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How to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) the Last Weeks of Fourth Grade

How to Survive (and Actually Enjoy) the Last Weeks of Fourth Grade

Solutions for a Smooth, Meaningful, and Fun Finish

Ah, June. The sun is shining, the countdown is on, and your fourth graders’ energy is... through the roof. 😅
Let’s be honest — these last few weeks can be some of the most challenging of the year:

  • Focus flies out the window.

  • Behaviors bubble up.

  • Routines unravel.

  • You still want to finish strong — but how?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone! I used to dread this time of year until I shifted my approach. Now, I think of it as a chance to celebrate, reflect, and set students up for success — all while maintaining calm and structure.

Here’s my go-to game plan to help you survive (and actually ENJOY) the end of fourth grade — without losing your mind.

Problem #1: "My students are bouncing off the walls!"

Solution: A June Countdown Calendar to Channel Their Excitement

Kids are going to be excited — why not build that into your classroom in a manageable way?

A Fun June Countdown Calendar gives them something to look forward to each day without derailing your teaching. The key is to anchor these activities to predictable times (usually the last 20–30 minutes of the day), so you can keep your normal academic blocks.

Here are some favorite low-prep ideas to sprinkle in:

DayActivity
MondayPajama Day (comfy learning!)
TuesdayBring a Stuffed Animal to Read To
WednesdayDouble Recess (earned through great behavior)
ThursdayBoard Game Day (bring a favorite from home or use classroom games)
FridaySidewalk Chalk Art & Class Photo Day
Next WeekPopsicle Picnic • Crazy Hat Day • Dance Party • Class Movie Afternoon

Tips:
✅ Send home a calendar so families can prepare.
✅ Let students earn certain days to keep motivation high.
✅ Build in days that encourage movement (see more below!).

Problem #2: "The structure is falling apart."

Solution: Stick to Predictable Routines & High Expectations

I know — it’s tempting to throw the schedule out the window in June. But trust me: students need structure more than ever right now.

Routines = security. Without them, behaviors escalate fast.

Here’s what I recommend:

  • Start every day with your regular morning meeting or warm-up.

  • Teach core subject blocks at your usual times.

  • Communicate clearly when fun activities will happen (and stick to it!).

  • Revisit classroom expectations as a class — consider creating a June behavior goal together.

Keeping your expectations high but flexible gives students permission to stay engaged while having fun.

Problem #3: "How do I end the year meaningfully?"

Solution: Build in Reflection & Celebration

The end of the year should feel special — not just a countdown to summer. Give your students time to reflect, celebrate, and take pride in their growth with meaningful activities.

Here are some tried-and-true ideas:

📝 Memory Books

  • Have students complete a Memory Book with prompts like:

    • “My favorite fourth-grade memory was...”

    • “Something I learned this year was...”

    • “I am proud of myself because...”

    • “My friends this year were...”

🏆 Classroom Awards

  • Host a fun awards ceremony with meaningful (and funny!) awards:

    • Best Bookworm

    • Most Helpful Friend

    • Future Teacher

    • Brightest Smile

    • Master Mathematician

Tip: Let students nominate classmates — this builds community and pride.

🎞️ Slideshow or Video

  • Collect photos from the year and make a simple slideshow (Google Slides works great).

  • Play it during your class party — it brings lots of smiles and happy tears!

✍️ Letters to Future 4th Graders

  • Have your students write letters to next year’s class sharing:

    • What to expect

    • Tips for success

    • Favorite activities

    • Encouraging words

You can save these and share them with your incoming students next fall!

Problem #4: "I want to help students transition to next year."

Solution: Encourage Forward Thinking

End-of-year reflection is important, but so is looking ahead. Fourth grade is a big year of growth, and helping students visualize their next step builds confidence and excitement.

Easy ideas:

  • ✏️ Next Year I Hope To... writing prompts (combine with art for a fun bulletin board).

  • 🎨 Create "Moving Up" crafts (think graduation hats, future goals posters, or a "One Word I’ll Focus on Next Year" banner).

  • Goal setting: Have students set one academic and one personal goal for the summer or next school year.

Tip: Take a “Moving Up” class photo on the last day — another great addition to your slideshow!

Problem #5: "We’re all a little... wiggly."

Solution: Build in Movement — On Purpose

If your class is extra restless, lean into it instead of fighting it! Intentional movement makes a world of difference.

Remember my last post about movement in the classroom? This is the perfect time to double down on it.

Quick wins:

  • Stretch and act out vocabulary (ex: "expand" = big arms!).

  • Movement-based task cards around the room.

  • Class scavenger hunts related to your content.

  • Walk & talk partner discussions during writing reflection or goal setting.

  • Dance parties for transition breaks — kids EARN the song with great behavior.

Pro Tip: Build a movement bank and let students pick a daily movement break during your June Countdown!

Final Thoughts

The last weeks of school don’t have to be chaotic or stressful — they can be some of your most joyful and meaningful days with your students.

Remember this simple formula:
✅ Keep your routines
✅ Sprinkle in fun (with structure!)
✅ Build in time for reflection and celebration
✅ Help students look ahead with confidence
✅ Move intentionally — every day!

You’ve poured so much heart into your classroom this year.
Finish strong, savor the moments, and celebrate all the growth your students (and YOU) have made.

You’ve got this! 🌼

Need ready-to-go resources?
In my [Elementary School Garden TPT store/blog link], you’ll find:

  • A printable Fun June Countdown Calendar

  • Editable Memory Book template

  • Movement Brain Break Cards

  • End-of-Year Reflection Writing Prompt

How you end the year is just as important as how you began it. Leave your students with joy, pride, and hope.


Let’s make this the BEST June ever — together. 🌸
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