End of the Year Activities: Advice for Future Students

End of the Year Activity: Meaningful Advice for Future Students

By: Jacqueline Ortiz, Originally Written April 2019, Updated May, 2025

As the school year winds down, one of the most powerful and heartwarming activities you can do with your students is to have them write advice to the next class of learners who will walk through your door. Kids love feeling like the expert, and what better way to honor all they’ve learned than by letting them pass on their wisdom?

These end-of-year advice activities not only reinforces reflection and writing skills but also creates a beautiful bridge between current and future students. Whether through brochures, pennants, or memorable keepsakes, this is a project that your class will take pride in, and your incoming students will cherish.

Why You Should Try End-of-Year Advice Activities in Your Classroom

1. Your Students Know You Best

After spending a full school year together, your students are the ultimate experts on your teaching style, classroom expectations, and all the little things that make your room special. They know:

• How you like the pencils sharpened
• What happens when someone talks during directions
• Your favorite sayings, routines, and even what makes you laugh

Let them reflect and share! It’s meaningful for them, and incredibly helpful for your incoming students.

2. Future Students Feel More at Ease

Starting a new school year can be overwhelming. A simple note or brochure filled with encouraging advice from past students can ease those nerves. It gives incoming students:

• A sneak peek at their new teacher and classroom
• Helpful tips to succeed (like “always turn in your homework on time!”)
• Words of encouragement from peers who’ve “been there, done that”

This small act builds classroom community before the year even begins.

3. It’s an Engaging End-of-Year Writing Activity

The end of the year can feel chaotic, but this activity is both purposeful and low-prep. Students stay engaged while reflecting on their school year and practicing meaningful writing. Plus, they get to leave their mark in a special way.

How to Use These Advice for Future Students Activities

Here are a few ways to get the most out of this end-of-year resource:

• Build Excitement: Before introducing the brochures or pennants, talk up how special this tradition is. Let students know they’re creating something that will be seen and appreciated by real students.
• Emphasize Pride: Encourage neat handwriting, complete sentences, and thoughtful reflections. Remind students that their name will be on it and someone else will be reading it.
• Use for Back-to-School Events:
  • Leave the brochures on desks during Meet the Teacher or Open House.
  • Hang the pennants in the hallway or on a bulletin board for incoming students and families to read.
• Allow Time to Reflect: This isn’t a rush job! Plan 1–2 class periods for students to thoughtfully complete their brochures or pennants.

Versions Available

Whether you prefer paper-based or digital tools, there’s an option to fit your classroom style:

• End of Year Advice Brochures
• End of Year Advice Pennants
• End of Year Fan Craft
• All End of Year Sets HERE!

Each version includes templates for students to reflect on their favorite memories, give advice, and share encouragement. It’s a wonderful keepsake that promotes connection and community between grade levels.

Final Thoughts

Encouraging students to give advice to future learners is more than a writing task—it’s a gift of confidence, connection, and classroom culture. I’ve seen firsthand how these activities bring joy to both outgoing and incoming students. It’s a powerful way to wrap up your year on a positive, meaningful note.

Have you tried this activity before? I’d love to hear how it went in your classroom!

Enjoy these options for End of Year Celebrations, make sure to grab this end of year freebie in the shop!

Click the image to grab this fun End of Year and Summer Themed Freebie (Word Search, Coloring Bookmarks, and Color Writing Prompts) perfect for your upper elementary students!

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