You know the look.That glazed-over, coconut-scented, ready-for-sand vibe that students get when the weather warms up and vacation awaits. The countdown is on, and everyone knows it.
But these last few weeks don’t have to be a slog. In fact, with the right mix of creativity, movement, and yes, a little chaos, that summer energy can be a rewarding boost for the end of the school year.
Here are 10 teacher-approved ways to keep students engaged, focused, and maybe even having fun—all while reinforcing the skills they’ll need next year. These ideas come from the real classrooms of teachers we serve at TeacherStep.
- Start with a Puzzle or Riddle
Kick off class with a brain teaser that gets kids thinking (and laughing). Bonus points if it connects to the day’s lesson.
Try: “I’m thinking of a number. Multiply it by 4, subtract 6, divide by 2, and you get 10. What’s my number?”
- Math Around the Room
Post problems or clues in stations around your classroom and let students rotate in pairs or small groups.
Great for review days or low-energy afternoons. Add music and a timer to raise the stakes!
- Make Math Visual
Use anchor charts, number lines, graphing tools—anything that gets math off the page and into their field of vision.
TeacherStep’s Algebra and Geometry courses are packed with these strategies for a reason—they work.
- Let Them Teach
Flip the script: have students prep and deliver mini-lessons to the class. It’s collaborative, confidence-building, and often hilarious in the best way.
- Game-Based Learning (that’s actually learning)
Quizizz, Blooket, Prodigy, and Kahoot are perfect for these final weeks. Review, assess, or just bring some joy back into math class.
- Math Journaling
Encourage students to write out their thinking—mistakes and all. It helps you catch where they’re getting stuck and builds math literacy.
- Real-Life Word Problems with SC Flavor
Have students calculate the cost of hosting a backyard BBQ, plan a beach trip itinerary, or estimate time and gas money to drive to Charleston.
It’s math, it’s real, and they’ll actually care.
- “My Favorite Mistake”
Celebrate productive struggle. Share an anonymous wrong answer and walk through the thought process as a class.
It builds trust and shows learning isn’t about perfection—it’s about process.
- Collaborative Anchor Charts
Divide the class into groups to create visuals for different math concepts—formulas, theorems, properties, etc. Display them with pride.
- Try a Silent Debate
Perfect for logic and reasoning practice. Students write their argument and rebuttal on poster paper or a shared doc instead of speaking aloud.
Great for quieter students and peaceful classrooms.
You don’t need a full curriculum overhaul to make the end of the year meaningful. A few creative shifts can spark engagement, reinforce learning, and remind your students—and yourself—why this job matters.
At TeacherStep, we’re always listening and we’re here for you. Explore TeacherStep courses—created by teachers, for teachers.