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End of Year Community Building Fun! 

It’s been ANOTHER crazy year together. But you know what hasn’t wavered? The strong classroom community that you all have built and sustained together. It’s time to end how you started it; like a family. In this post, you’ll learn some fun and engaging ways to end the school year strong and keep that little family bonding until the last day!

End of the year community building activities

Spread the Love

Here’s an awesome activity that turns into a lovely keepsake for your students. Each day, create an anchor chart for a student and have all the other students write what they’ve loved about them throughout the year. At the end of the day, gather and share all the nice things students wrote about that person and allow them to take it home as a gift! It’s such an easy and meaningful activity for students. You will hear SO many sweet things and it’s something for them to cherish for forever!  end of year classroom community activityend of year classroom community activity

end of year classroom community activity

Count it Down

Make every last day count together with a fun themed countdown! Setup your balloon bulletin board with THIS freebie and have a blast continuing those connections and make those last days together really special. From Crazy Hair Day to Nickname Day, your students will enjoy and love those themed days while continuing to create new memories together!

end of year ABC countdown FREEBIE end of year ABC countdown FREEBIE

Or have everything done for you with the digital and interactive End of Year Countdown Display!

digital interactive end of the year countdown

Digital End of Year Countdown

Reflect & Show Off!

You’ve done A LOT of learning as a family this year. Take the time to reflect on that together and celebrate all the great accomplishments you all have made! A brain dump is an easy and engaging activity because it’s as simple as a piece of anchor chart paper and their brains. Have some sweet carpet time and discuss ALL the things you’ve learned throughout the year. It’s rather impressive to see what they come up with. You can check out some of ours from first grade below! Then, after dumping brains, allow students to go off and show what they know with a topic of their choice. It’s learning AND fun that students LOVE! 

end of the year brain dump activity end of the year brain dump activity

Another fun way to have students show off how they’ve shined this year is with this reflection writing craft! Being able to reflect is an important skill, not just for students, but all of us. It helps us to grow and learn from past experiences and gives us joy to remember what we’ve already mastered and overcome. Students will love completing this adorable craft while reflecting on what they’ve learned this year!

end of year writing craft

End of the Year Activity Pack

Treasured Memories

180 days is a lot of days to create a lot of memories, some tough, some sweet, and others downright hilarious. These are things that will be cherished for a lifetime. Get nostalgic with your students by reflecting on those memories together while creating a personalized keepsake! Have students create their own flipbook with an individualized topper that represents THEM! It’ll be something that can look back on for years to come. 

end of the year memory flipbook craft

end of the year memory flipbook end of the year flipbook

End of the Year Memory Flipbooks

Get Moving!

We know the end of the year is CRAZY! Why not make use of all that vibrating energy they have with some fun team building activities?! One of our favorites is a good game of what you rather. We like to add a movement piece by having students run to either side of the classroom based on their answer. You can have them pair up with someone with the same or opposite answer as them to talk about why they chose that answer. It’s a great way to continue connecting, moving, and having fun!

digital end of the year would you rather

end of the year would you rather

End of the Year Would You Rather

 Another great team building activity that helps release that extra energy is with a scavenger hunt! Divide them into teams and let them go explore! They can search the classroom, the building, or even get them outside to find items you’ve set them out to scavenge for. Another super fun end of the year activity to keep your classroom community going strong until the last day! 

digital end of the year scavenger hunt

digital end of the year scavenger hunt

Digital Editable Scavenger Hunt

Minute to Win it!

These games are a BLAST! Teamwork is a must for students to win and they will have SO much fun working together to try and beat these challenging tasks in 60 seconds. Check out some of my favorite end of the year minute to win it games below:  

  • Solo Racing:  Students receive a straw and solo cup as their only materials to race their cups to the finish line. Each player on their team has to try to blow their solo cup across a designated space (a few desks together work great!) before the other team! Make sure to clearly mark the starting and ending points with tape for students. Not only do teams have a great time, they also get some meaningful time to practice being a cheerleader for their teammates! 

 

  • Cookie Face: Who doesn’t love food and fun?! Each player on the team has to sit an Oreo in the middle of their forehead. Using ONLY their face, the challenge is to get the cookie in their mouth. The first team to get their cookies to their mouth first wins! It’s a pretty funny sight to see them squirm to try and get the cookie down their face, you’ll get lots of laughs, and of course they get a delicious snack when they succeed! 

 

  • Marshmallow Windstorm: Teams are divided up on either side of a table with a piece of masking tape down the middle. They have to use straws to blow as many marshmallows on the other side of the tape as they can in one minute. The team with the most wins! 


  • Puzzle Palooza: Divide teams up and have them work together to complete a puzzle before the other teams do. Simply use puzzles that have the same amount of pieces and let students get to constructing! This can be done with classroom created puzzles like 100 charts or dollar store puzzles!


  • Build it Up: Have students work together to create the tallest structure they can in one minute. This can be done with any material such as cups, blocks, or anything else you have on hand. The team with the tallest standing structure at the end wins! 

 

If you love these, you’ll love the complete End of the Year Minute to Win Activity Pack complete with embedded 60 second timers, activity directions, and slide displays! 

End of the year minute it to win activities

End of the Year Minute it to Win it Activity Pack

Our Class will Always be a Family

Your class will always feel like a family after all the time you’ve spent together and all the memories you’ve made. A great end of the year activity to cherish forever is to create a classroom yearbook together. I love reading Our Class is A Family by Shannon Olsen before putting together our own yearbook. Check out this adorable classroom craft that you can add however many pages to accommodate your students and let them decorate their book. Have enough wallet sized photos of the students to paste on the pages and then give them some time to sign each other’s books on their page. They will enjoy this last little bit of time together and have something to remember all of their friends by. Grab it FREE by subscribing!

our class is a family craft

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I really hope you enjoyed learning about ways to end the year strong with your students and the community you’ve built together!  Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list! Not only will you get the most up to date tips, tricks, and classroom projects… and of course more fun FREEBIES including the Brag Tag FREEBIE! You will also have exclusive access to tons of digital how to videos! If you would like to learn about this and other things happening in my classroom follow me  @sweetnsauerfirsties on Instagram.

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A fun place to be apart of the educational journey. Full of all things teaching! The good, the bad, and even the ugly. Join my experiences and subscribe to my email list to get the most up to date tips and tricks.

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Have you seen this brand new book?! Hello Anger Have you seen this brand new book?! 

Hello Anger is by @jessicasinarski and discusses how to deal with that overwhelming feeling of anger. 😡 

This amazing book helps children understand how to better control their anger and learn strategies to manage it. 

You can W*I*N your own copy now! Entering is easy!

1️⃣ Make sure you’re following me 

2️⃣ Make sure you’re following @nationalcenterforyouthissues 

3️⃣ Tag some friends who would love to win too!

✨ BONUS: Share this to your stories and make sure to tag me! ✨

I will choose 2 LUCKY WINNERS Sunday evening! ❤️
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Which type are you?! I’m like a good mix of bo Which type are you?! 

I’m like a good mix of both! 🤣 Let us know which one you are below! ⬇️

Learn 5 easy end of the year organization tips too!
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #classroomdecor #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachergram #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherorganization #classroomorganization #teacherfun
It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! This week I It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! 

This week I have an EXCLUSIVE End of the Year Organizational Checklist FREEBIE! 🎉

This checklist can help you pack up your classroom whether you are getting stuff stored, moving classrooms, or even... moving schools! 😬

There’s also a blank version for you to add your own to-do items! Grab yours now! 📦 
{🔗 on profile}
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
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 #igconnect4edu #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherbloggers #primaryteacher #endoftheschoolyear #classroomorganization #teacherorganization #teacherblogger
How adorable is this end of the year treat from @s How adorable is this end of the year treat from @sunshineandrainbowsinteaching?! 

Check out her page to learn how to make these delicious snacks! 😋 
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
 #igconnect4edu #lastdaysofschool #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachergram #primaryteacher #endoftheschoolyear #lastdayofschool #studentgifts #ilovemystudents
If this ain’t the truth! 😂 What’s your go If this ain’t the truth! 😂

What’s your go to candy? Mine is Reese’s for sure!

Image credit @adventuresinkinder 
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#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers
#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #classroomfun #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo
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One of my favorite books to end the year together. One of my favorite books to end the year together. *Warning* I cry reading it EVERY year! 😭

When is your last day?

Check out my end of the year blog post for more fun ways to end the school year together! 🥳
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 #igconnect4edu #classroomcommunity #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #lastdaysofschool #primaryteacher #endoftheschoolyear #lastdayofschool #childrensbooks #readaloud
Now what if you’re a teacher AND a parent? 😵‍💫
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Still looking for an end of the year gift for your Still looking for an end of the year gift for your students?

Writing notes to students is one of my favorite gifts for them. 

1. It ensures they have something to read over the summer.

2. You can ALWAYS find great dollar book deals from @scholasticbookclubs 

3. It’s a great memory for them to look back on year after year. 

Learn more fun ways to end the year with students now! 🥳
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 #igconnect4edu #lastdaysofschool #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #ilovemystudents #teacherinspiration #classroomcommunity #lastdayofschool #endoftheschoolyear  #studentgifts
Have you ever let your students help you clean up Have you ever let your students help you clean up the room at the end of the year?

When we begin to take down the things on the walls, one of the things to go is our word/sound wall. 

Well who says this can’t turn into a game? When you take down all the important words from the year together, put them in a circle and have a word/sound hunt for them. 

The kids LOVE it and are so engaged. Bonus… an area of your room is cleared too!! 😉

Learn more easy end of the year pack up tips now!
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Have you seen this brand new book?! Hello Anger is by @jessicasinarski and discusses how to deal with that overwhelming feeling of anger. 😡 This amazing book helps children understand how to better control their anger and learn strategies to manage it. You can W*I*N your own copy now! Entering is easy!1️⃣ Make sure you’re following me 2️⃣ Make sure you’re following @nationalcenterforyouthissues 3️⃣ Tag some friends who would love to win too!✨ BONUS: Share this to your stories and make sure to tag me! ✨I will choose 2 LUCKY WINNERS Sunday evening! ❤️••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #growthmindset #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #socialemotionaldevelopment #socialemotionallearning #socialskills #childrensbooks #readaloud #nationalcenterforyouthissues ... See MoreSee Less

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Which type are you?! I’m like a good mix of both! 🤣 Let us know which one you are below! ⬇️Learn 5 easy end of the year organization tips too!{🔗 on profile}••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #classroomdecor #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachergram #primaryteacher #teacherquotes #teacherorganization #classroomorganization #teacherfun ... See MoreSee Less

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1 day ago

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It’s time for #tptfreebie Friday! This week I have an EXCLUSIVE End of the Year Organizational Checklist FREEBIE! 🎉This checklist can help you pack up your classroom whether you are getting stuff stored, moving classrooms, or even... moving schools! 😬There’s also a blank version for you to add your own to-do items! Grab yours now! 📦 {🔗 on profile}••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teacherbloggers #primaryteacher #endoftheschoolyear #classroomorganization #teacherorganization #teacherblogger ... See MoreSee Less

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Lindsay Sauer

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How adorable is this end of the year treat from @sunshineandrainbowsinteaching?! Check out her page to learn how to make these delicious snacks! 😋 •••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #lastdaysofschool #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachergram #primaryteacher #endoftheschoolyear #lastdayofschool #studentgifts #ilovemystudents ... See MoreSee Less

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If this ain’t the truth! 😂What’s your go to candy? Mine is Reese’s for sure!Image credit @adventuresinkinder ••••#elementaryteacher #teaching #classroom #teachingideas #classroomideas #education #handsonlearning #teachertribe #teacher #teachers#teacherlife #teacherproblems #firstgrade #firstgradeteacher #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #classroomfun #iteach #iteachfirst #iteachtoo #igconnect4edu #teachermemes #teacherspayteachers #weareteachers #teachershare #endoftheschoolyear #lastdayofschool #teacherhumor #teacherfunny #teacherquotes ... See MoreSee Less

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  • How did your elementary classroom react when you told them about starting a new math skill of adding with 3 addends? Students can feel nervous about this new math lesson since they are used to only having 2 addends. Today, I give you my fun math ideas for kids with 3 addend addition. Check out all of my math activities, including 3 addend mats, QR task cards, self checking task cards and so much more. I even have ideas for how to include unknown addends. Use during math workshop & math cente
  • Back to school is right around the corner! As a busy teacher, you are probably feeling overwhelmed with your long back to school to-do list! Today, I am sharing how you can crush the first week of school. I am sharing back to school activities for building a strong classroom community including getting to know you activities. I also also a back to school survival guide and back to school read alouds. Find first week lesson plans and more!
  • Are you struggling with your classroom seating arrangement for your elementary classroom? Check out my ultimate flexible seating guide that you can use to make your back to school planning easy. Learn all of the benefits of flexible seating and how it can enhance student engagement and learning in the classroom. I include a list of other classroom seating ideas like wobble stools and scoop rockers. I also talk about flexible seating expectations and how to use a flexible seating choice board.
  • Are you getting ready to go back to school with some classroom planning? Check out my ultimate back to school guide for teachers in this blog post. I will give you everything you need to succeed for the beginning of the school year with these teaching resources. See how I set up my classroom, how I incorporate social emotional learning, how to create structure and expectation for students and much more. You also won’t want to miss my back to school freebie - a classroom setup checklist.
  • Are you working on putting together your classroom library? This blog post will give you some classroom tips and tricks for classroom library organization. You will want to start by book leveling to have an organized system for students to access books. After books are leveled, I love to organize books by genre in my elementary classroom. I even link to the editable classroom library labels I use. These classroom organization tips will help you see reading growth with your elementary students.
  • How did your elementary classroom react when you told them about starting a new math skill of adding with 3 addends? Students can feel nervous about this new math lesson since they are used to only having 2 addends. Today, I give you my fun math ideas for kids with 3 addend addition. Check out all of my math activities, including 3 addend mats, QR task cards, self checking task cards and so much more. I even have ideas for how to include unknown addends. Use during math workshop & math cente
  • How did your elementary classroom react when you told them about starting a new math skill of adding with 3 addends? Students can feel nervous about this new math lesson since they are used to only having 2 addends. Today, I give you my fun math ideas for kids with 3 addend addition. Check out all of my math activities, including 3 addend mats, QR task cards, self checking task cards and so much more. I even have ideas for how to include unknown addends. Use during math workshop & math cente
  • Are you struggling with your classroom seating arrangement for your elementary classroom? Check out my ultimate flexible seating guide that you can use to make your back to school planning easy. Learn all of the benefits of flexible seating and how it can enhance student engagement and learning in the classroom. I include a list of other classroom seating ideas like wobble stools and scoop rockers. I also talk about flexible seating expectations and how to use a flexible seating choice board.
  • Back to school is right around the corner! As a busy teacher, you are probably feeling overwhelmed with your long back to school to-do list! Today, I am sharing how you can crush the first week of school. I am sharing back to school activities for building a strong classroom community including getting to know you activities. I also also a back to school survival guide and back to school read alouds. Find first week lesson plans and more!

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