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Memorial Day Pinwheels
I have fond memories of summer days playing with pinwheels when I was a child and I love that they are so easy for preschoolers to make and explore. These are a perfect project for Memorial Day because they can be taken to a parade or celebration and they are easy to color coordinate. Start by collecting the following supplies: Scrapbook paper or colored copy paper (avoid construction paper and card stock because they are too heavy to turn in the wind) Sturdy plastic straws Metal brads Next, determine what size you want your finished pinwheel to be. If you are using 12″x12″ or 8″x8″ scrapbook paper, which is already…
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Connecting your class with service members
Memorial Day is the perfect time to think about engaging your students in a service project that is directed toward helping service members and their families. Something that is easy for preschoolers to do is to draw pictures or create thank you cards for servicemen and women who are currently deployed. After your class has created their cards, letters, or drawings you can connect with the following organizations to make sure that our service members receive them: A Million Thanks Operation Gratitude For the Troops Forgotten Soldiers Outreach This project can also be a wonderful family engagement opportunity. Set up a station for parents and family members to write letters…
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Children’s Books for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is one of those holidays that can be really difficult to explain to young children. We all look forward to the unofficial start of summer, but we also want to recognize the true intent of the day, which is to honor our servicemen and women who have made sacrifices for our freedom. Books are my favorite way to introduce this particular day, here are a few that I have used: (all links are affiliates) Memorial Day (Let’s Celebrate) by Clara Cella Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison and Barbara Duke Rolling Thunder by Kate Messner Do you have a…
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Friday Freebie – Graduation Song
Happy Friday! Can you believe we’re halfway through May?! This spring has flown by! Today’s freebie is perfect for those of you who are still planning your graduation ceremony. This adorable Graduation song from Miss Campos is sung to the tune of “Let It Go” (you know, from Frozen) so your children will have no problem getting into it. It was written for Kindergarten graduation so you may have to make some minor changes to the lyrics, but it includes a power point with the words so the children can see them as you practice and sing along. If you’ve already had your graduation ceremony this year.you’ll definitely want to…
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DIY Graduation Tassels
Tassels are easy to make and a wonderful keepsake for any type of graduation ceremony. Check out this tutorial from Style Inked, her step by step instructions make it so easy that you’re preschoolers could probably make their own!
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Tips for a Smooth Graduation Ceremony
No Preschool Graduation ceremony will every run completely smoothly – your performers are preschoolers, they’re bound to do something unpredictable, and sometimes these unpredictable moments are the most endearing parts of the entire ceremony. There are still some things that you can do to help your students prepare and ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. Here are a few tips that have worked for me in the past; Keep it short – the shorter your ceremony is, the less opportunity for something to go wrong. You want it to be meaningful without being boring, while your audience is probably happy to sit and listen, your students will only…
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Graduation Decorations
I know that I’ve professed my love for my printable classroom decoration sets before, but this Graduation Decoration Set is hands-down my favorite. It coordinates so well with all of the other graduation materials that I use, and the printables included pack a big punch. This one set includes the following: “Congratulations” bunting – a perfect backdrop for your ceremony stage or photo area Hello banner – for making sure that family members can find the ceremony location easily Cupcake picks- which can also be used as stickers, or as seals for your diplomas Treat Bag Toppers – make ziploc bags look super fancy Name Plates – great for marking the children’s…
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Making Graduation Easy
It’s that time of year, Preschool Graduation Season! I’ve hosted my fair share of graduation ceremonies and it is easily one of the busiest, most stressful days of the year. A couple of years ago I put together a graduation set to make everything just a little easier on myself. I use all of these materials year after year, which means that I save time on designing materials, and I always know exactly what I need. I hope that you will find them helpful too – If you’ve already had your graduation celebration this year, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year! End of the Year Award…
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Friday Freebie – Teacher Appreciation Collaborative Project
Happy Friday! I hope that you have had a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Week, and that you’ve received the recognition that you deserve – or at the very least that you took some time to treat yourself! Today’s freebie is a great project that you can file away for next year’s celebration. This Teacher Appreciation Week Puzzle from Teaching in the Tongass encourages each child to think about what they love about their teachers, while working together to create a beautiful mural that the entire school can enjoy. Go download a copy and have a wonderful weekend!
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Quick, Easy Teacher Gift
Do you still need a quick gift for a teacher in your life? Whether you’re looking for a great idea for a co-worker, or your own child’s teacher, I’ve got you covered. I just made these brand new watercolor note cards, and they’re editable so you can add your favorite teacher’s name in a fun font for an easy personalized gift. If you want to add a little more, tie the note cards in a ribbon and slip in a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card for a treat that any teacher is sure to appreciate (and actually use!).
