When Testing Ends, the Real Challenge Begins
Testing is done. Schedules are chaotic. The energy is high—and the attention span is low.
It’s that wild stretch of time between state testing and the last day of school. Whether you have two weeks or six, this is the perfect window for creative, low-prep end of year math activities that keep your students learning and engaged while still having fun.
In this post, I’m sharing five tried-and-true activities that help bring closure to the year, allow students to apply what they’ve learned, and make the final weeks feel meaningful—not just manageable.
Start with a Little Anticipation
Before diving into the activities, one of my favorite ways to set the tone is with a countdown—and this one’s got just the right amount of classroom magic.
The End of Year Countdown Scratch Off | EDITABLE lets your students scratch off a surprise each day leading up to the last day of school. You can include review games, team challenges, celebration rewards, or even quick math experiences. It’s editable, low-prep, and filled with over 50 student-approved ideas.
It’s the perfect way to kick off your end of year math activities with excitement and structure. You can build in math-specific rewards, like “Partner Pixel Art Challenge” or “Fractions Review Bingo,” or throw in whole-class rewards that match your classroom vibe.
This countdown makes every day feel like a celebration with a purpose—and gives students something to look forward to while still staying on task.
What Makes a Great End of Year Math Activity?
When choosing your activities, keep it simple and meaningful. A great activity should:
- Reinforce or review key math concepts
- Be flexible enough to differentiate
- Give students a chance to reflect, create, or explore
- Require minimal prep but still feel fresh and exciting
- Build a sense of accomplishment or celebration
This time of year is also a great opportunity to focus on student choice. The more students feel ownership over their work, the more likely they are to stay engaged.
1. Student-Created Math Lessons
Let your students become the teachers! In small groups or pairs, students choose a math concept from the year and create a short lesson to reteach it to the class. They can include explanations, examples, visuals, and even practice problems.
This activity works well with anchor charts, Google Slides, or a quick Flip video if you’re tech-friendly. It’s a great way to promote collaboration, boost confidence, and reinforce key skills through peer teaching.
Not only does this deepen their understanding, but it also builds presentation and communication skills. You can also let students give each other feedback using simple rubrics or sticky notes.
Optional twist: Let the class vote on “Most Creative Explanation” or “Best Use of a Real-Life Example.”
2. Culminating Math Projects
Whether it’s designing a math board game, writing a math-themed story, or building an animated presentation in Canva, culminating projects are a great way to synthesize learning.
You can guide students to choose a specific skill focus (like fractions or geometry), or let them combine multiple concepts. Give them a rubric and a few work sessions, and then host a “Math Project Showcase” on the final week of school.
Other project ideas include:
- Create a classroom-themed restaurant using decimals and measurement
- Build dream homes and calculate area, perimeter, and cost
- Design math escape rooms or scavenger hunts for their classmates
This is one of the most versatile end of year math activities because it combines creativity with math application—and students are always proud to share their work.
3. Previewing Next Grade’s Math Content
Give students a peek into what’s ahead. This helps ease anxiety and builds excitement for next year.
You might:
- Do a weekly “sneak peek” mini-lesson
- Set up math exploration stations based on next-grade skills
- Try a “math mystery” that involves new vocabulary or concepts
This activity works well in rotation or during morning work. It also creates the perfect opportunity for partner challenges. For example, one student acts as the “expert” and helps explain a new concept to their partner.
If you’re departmentalized, collaborate with the next-grade teacher for ideas—or revisit your own standards from the following year.
4. Math Review Games & Centers
Now is a great time to bring back your favorite test prep games—but with a twist. Try a weekly rotation of math centers using:
- Math Bingo
- Jeopardy-style reviews
- Quizizz or Blooket tournaments
- Board games or task card races
Keep the pace quick and the structure light. Let students work in pairs, small groups, or independent stations based on their preference and energy level that day.
You can also reuse digital resources like my self-checking pixel art. These are perfect for independent work, tech days, or fast finishers.
5. Math Read Alouds, Reflection, and Classroom Community Activities
Math and literacy? Yes, please. Bring math to life with a few read alouds that tie into problem-solving, perseverance, or specific concepts. Some student favorites include:
- “Sir Cumference” series (geometry)
- “One Grain of Rice” (exponents, patterns)
- “The Greedy Triangle” (shapes)
But don’t stop there—end-of-year books that celebrate classroom community and reflection can also tie in beautifully with your math block. These read alouds offer great jumping-off points for discussions, journaling, and even math-inspired art:
- “Last Day Blues” by Julie Danneberg (feelings about saying goodbye)
- “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires (perseverance and creative problem-solving)
- “The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague” by Julia Finley Mosca (growth mindset + real-life mathematician)
Follow-up ideas:
- Ask students to identify a math moment from the year that connects to the story’s theme
- Have students write their own “math memory page” to include in an end-of-year class book
- Create mini posters: “This year in math, I…” to display in the hallway or take home
- Try a gallery walk where students reflect on each other’s favorite math units and accomplishments
You can also turn this into a “Math + Me” reflection day where students write or draw about how their math skills have grown, their favorite topic, and one goal for next year. Combining reflection with literature makes this a meaningful and calm way to end your math block each day.
Celebrate the Mathematicians
Don’t let your math block end without some kind of celebration. The End of Year Math Awards | EDITABLE are a meaningful way to recognize each student for their math growth.
Choose from over 30 editable awards—like “Most Improved Mathematician,” “Data Diva,” or “Geometry Genius.” These are print-and-go in three color options and customizable for any classroom.
You can present them during a class awards ceremony, attach them to a student gift, or share them digitally with families. They’re easy to prep and make each student feel seen for their unique math strengths.
to wrap things up…
Make It Count Without Burning Out
The final weeks of school can still be powerful. These end of year math activities help students apply their learning, reflect on growth, and leave your classroom with confidence.
You don’t need elaborate plans. Just meaningful math moments, a little structure, and a lot of heart.
Which of these activities are you excited to try? Leave a comment or connect with me @theartoffunology!
