By the last week of the year, everything feels a little different.
Students are excited, routines have gone out the window, and energy is high. At the same time, you probably don’t have much energy left yourself, and need something easy to prep and super engaging.
The good news is that you can keep students engaged and still review important music skills with simple, low-prep activities.
These are some of my favorite end of the year music activities and games that students genuinely enjoy, while still reinforcing what they have learned throughout the year. First up are the best end of the year review activities for elementary, then the best middle school activities, and finally the best game for the very last day of the year.
Best Activities for End of Year Review
If you still want students reviewing key concepts, bingo is the best! Students already know how to play, it can be used to review almost anything, and it’s always a hit.
Bingo (Review for Any Concept)
Bingo is one of the easiest ways to review a variety of concepts at the end of the year.
You can use it for:
- rhythm
- note reading
- music symbols
- composers
- and more!
4 Corners (Movement + Review)
If your students need to move, 4 Corners is a great option. This is another game you can use to review many different concepts. Just put a poster in each of the 4 corners of your room, and as you call out different options, students more to the correct corner.
My favorite is rhythm 4 corners, where students listen to a word spoken in rhythm and identify the corner with the matching rhythm.
The limit to variations on 4 corners for music review is only your imagination, though, so have fun!
Rhythm Trashketball (Active Rhythm Review)
For students that need a high-energy activity, this one is always a favorite.
Students are divided into teams (or play against the teacher in a private lesson). Using a deck of 4-beat rhythms, they clap a rhythm, and if they are correct:
- they earn a point
- and get a chance to shoot a ball into a bin for a bonus point
Trashketball combines rhythm practice with movement and a bit of friendly competition, which keeps students having fun right to the end of the year.
Read the full directions for rhythm trashketball here.
Rhythm Go Fish (Small Group Card Game)
This is a simple, familiar card game that students can play in pairs or small groups.
Instead of asking for numbers or colors, students ask for rhythms by clapping or speaking them.
Because it’s a familiar game, students can play independently and get lots of practice without needing much teacher direction. You can read the full directions for rhythm go fish here.
Color-by-Rhythm Worksheets (Quiet Review Option)
If you need something quieter, color-by-rhythm worksheets are a great option.
Students identify rhythms and color different sections of a picture based on what they see. This keeps them focused while still practicing important skills like rhythm recognition and note values. Plus, everyone loves to color!
Most Engaging End of Year Activities for Middle School Grades (4–8)
If your middle school-aged students are starting to check out, these activities will keep their attention for those last coupld of classes. They feel different from a typical lesson and especially designed for upper elementary and middle school students in grades 4-8.
Summer Music Escape Room (Small Group Activity)
For upper elementary students, escape rooms are a great way to review multiple concepts at once.
Students work together to solve puzzles involving:
- rhythm
- note reading
- basic music concepts and logic
It is engaging, collaborative, good review, and a lot of fun, which makes it perfect for the end of the year.
Summer Music Mystery Game (Middle School/Junior High)
For middle school or older groups, music mystery games are especially engaging.
Students read a scenario and are each assigned a character. They must decode clues using their music knowledge, then use logic and their musical skills to discover which of them is the culprit.
You can purchase the summer music mystery ‘The Case of the Sound Check Sabotage’ in my shop here.
Best Activities for the Last Day of Music Class
On the very last day, the goal is usually simple: keep things calm, low-pressure, and enjoyable.
Summer Music Bingo:
This is perfect for a low-key, last day of music class.
Students listen to a selection of summer-themed music and try to identify them on their bingo card. A mix of styles like pop, classical, and jazz helps expose students to different genres.
It works especially well because:
- students can just relax and listen to music with a game to keep them focused
- it keeps everyone engaged without requiring a lot of energy from you
Music Would You Rather
If summer bingo isn’t your jam, or if you have a bit of extra time to fill, would you rather is another fun last day game.
Students respond to fun music-themed questions in a this-or-that-style game. Ask a question and students can either vote by raising hands or by moving to opposite sides of the room.
It is a nice end-of-the-year classroom community game.
You can create a list of your own questions (either silly or more serious), or purchase a pre-made game, like this one in my shop, to save time.
Keep It Simple
At the end of the year, you don’t want something complicated that takes you hours to prepare.
Some light review and a more relaxed approach often make for the most successful lessons.
What are your favorite end of the year music activities?
