May 14, 2025

End-of-Year Teacher Toolkit Week 4: Tools for When You're Burnt Out (But Still Showing Up)

It’s May. Students are restless, the sun is shining, and you're running on fumes. If you're showing up each day and feeling like you're at capacity, this toolkit is designed for you!

Every resource below is meant to reduce your lift while still keeping students engaged and learning. Whether you're looking for a day of quiet focus, outdoor creativity, or independent exploration, we've got you covered.

Spotlight: NGPF Arcade

When you're out of fuel but still need something that works, the NGPF Arcade is your bestie. These student-favorite games are built around real-life financial concepts and include companion reflection worksheets so you can turn gameplay into meaningful review.

Here's just a sample of what the Arcade has to offer:

  • STAX – See the consequences of 20 years of investing decisions in just 20 minutes.

  • Shady Sam – Students will learn the “tricks of the loan trade” as they play the role of a loan shark and try to maximize their profits.

  • Payback – Students are in the “driver’s seat” as they make decisions to get to and through college.

  • Spent – Living paycheck to paycheck is stressful. Can you make it through the month?

  • Money Magic – Help Enzo manage his budget, reach his savings goal, and make it to Vegas.

All Arcade games can be played independently or together in class with minimal prep.

For shorter bursts of fun competition, use Quizizz or Kahoot review sets aligned to core unit topics. Find these review games on each unit page below under Unit Review.

Choose Your Own Mini-Unit

Looking to fill a few days with something that’s student-driven and meaningful? Check out our mini-units that let students explore a focused topic at their own pace, with structured lessons and flexible delivery.

Topics include:

These mini-units are great for a choice board that lets students choose one that interests them most. All are also available in Nearpod for asynchronous or independent learning.

Video Library: Plug In, Step Back, Keep Learning

The NGPF Video Library is your all-in-one hub for high-quality, student-friendly video content that teaches while giving you a moment to step back. Each video-based resource includes companion worksheets with discussion questions and reflection prompts to keep students focused and learning.

Within the Video Library, you’ll find:

Financially Inclined
Short, 15-minute episodes designed for teens and hosted by Yanely Espinal. Topics include budgeting, buying a car, and credit. Each episode includes a student worksheet for discussion or quiet reflection.

So Expensive
Produced by Business Insider, this series unpacks the real economics behind why certain products or services cost so much, from sneakers to private planes. Each video comes with a ready-made Nearpod or no tech slide deck to guide discussion.

Movies & Documentaries with Personal Finance Themes
Choose from 20+ personal finance–related films and documentaries. Use the viewing guides for discussion questions and reflections. These are perfect for longer blocks, substitute days, or calm classroom reset moments.

Interactive Library: Your Go-To for Instant Plans

When you're showing up but the prep just isn't happening, the NGPF Interactive Library is a lifesaver. It’s packed with simulations, graphs, quizzes, and activities that require little to no explanation.

 

 

Top suggestion:
Try INTERACTIVE: What’s the Most Common Job in Each State? for a mix of career exploration and data literacy.

Whether you're planning ahead or need something in the moment, the Interactive Library keeps the learning going with minimal lift.


Chalk the Walk: Bring Class Outside

Change the setting and the mood with this simple idea: have students illustrate personal finance concepts and share key financial advice on the sidewalk with chalk. You can assign topics like compound interest, budgeting, scams, or savings tips and let students turn them into public messages for your school community.

It’s low-cost, low-prep, and brings a needed burst of energy to the end of the year.

You Deserve to Finish Strong

This week isn’t about surviving. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Every activity here is built to give you a break without giving up on student engagement. Visit the landing page to explore the full lineup and bookmark it so you can return whenever you need a quick plan.

You’re almost there and we’re here with you every step of the way!

About the Author

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.

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