How to Plan a Kindergarten Graduation

Congratulations!  The fourth quarter is approaching, and you’re almost in the home stretch!  You might be starting to think about planning your kindergarten (or preschool) graduation or end of the year celebration.  If the thought of this seems overwhelming, I’m here to help.  In this post, I’ll share my personal tips for how to plan a kindergarten graduation…

How to Plan a Kindergarten Graduation

I have designed a resource that has everything you need to create a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.  You’ll find editable invitations, programs, and diplomas plus bulletin board crafts to display as decorations.  A script is also included packed with teacher tips from my years of experience using this graduation program with my own kindergarten classroom.  My Kindergarten Graduation Mega Bundle is an investment that you will use year after year.  Let’s dive in to the components…

Editable Kindergarten Graduation Invitations

The first step of planning your graduation ceremony is securing a date, time, and place.  Once you figure out the logistics, you’ll want to send your invitations out as soon as possible.  Sending these out to families early especially helps working parents, who may need to request time off or adjust their schedules accordingly.

The Graduation Mega Bundle includes full and half page templates.  A custom poem is featured at the top, and you’ll enter your event details on the bottom.  Print in color if possible, or you may also email the personalized invitation.

Designing Your Graduation Program

Next, you’ll want to design your program.  This file is editable as well.  You’ll select the format you like best for the front cover and add any text you wish.  The inside of the program may be customized.  Print in color double-sided, and have these ready to go at the ceremony.

Kindergarten Diplomas

You can’t have a graduation ceremony without diplomas, and these editable diplomas will not disappoint.  Simply choose the style you like best – diploma, kindergarten diploma, preschool diploma, and certificate of achievement.  My text or graphics may not be deleted, but you can add your own school or district logo.  

You may also type each student’s name, your name, and the date.  I recommend printing these in color and laminating these wonderful keepsakes.

Upon request, I have updated the file to now include a “Certificate of Achievement” to use if you are not allowed to use the word “diploma.”

The Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony

Now that you have the invitations, program, and diplomas all set, it’s time to plan the ceremony.  The good news is that it is all planned out for you in the included graduation script.  I also updated the file to now include binder cover choices so that you can store everything you need for graduation in one place. 

The script includes teacher tips, a script I created and used in my own program, song lyrics, poem lines, and tons of teacher tips.  You can pick and choose which parts of the program you wish to use based on your group.  Please note that this portion of the file is not editable.

I recommend practicing the songs about six weeks prior to your program if possible.  However, I have had buyers leave feedback saying they purchased this the week before, and it still turned out amazing!

Kindergarten Graduation Bulletin Board Decorations

The best decorations are those made by your students.  I read Oh, the Places You’ll Go to them and we discuss what they hope to be when they grow up.  I can’t think of a more perfect theme for a preschool or kindergarten graduation!  First, the kids each complete a writing balloon template.  Next, I take their pictures, print them out, and attach them to the balloons.  Last, I draw a curved line connecting the balloon to each student’s hand.

I have the children color the circles on the page and create this 3D craft.  It makes for the perfect decoration for the graduation.  Display with the included bulletin board letters.  At the end of the ceremony, I tell families to take the crafts home.

As an added bonus, you’ll receive this printable pastel banner that includes letters to create any saying you wish.  For example, you may create a Class of 2023 banner or a sign that says, “Oh, the Places They’ll Go!”

Graduation Day Display

Check out how Kathy S. used the printable banner and craft for her graduation display.  Great job, Kathy!

I would love to see how you use this resource in your own kindergarten or preschool classroom.  Please tag me on Instagram @kindergartenkornerbycasey or email me photos at casey@kindergartenkorner.com for a chance to be featured!

The Kindergarten Graduation Mega Bundle

You may purchase this resource in my Kindergarten Korner Shop Site , Etsy Store,  or My TPT Store.

I have poured my heart and soul into this resource that has helped teachers simplify the process of creating a memorable end of the year ceremony loved by students’ families!  I hope that it may help you, too!

Casey Stewart is a kindergarten teacher and founder of Kindergarten Korner.  She has 17 years of experience teaching in kindergarten, first, and second grade.  She created http://www.kindergartenkorner.com to inspire fellow educators and help guide parents and homeschooling families on their journey throughout the magical kindergarten experience.  Casey also has three kids of her own at home.  Learn more about her HERE.