End of the Year Activities for Kindergarteners

As the school year draws to a close, it's time to celebrate the achievements of our young learners and prepare them for the exciting transition to the next grade. Here are some ideas and engaging activities to make the end of the year special for your kindergarteners.

1. Visit Next Year's Classrooms

Arrange for your students to visit the classrooms they will be in next year. Coordinate with your colleagues who will be receiving your students in the fall. This visit allows the kids to ask questions, see the new room, and meet their future teacher. If a visit isn't possible, invite the next year's teacher to your class for a Q&A session.

2. Self-Portrait T-Shirts and Tie Dye Hats

Capture your students' self-portraits and print them onto transfer paper. Iron these images onto white T-shirts. These personalized T-shirts can be worn during the moving-on ceremony or at the final family breakfast event. This is truly a sweet keepsake. I have students come by to show me their self-portrait t-shirts years later. Such beautiful memories and personal connections!

3. A Gift for Next Year's Class

Plant pumpkin seeds in the school garden as a gift for the next class. When the new students arrive in the fall, they can harvest the pumpkins and continue the tradition by planting seeds for the following year's class. This activity fosters a sense of community and continuity.

4. Memory Books

Have students complete their memory books, reflecting on their favorite moments and achievements from the year. These booklets serve as a wonderful way for them to look back on their kindergarten experience.

5. Certificates and Graduation Caps

Create personalized certificates for each student using various template options. During the moving-on ceremony, present the certificates and complete the sentence "The special thing about ____ is that _____" for each child. Additionally, let students make their own graduation caps using provided templates to wear during the ceremony.

6. Learn a Song in Sign Language

Teach your class a song in sign language, such as "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers. There are many YouTube videos available to help you learn the song. Perform it for the parents at your last family breakfast. We made these fun wind socks to decorate the room!

7. Summer Birthdays

Celebrate students with summer birthdays by making a Birthday Wishes book for each of them. Explain to the class that these birthdays are extra special because you won't be together to celebrate. Respect families' preferences if they do not celebrate birthdays or if they do not wish to celebrate their children's birthdays in advance.

8. Portfolio Bag

Have your students decorate their own tote bags. Here is the ones I use in my classroom. You can also use these fabulous fabric markers.

9. Time Capsule

Introduce the concept of a time capsule to your class. Read "Peppa Pig's Time Capsule" to set the stage. Students can decorate an empty container (like a cereal box or Pringles can) to serve as the capsule. They complete a time capsule booklet and place it inside, creating a snapshot of their kindergarten year to open in the future.

10. Hand Clapping Games

Get your students moving and playing outside with hand clapping games. I love to have my students make up their own games and teach them to each other. There are plenty of examples on YouTube to get you started.

An alphabet count down will add some structured fun learning for sure! Grab this FREEBIE!

Good luck as you wrap up the year and congratulations on all you have achieved with your students!

Happy teaching,

TP

@SparkingCreativityNow

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