The Night Before Kindergarten Graduation
Natasha Wing has written yet another fun "Night Before" based on the famous Clement C. Moore poem. This time, kindergarteners are buzzing around with excitement as they get ready for a huge milestone- graduation! Infectious rhymes convey the importance of this event through the eyes of the children. A fun book to give to a kindergartner who is getting ready to close this chapter.
Best Children's Books About Graduating Kindergarten
Kindergarten graduates have an awful lot of reasons to be proud. By the end of the school year, many of these little students have begun to sound out words, and some may even be able to read independently.They've learned fundamental math skills that will give them the foundation they need for first grade. It may seem like just yesterday that reading books about the first day of kindergarten was a priority, but now a year of incredible milestones and achievements has come to a close. Kids who have just finished kindergarten may look small but they've grown so very much academically, socially and emotionally this past year. A graduation ceremonies and parties are well-deserved for reaching this important milestone. Before long, a new school year will begin, so grab some first day of elementary school stories for little ones already thinking about first grade. And if the little kindergartener has younger siblings at home, check out books that cover everything about the preschool to help get them ready as well. In the meantime, here are some wonderful kids' books about kindergarten graduation to give deserving little students.
The Last Day of Kindergarten
Yay! Graduation day has finally arrived! This short but sweet story is about a little girl who is experiencing very mixed emotions. She's exuberant about graduating, but now that she is reflecting on her kindergarten year, she is also sad about leaving it all behind. How can she be excited about first grade when it means she must say goodye to her beloved teacher and classmates? Bright illustrations and bouncy text make this a fun book for the last day of kindergarten.
The Berenstain Bears' Graduation Day
Brother, Sister and Honey Bear are all graduating from their respective grades in school. Lots of excitement is in the air as each of the bears gets to wear a graduation cap and gown. Plus, they all collect a diploma and reflect on what the end of the school year really means. The Berenstain Bears books always deliver positive messaging, and this graduation book is not an exception. Fun, energetic and bright illustrations will help get your kindergartener excited for the big day.
I Knew You Could!
We love this book as a gift for kindergarten graduation, but the truth is, the profound message told through the Little Blue Engine is quite inspiring for people of all ages. "I think I can" may have been a theme for your kindergartner throughout the year. And now that the end of the year is here, the words "I knew you could" ring true and are the reason for celebrating! Every time your little graduate faces challenges and obstacles, grab this book for some words of encouragement. A gentle, reaffirming book that makes a touching graduation gift.
Hooray for You!
A short, sweet picture book that kindergarten graduates may just be able to read all by themselves. A celebration of everything that is uniquely you! Lovely message stresses the importance of loving yourself exactly as you are. Be proud, stand tall, and embrace everything that is special about you. Perfect gift to remind a kindergartener all the wonderful things they are and will be.
Curious You: On Your Way!
Take a ride with our favorite spunky monkey as he revisits some of the most memorable scenes from all the classic Curious George books. This remarkable picture book is perfect for anyone reaching a major milestone, especially for kindergarteners gettting ready to graduate. The storyline celebrates all of the child's accomplishments. It also reminds us of everything that lies ahead in the future. Humorous, motivating and inspirational book for all your curious little graduates.
Because I Had a Teacher
This New York Times best-selling picture book is a lovely gift to give a teacher at the end of the school year. We'd like to point out that it is also an amazing gift to give to a young child as a kindergarten graduation gift. This is a valuable time to reflect on the positive influence of teachers on the lives of their students. This gentle story with soft pastel illustrations touches upon all the ways teachers inspire children, and in doing so, allows them to go on to achieve more in life. So while graduation is a time to celebrate a child, this lovely book focuses on the teacher who is behind it all.
Be You!
A beautiful message that needs to be shared with every little graduate- be you! A very touching picture book encourages readers to celebrate their individuality. As kindergarteners reach a new milestone, this book will resonate with them in both its simplicity and its important advice. Little ones are encourages to be brave, be courageous, be adventurous...and most important of all...be themselves.
The Very Fairy Princess: Graduation Girl!
Graduation brings a wave of mixed emotions for children, and for Gerry, the Very Fairy Princess, it is no different. She is sad to leave behind her beloved teacher and classroom that feels like a second home. Emptying her cubby and taking down her artwork are especially difficult tasks. So is saying goodbye to her amazing teacher. Gerry, dressed in her her cap and gown, (and accentuated with her wings and crown) accepts and diploma and looks ahead to the next school year with feeling of excitement and nervousness. A perfect graduation book for all princess-loving kindergarteners.
I Wish You More
A positively exuberant book about the many wishes we cast upon little graduates with big futures ahead of them. This heartfelt book is a perfect graduation gift with a message that young children can carry with them for the rest of their lives. The abundance of wishes include peace, strength, laugher, friendship, curiosity, wonder and more. A beautiful, whimsical book that begs you to write your own wishes inside the cover for a special kiddo who is headed to first grade.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
We'd be remiss not to include this classic, best-selling Dr. Seuss book that is suited for graduates from kindergarten through college and beyond. A whimsical jaunt through life's ups and down, twists and turns, and highs and lows, this quintessential graduation book is at once silly and sophisticated. The message is loud and clear: keep pushing ahead and the world will be a better place for it.
Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life
Pete the Cat dishes out his words of wisdom in this witty book for kids reaching a major milestone in their lives. Quotes from famous, brilliant thinkers like Albert Einstein, Confucious, and Shakespeare are interpreted by our favorite funny feline. His humorous responses to some of the most profound statements will tickle the funny bone of your little kindergarten graduate.
Yay, You!: Moving Up and Moving On
Sandra Boynton's contribution to the list of graduation gift books is one we suggest you grab. Her signature, funny animals grace the pages and dole out pretty important advice. For a newly minted graduate, here is a fun book reminiscent of their toddler Boynton books that will elicit feelings of nostalgia. Familiar characters appear throughout with snippets of guidance to carry your kindergartener across the stage and into first grade without a hitch.
The Circles All Around Us
A New York Times bestseller that makes a wonderful kindergarten graduation gift. A child who reaches this milestone is on the precipice of widening the circle of people in his or her life. Whimsical, simplistic illustrations protray a young person with a crayon drawing more and more circles around him. Each new circle symbolizes the addition of a new group that will enter his life and influence the direction it takes.
Only One You
A mother and father rockfish bestow words of wisdom on their son as he is about to venture out into the waters on his own. Sparse, powerful text is paired with captivating imagery of bold fish swimming in deep blue water. A meaningful graduation gift book stressing the importance of individuality and each child's relevance in the world.
Reach for the Stars
Familiar expressions fill the pages of this whimsical book featuring a boy and his dog. Phrases that may seem confusing to kindergarteners (i.e. forks in the road & shoot for the moon) are packed with meaning that can be applied to all phases in life. We love the idea of inscribing your own advice as it relates to each platitude as a way to connect with your special graduate.
Be Brave Little One
Leaving the familiarity of kindergarten classroom behind can be quite scary for little kids. Adorable pictures show children facing all their fears, dreaming big, and finding the courage to move forward. We love the messaging in this book. It encourages children to look deep inside themselves and listen to their hearts, for it is there they will find the strength they need to face new challenges. A top pick for a kid about to collect their kindergarten diploma.
Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the Last Day of Kindergarten
Miss Bindergarten has entertained kindergarteners for years with her best-selling books all about this very memorable first year of elementary school. In this final installment, this very special teacher has all kinds of surprises in store for her adoring students on their last day of school. They reflect on all their special memories and mark this milestone with a touching ceremony.
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Picture Books Make the Best Kindergarten Graduation Gifts
Life is full of special moments that should be celebrated to the fullest. Lots of kiddos have had some practice away from home in preschool or daycare settings. But kindergarten is different. Kindergarten is REAL school. Kids usually attend a much larger building that continues through fifth grade. There are school buses to ride, cafeteria rules to follow, hallways to navigate, and lots of new friends to make. A kindergarten graduation book celebrating all of these amazing accomplishments is simply the perfect gift to give a little student who has reached this major milestone.
What To Write Inside Graduation Books
Giving a kindergarten graduation book is one of the most thoughtful gifts. To make it even more special, we suggest writing an inscription inside the cover. If you are looking for words of inspiration, there is no reason to reinvent the wheel! Just borrow a quote from an author or other notable person. Here are some of our favorites.
“Today you are You, that is Truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You!” – Dr. Seuss
“You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” – Carol Burnett
“Reading is a passport to countless adventures.” – Mary Pope Osbourne
"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." — Frederick Douglass
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." — Groucho Marx
"When I say to a parent, "read to a child", I don't want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate. " — Mem Fox
"Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. " — Neil Gaiman
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss
“Dream big and dare to fail.” – Norman Vaughan
“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” – Robin Williams
"You may have tangible wealth untold. Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be — I had a mother who read to me." — Strickland Gillilan
Major Academic Accomplishments in Kindergarten
These days it can feel like we celebrate every little thing in a child's life. And maybe there is some truth in the belief that we hand out too many certificates and medals, and in turn, diluting the value of real achievements. But...let's be clear...graduating kindergarten is the real deal. Take a moment to read all about what your child likely accomplished this year, and make sure to thank all the wonderful teachers who have helped pave the way.
Math Concepts: Counting by ones and tens up to 100. Mastering addition and subtraction problems using values from 0 to 10. Identifying and writing numbers from 0 to 20.
Reading & Writing Skills: Spell their first and last name. Write all the letters of the alphabet in both upper and lower cases. Know the sounds letters of the alphabet make. Recognize easy sight words and start to write some basic sentences. Retell stories in own words.
Shape & Color Recognition: Identify shapes such as square, triangle, rectangle, and circle. Know basic colors like red, yellow, blue, green, orange, black, white, and pink.
Follow Rules and Expand Attention: Understand and follow all the rules that keep the kindergarten classroom running smoothly. Attention span ideally would reach 15-20 minutes.
Socialization Skills: Taking turns, expressing feelings, sharing classroom toys and objects, and engaging with other students through play.
This is only a short list of everything a kindergartener accomplishes in a school year!
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