” style games, Kahoots, task card scoots.  I also love to head outside for math with sidewalk chalk or some chalk art. Students stay engaged, and you get some informal end-of-year review done while having fun.  

4. Get Students Involved in Cleaning Up

The end of the year is the perfect time to teach responsibility and lighten your load. Set up "cleaning stations" where students can sort supplies, test markers, organize books, and wipe down desks. Turn it into a race or challenge; suddenly, classroom cleanup feels much more fun. My students loved helping clean the room and getting things ready for next year's first graders.  

Pro tip: Add a little incentive to sweeten the deal—a movie afternoon, a sweet treat, or free time! 

5. Celebrate the Year

Take time to reflect and celebrate all the growth that’s happened academically and socially. I love having students look back through their journals from the beginning of the year.  They are always astounded by their progress.  You can always plan a class party with favourite games and activities from the year. It’s important for kids (and you) to see how far they’ve come.

6. Keep Expectations High

It’s easy to let things slide at the end of the school year, but maintaining your classroom expectations (even if you're adjusting your schedule) will keep things running more smoothly. Praise positive behaviour like crazy, and keep consequences consistent. Your future self will thank you.

7. Take Care of YOU

The end of the year can be draining — emotionally, mentally, and physically. Make a little time each day for something that recharges you, even a 5-minute mindfulness break, a quick walk outside after dismissal, or planning a low-stress dinner. Your students need you at your best, and that means taking care of yourself, too.

8. Let Students Take the Lead

Allow students to lead activities! You might be amazed at how seriously they take it. Try a "teach the teacher" day, or have students read to the class or teach a new game in phys ed. Not only is it fun, but it also gives students ownership and keeps engagement high.

9. Reflect on the Year Together

Set aside time for reflection — it’s such a meaningful way to wrap things up. Have students complete a simple memory book.

Need a no-prep option?

I’ve put together a memory book with a fun movie theme. It's print-and-go, making it easy for students to capture their favourite memories, friends, and accomplishments from the year. It’s a sweet keepsake they'll treasure — and an easy win for your last few weeks!

Reflection activities help students process their feelings about moving on and give them a sense of closure — something that’s just as important as finishing those last report cards. 😉

10. Embrace Flexible Scheduling

The last few days don’t need to look like a typical school day. Build in lots of movement, hands-on projects, and relaxed blocks of time for favourite activities. Shorter chunks of learning mixed with play will help keep students focused without feeling forced.

The end of the school year doesn't have to feel overwhelming. A little extra planning, some meaningful activities, and a healthy dose of flexibility will help you and your students end the year feeling proud, accomplished, and excited for what’s next.

You've worked hard — you (and your students) deserve to finish strong and celebrate all the memories you’ve made together! 🎉

Until next time,