Kindergarten End of the Year Activities

Graduating kindergarten should be celebrated.

The end of the kindergarten year marks a milestone in a young child's life. It is a time for her transition to grade school, which may bring a new wave of anticipation. The end of the kindergarten year should be celebrated as an accomplishment and activities arranged to applaud it. Think fun, think like a kid and end the year on a memorable high note.

Wacky Sports

End the school year with a sack race and smiles.

Host an afternoon of wacky sports fun for kindergartners. Choose activities such as wheelbarrow, egg and spoon or sack races. Adults can join the fun and young children will relish seeing their parents and teachers clown around. A wacky sports afternoon doubles as a memorable end-of-year bonding session. Make it a light-hearted, relaxed event with silly prizes to top it off.

Class Awards

Pick a unique award for each child.

Celebrate each child in the classroom with a "Most Likely To..." award. Present certificates to students, recognizing their efforts, accomplishments or personalities throughout the year. Titles may be silly, such as "Most Likely To Smile Even While They Are Asleep." Certificates let children know that they are unique and that their teacher has noticed something special about them. Sign and date the certificates and add gold stars for added effect.

Field Trips

Kids will enjoy a special class trip to the zoo.

Round up the class and head out for a special field trip. Trips may be local, such as a picnic in the park with water sprinkler fun---or they may involve transporting the children farther afield. Zoos, children's museums or regional attractions make exciting activities for young children. Enlist the help of parents as chaperones and extra sets of hands and eyes. Field trips can be a much anticipated way to end the kindergarten school year.

Compliment Party

Party with hats, balloons and positive words.

Compliments breed self esteem and confidence. At the end of the year, throw a party for the class. Ask the children to think about something they like about each of their classmates. During the celebration, each child should address the class, complimenting their friends. As an alternative, children may randomly pick the name of a classmate and briefly explain his positive qualities. Children will feel great about themselves when they hear what their peers think of them.

References

• Twiggle Magazine: Graduation And End Of Year Activities
• Super Teacher: End Of Year Activities And Lessons

Resources

• Hummingbird Educational Resources: End Of Year Activities
• Labor Of Love: Making The Transition From Kindergarten To First Grade