The Christian EducatorA publication of North Valley Baptist Schools

Planning the Big Event: Kindergarten Graduation

By Kristin Castillo

Kindergarten graduation is such a special event in the life of a young person. It is a time for students and parents to celebrate the success of their first year of school. The students see it as one step closer to becoming a "big kid," while parents see it as one step closer to losing their baby. Kindergarteners are usually thought of as a cute little bunch of kids that play and have fun all day. The truth is, a kindergartener works just as hard as any other student to pass a class. The students are trained to be fully prepared for first grade. After a year of developing socially, academically, and spiritually, they are now ready to take the next step in their Christian education. As a teacher, you want to make this transition memorable and successful. When planning for kindergarten graduation, here are several do's and don’ts to remember.

Do talk to your pastor or principal to get an idea of what they would like to see. Once you have their support and approval, you will have a better idea of how to plan.

Do decide on how formal or informal the ceremony will be. Maybe you’ve decided upon a theme, and the students will dress in costumes. On the other hand, a formal setting with caps and gowns is also nice. Will you hand out diplomas or any special awards?

Do order items ahead of time. Caps, gowns, and diplomas usually need to be ordered weeks in advance. Consider using a business that specializes in school graduations such as Jostens. The Internet can also provide business listings that specialize in such events.

Don't plan a long service. A lengthy ceremony may cause the students to lose interest and not perform as well as they should. Thirty minutes is a good amount of time to showcase your class without being too long winded.

Do present your class at their best. Do you want the class to sing, recite poems, list facts, or material they have learned? A short skit or monologue can also be entertaining.

Do make a list of tasks and decide which can be delegated. Will you need a sound man, piano player, graphic designer, or ushers? Non-kindergarten parents or a responsible high school student could also assist you in lining up the students and reminding them of their cues.

Don't neglect to keep the parents informed. At the beginning of the year, inform parents about what is expected from their child when they graduate. Will you be setting a specific standard for your students to pass into first grade? Will you charge a graduation fee?

Do provide a special memento or gift for the students and their parents. Make a special program with an insert of their pictures and a personal quote. Assemble a small photo book, framed picture, or a work portfolio. A special slideshow can be made and shown at the ceremony. Make copies and give them to the families as a keepsake.

Do hold a dress rehearsal of the entire ceremony with your pastor or principal, along with all those involved in the exact location of the ceremony. Students will feel more assured of their cues, and this will also give you a specific timing of events for that evening.

Give your absolute best effort to think of little things that the students and parents would enjoy. Consider if it were your child's graduation. What would you like or dislike about the program? Whatever the outcome of your plans, go the extra mile to make it special.

Click here for the PDF version of this article.