As the end of the school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and help your students capture the memories they’ve made together. These final days can feel busy, but they are also some of the most meaningful. One of my favorite ways to bring purpose and calm to this season is by pairing end of year crafts with picture books.

This mix of writing crafts and stories creates a natural opportunity for reflection while keeping students engaged with hands-on, creative work. If you’re looking for simple, meaningful end of the year activities for elementary students, here are three easy ways to capture those special memories.

A Chapter We Will Never Forget: End-of-Year Memory Book Writing

The first activity is A Chapter We Will Never Forget, paired with the picture book A Letter From Your Teacher on the Last Day of School. This is such a heartfelt read-aloud that really sets the tone for reflection. 

After reading, students think about a few special moments from their school year that stand out to them. Using the book craft, they write and illustrate that memory as a “chapter” they will always remember. 

This activity works beautifully as a memory book writing piece and gives students a chance to slow down and put their feelings into words. It’s simple, meaningful, and becomes a keepsake that families truly treasure.

We Packed a Lot in This Year: End of the School Year Writing Craft

Another favorite is We Packed a Lot in This Year, paired with Goodbye for Now. This book does such a great job of acknowledging the emotions that come with the end of the school year while still keeping things hopeful. 

After reading, students create a backpack craft and “pack” it with memories from their year. Each item inside the backpack represents something they learned, experienced, or loved. 

This is a fun and engaging end of the school year writing craft that encourages students to reflect on both big and small moments. It also creates a really eye-catching display and gives students a visual way to see just how much they accomplished throughout the year.

This Year Was Soda-Lightful: Fun End of Year Writing Activity

The third activity is This Year Was Soda-Lightful, paired with Last Day Blues. This read-aloud is perfect for talking about mixed emotions at the end of the year—excitement for summer and sadness about saying goodbye.

 After reading, students complete a soda-themed craft where they write about the highlights that made their year so special. This is a lighthearted and fun way to wrap up your end-of-year writing activities, while still keeping the focus on reflection and gratitude. 

Students love the creative element, and it gives them another opportunity to share their voice and celebrate their experiences.

Teacher Tip: Add a fun soda bar to really end the moment on a high note!

Using picture books alongside end-of-year writing crafts is such a simple way to bring meaning into those final days of school. These activities not only keep students engaged, but they also help them process their experiences and celebrate their growth. 

Whether you’re creating memory books, classroom displays, or take-home keepsakes, these ideas are an easy way to make the end of the school year feel special, purposeful, and unforgettable.

Craving more end of year crafts and books pairings? Check out these end of year memory book ideas!