Finish Strong: End of Term Activities to Celebrate, Reflect, and Reconnect

As Term Two winds down and the energy in the classroom starts to shift, it’s the perfect time to change gears. Whether you’re teaching Grade 2 or Year 12, the final weeks of term are an opportunity to celebrate what’s been achieved, reflect on growth, and strengthen classroom culture – all while having some well-deserved fun!

Here are some fun, easy activities for both primary and secondary classes that bring closure, creativity, and connection.

For Primary Classrooms

1. Memory Booklets or Time Capsules

Have students create a mini book of their highlights from the year so far. They can include their favourite subjects, proudest moments, new friendships, funny memories, etc. You can even include a section for a self-portrait or drawing of the class.

2. Classroom Awards Ceremony

Host a light-hearted ceremony with categories like ‘Future Teacher’, ‘Most likely to be on MasterChef’, or ‘Kindness Champion’. Let students nominate each other (with guidance) or vote anonymously. Ensure that all students receive an award for their efforts.

3. Pass the Compliment game

In a circle, have each student give a compliment to the person sitting on their left. You can do it in writing, and have each student rotate around the room and leave a kind comment on every classmate’s paper.

4. Themed Learning Stations

Set up rotating activities based on what students loved during the first two terms of the year. This could include STEM challenges, LOTE activities, crafts, mindfulness activities, or even puzzles!

For Secondary Classrooms/Homerooms

1. Term in review Kahoot! Quizzes

Make a quiz with all of the key topics you covered in Term Two. You can even mix it up with pop culture questions. This is a great way to revise and reflect without the pressure of a formal test.

2. Group pitch projects

Challenge students to create a short pitch or campaign related to your subject area. It could be a product, a social change idea, a ‘what if?’ scenario, or invention/innovation. Keep it light, timed, and group students in small groups.

3. Creative reflections

Have students write a letter to their future, end-of-year self. Prompt them to write down their goals and the areas in their school or personal lives that they would like to work on. Have them offer themselves advice or encouragement. Let them know that they will get this letter back at the end of the year, and that they will be able to look back at what they wrote and see how far they have come.

For Everyone: Don’t Forget to Take a Moment as a Class

Whatever the age group, take a moment to acknowledge the term together. Not just the learning outcomes, but the shared experiences. Whether it’s a general chat about their term highlights or a moment of silence, mindfulness, and gratitude, closure matters, particularly if you have students who will be leaving at the end of term, or even for your senior students who are embarking on the final semester of their schooling years.

While students might not remember every lesson, they’ll always remember how you made them feel.