As the school year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to celebrate all the growth, friendships, and memories made along the way.
Whether you’re teaching preschoolers or middle schoolers, or just looking for fun group ideas, the end of the year is all about joy, reflection, and a little bit of silly fun!
We’ve rounded up the best end-of-year school activities for each age group with step-by-step instructions, materials needed, and ideas to make it extra special.
So, let’s get started.
End-of-the-Year School Activities (For Middle School, For Fun, Preschool)
Preschool End-of-Year Activities
Preschool is all about sensory play, creativity, and simple joy. These activities help little ones celebrate their year with laughter and colorful memories.
1. Memory Book Craft
Materials:
- Printable memory book pages (or blank paper)
- Crayons, stickers, markers
- Stapler or binder rings
Steps:
1. Give each child a few pages with prompts like:
- “My favorite thing we did this year was…”
- “Here’s my handprint!”
- “I love my teacher because…”
2. Let kids draw, color, or dictate answers.
3. Assemble the pages into a small keepsake book.
Why it’s great: It encourages reflection and creates a sweet take-home gift for families.
2. Bubble Day
Materials:
-
Bubbles, bubble wands, bubble machines
-
Chalk, music player, snacks (optional)
Steps:
-
Set up an outdoor space with different bubble stations.
-
Let kids run, pop, and chase bubbles.
-
Add music and chalk for an all-out sensory celebration.
Why it’s great: It’s easy, low-cost, and kids LOVE it!
3. Preschool “Graduation” Parade
Materials:
-
DIY caps (paper plates + yarn)
-
Certificates or medals
-
Music for marching
Steps:
-
Create little “graduation caps” with decorated plates.
-
Play music and let kids parade around the classroom or outdoors.
-
Hand out certificates and take photos.
Why it’s great: It makes kids feel proud and included in a big-kid moment.
Middle School End-of-Year Activities
Middle schoolers are ready for a little independence, friendly competition, and creative expression. These activities mix fun with reflection and bonding.
1. Classroom Awards Ceremony
Materials:
- Printable award certificates
- Pens, envelopes, or mini trophies
Steps:
1. Create fun, positive awards like:
- “Most Creative Thinker”
- “Future CEO”
- “Kindness King/Queen”
2. Let students vote or have the teacher choose.
3. Host a mini ceremony with music, snacks, and applause.
Why it’s great: Everyone gets recognized in a fun, low-pressure way.
2. Time Capsule Letters
Materials:
- Paper, pens
- Envelopes or small boxes
Steps:
1. Ask students to write letters to their “future self” about:
- Their favorite memory this year
- What they’ve learned
- Goals for next year
2. Collect and seal the letters.
3. Mail them the following year or save for 8th-grade graduation.
Why it’s great: It encourages self-reflection and personal growth.
3. Middle School Field Day
Materials:
- Outdoor space
- Cones, water balloons, relay equipment
- Score sheets or team colors
Steps:
1. Set up stations for fun activities:
- Three-legged race
- Water balloon toss
- Tug of war
- Hula hoop contest
2. Divide into teams and rotate through stations.
Why it’s great: It’s active, team-building, and super memorable.
Just-for-Fun Ideas (All Ages)
Need something lighthearted and simple that works for any grade? These activities are perfect for a mixed-age group or school-wide celebration.
1. Classroom Talent Show
Materials:
- Stage space or classroom
- Optional props or mic
- Signup sheet
Steps:
-
Let students sign up to share a talent: singing, jokes, magic tricks, etc.
-
Set a simple time limit for each.
-
Invite classmates to cheer and clap.
Why it’s great: It builds confidence and gives kids a chance to shine!
2. Autograph & Doodle T-Shirts
Materials:
- White t-shirts
- Fabric markers
Steps:
-
Have each student bring a plain white shirt.
-
Let classmates sign and decorate each other’s shirts with fun messages or doodles.
Why it’s great: It’s a creative, wearable memory of the school year.
3. Photo Booth Party
Materials:
- Camera or phone
- Props (hats, glasses, signs)
- Printable backdrop or decorated wall
Steps:
-
Set up a corner with props and a fun background.
-
Let kids pose with friends and take silly photos.
-
Share them digitally or print for keepsakes.
Why it’s great: It captures the moment and creates a keepsake full of smiles.
Wrapping Up the School Year
Whether you’re working with tiny tots or too-cool middle schoolers, the end of the year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate.
These simple yet meaningful activities help students feel accomplished, appreciated, and connected as they move on to the next chapter.
🎓 Here’s to another year of growth, laughter, and learning. Happy end of the school year! 🎉
