What are some projects, activities, and lessons that you hold until the end of the school year to keep your students engaged with academic content? A bonus if you can post a picture!

The end of the year is upon us. It can be challenging to keep students focused as the days of summer approach. I have some hands-on, engaging lessons I keep until the end of the year, especially with our schedules chock full of school assemblies and events.

I do outdoor geometric lessons using jump ropes, hula hoops, cones, and sidewalk chalk. It culminates in the creation of 3D shapes using marshmallows, spaghetti, and toothpicks.

Or a writing project where students use a pile of dirt on the playground to place toys, action figures, and LEGO builds to help brainstorm storylines. This is a 3-4-week writing-process narrative unit that begins with brainstorming at "Wells Island", and continues through all phases of the writing process and culminates with students typing the stories into Book Creator- complete with action shots of their toys on the island.

There are a number of resources available for strategies on end-of-year reflection and celebration. Here is a video with end-of-the-year strategies: managing the energy in the room, getting outside, reflecting on the school year, and celebrating. Keeping Elementary Students Engaged as the Year Winds Down For additional resources for activities to encourage end-of-year reflections, see 4 Activities to Encourage End-of-Year Reflections

Which projects, activities, or lessons do you save for the end of the school year to keep students engaged in meaningful academic learning? Bonus points if you can share a photo!