Celebrate Growth

My team and I take time to reflect on how far our students have come. We remember the first few days of school and reflect on how far we have all come. Every year is a year for learning and knowing better to always do better. We also hear a classroom full of readers and see all of our writers. Math is getting embedded in play, and we see the independence in daily routines. 

Ideas:

• Create a slideshow of photos from the year. 
• Let students “graduate” with certificates (funny or heartfelt).
• Invite families in for a low-key end-of-year performance or gallery walk of their child’s work
  
  

Make Memory Books

We embed art and fine motor activities that allow our students to capture their favorite moments, friends, and accomplishments in DIY memory books. These keepsakes are easy to prep and become treasured mementos.

Pages to include:

• “My favorite thing about kindergarten…” 
• “My best friend this year was…”
• “Next year, I want to learn…”

The Autism Helper also has the best scrapbook headers here!

Keep Routines (Lightly) in Place

Excitement is high in those last weeks, however, our experience has always proved the need for structure. We keep core routines in place, like morning meeting, stations, and free choice. Keeping the routines and consistency in place maintains on-task behaviors and decreases maladaptive behaviors, which allows more time for: 

• Extra outdoor time
• Art and craft projects
• ABC countdown and theme days

Show Appreciation

This is the perfect time to thank the people who have supported us! My team and I encourage our students to show gratitude by making handwritten thank-you notes and gifts that include student-created cards or crafts.