Requesting a change in your child’s classroom placement can be tough, here are some ideas to help get started.

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Requesting a Change in Your Child’s Classroom Placement

My daughter went from dreading to looking forward to her day at school. As a parent, I ho-hummed about requesting a change in her teachers, but then realized that speaking up for her needs at school was what I had to do. Now that we are half way through the school year, I am SO glad we did.

Read How to Get the Teacher You Want for next year!

How do You Know It’s Time to Request a Change to Your Child’s Classroom?

1. Your Child Doesn’t want to Go to School

The classroom placement for this year just wasn’t working for my grade school daughter. It started out ok. The new teacher was friendly, organized and enthusiastic. My daughter seemed to get along with her, but then things never really settled after the first few weeks of school. She was coming home frazzled, didn’t want to go to school, and was having a hard time making friends. It wasn’t like her and so we sat down and talked.

Some kids do not want to go to school for a variety of reasons from feeling frustrated with academic tasks to having friend issues. Talk to your child about what is making them unhappy. If they say, “I hate my teacher,” or “My teacher is mean.” Ask for examples. Keep in mind, you are hearing the kid-version of the story. E-mail or call for the teacher version.

Because of the grade levels schedule, my daughter was seeing one teacher for home room, another for reading, another for science and yet another for math. Add in all the special teachers (library, art, PE…) and she didn’t see one teacher for more than 90 minutes in a day. Which also meant, she didn’t see the same kids either. On top of that, she had to keep all her belongings in the homeroom class and stop there – like a locker- in between all the other classes. It felt like my 9 year old had the schedule of a middle schooler. When we really analyzed it, she had MORE transitions that a middle schooler.

My book-a-holic, straight A student hated school? WHAT? This mom knew, her daughters homeroom classroom needed to change.

2. You have scheduled a conference with your child’s teacher, made a plan, and things still haven’t gotten better.

The first thing we did was talked with the teacher about our concerns. She really listened and referred me to our school counselor. Because my daughter has a 504 plan, she arranged a meeting for her education team (all the teachers and school counselor) to discuss possible solutions. Even if your child does not have an IEP, Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan, you can always ask your school’s guidance counselor, curriculum director or principal to help set up a team meeting to discuss the educational needs of your child. (After the conference, plan, and no improvement)

3. A change in your child’s classroom placement should occur if your child’s learning is affected by a relationship with another child or adult.

This not getting along with a teacher, professional in the room, or peer may be causing inner turmoil. Looking at the facts, there are just times when 2 people do not work well together. It is my opinion that if a child does not feel emotionally safe at schools then we, as parents, must speak up and insist upon a change. I have seen parents remove children from the public school setting to homeschool due to these bad connections. Changing classrooms is always an option to consider too.

Don’t miss How to Write a First Grade Teacher Request Letter

What to do when Your Child’s Classroom Placement Needs a Change

Tips for Requesting a Change in Your Child’s Classroom Placement

• Address the issue with your child.  Do lots of listening.
• Address the issue with your child’s teacher via phone or e-mail.
• Schedule and in-person conference with your child’s teacher
• Make and follow a plan to solve the issue as a team (parent – child – teacher)
• Continue the dialog on a consistent basis. Do not wait weeks to let your child’s teacher know the current plan is not working.
• If the plan doesn’t work – Consider meeting with an extended education team. This team may include the guidance counselor, grade team leader, principal, curriculum director, behavior specialist, teacher, and parent.
• If it hasn’t already been brought to the table as an option, ask firmly, but kindly for a change in classroom placement. Can we consider changing my child’s classroom?
• As always, it is easier for me to sandwich the issue between positives. Say something nice about the current situation, then explain why it isn’t working and must change, then end with a positive, like how the new teacher will help your child do better in school.
• In our case, my daughter’s entire team of teachers was in support of changing her homeroom classroom teacher. We were lucky in the fact our issue was not related to having a “mean teacher.” It made it so much easier to say, “Mrs. E is very sweet, welcoming, and organized, but the way my daughters’ schedule is set up, it severely affects her learning with so many transitions. I would like to propose that she moves into ___ or ___ homeroom. This change would eliminate 6 transitions and add 25 minutes to her learning day. “

Additional Resources for Classroom Placement for Your Child

Keep your kindergartner’s skills sharp this summer and help prepare them for first grade with these hands-on, innovative learning games in our book, 100 FUN AND EASY LEARNING GAMES FOR KIDS. Turn off the TV and beat boredom blues with these clever activities that are quick and easy to set up with common household materials. Each of the 100 learning games comes with an additional 3 alternative ways to play, making this a resource with nearly 400 activities!

What are you planning to do this summer?

First Day of Summer Vacation Interview

Can you believe summer is here? We made it through this school year.

For many, it was finally a full year back at school, thanks to COVID-19 and all the issues that came with it of protecting our kids and helping our kids with coping with changes.

You did it, we’re now on summer vacation!!!!!

Take a moment to capture the feeling of this special memory by doing these two interviews with your child.

• End of school year interview
• First day of summer Interview

This summer give us time to just breathe and capture moments with your child.

I’m so glad to see them get to experience a more typical summer during this summer break from school. I hope you have something special planned in your summer, perhaps including a summer trip?

Here are a few tips for making summer memories with your child.

Last Day of School Interview & Activities

• End of school year interview
• End of School Year Printable with Ice Cream Party
• Last Day of School Gift Idea

As the school year comes to an end, here are a few cute ideas for the last day of school with your child’s school friends. Be sure to take a moment during the last few weeks to grab emails or phone numbers of the students your child would like to connect with during the summer months.

Get our free monthly activity calendar for June! Download here

First Day of Summer Vacation Ideas

What do you do on the first day of summer vacation? Here are a few suggestions…

• Head To The Beach
• Host a Pool Party
• Plan a Picnic Lunch
• Go for Ice Cream
• Grill up Dinner
• Go for a Hike
• Make Popsicles or Ice Cream
• Plant Seeds
• Start on your Summer Reading List
• Watch the Sunset
• Plan a Trip

Get some more ideas on our Summer Bucket List.

Download First Day of Summer Vacation Interview

We’ve included several questions in this First Day of Summer Vacation Interview for your child to answer the questions to.

The interview encourages your child to brainstorm what things they are looking forward to. They can discuss what they’d like to make during summer break and more!

Plus it includes an End of school year interview!

Take a moment once you’ve completed it to make your own Summer Bucket List.

Now that your schedule will change during Summer Vacation, here are a few parenting tips for dealing with change in routines.

You may even find this sample daily schedule helpful.

Best Summer Workbooks

During your summer fun, we’d suggest taking time to focus on avoiding summer gap with your child. Here are some summer activity books for curriculum ideas for various grades to help with this.

Disclosure: This post contains Affiliate Links to Amazon.

• Summer Bridge Activities Kindergarten to 1st Grade
• Summer Big Fun Workbook Bridging Grades K & 1
• Sylvan Summer Smart Workbook: Between Grades K & 1
• Summer Brain Quest: Between Grades 1 & 2
• Weekly Reader: Summer Express (Between Grades K & 1) Workbook
• The Big Book of Reading Comprehension Activities, Grade 1

Looking for ideas for your summer fun? Try these summer activities!

We are sharing a fun way to remember your child’s classmates and make your end of the school year ice cream party extra special.

Ice Cream Themed Class Project for End Of Year

Let’s have fun with your class and create an ice cream treat! It take just a few supplies but the end result is priceless!

Supplies Needed

• Various Colors of Scrapbook Paper
• Pencils or Black Markers
• Brown Construction Paper
• Printed Message {CLICK HERE to Print}
• Glue Sticks
• Scissors
• Optional- Ice Cream Books

Directions

1. Cut out in EACH color the amount of students in the classroom (18 Students would need 18 Circles of Each Color)

TIP Make a few extras of each color for mistakes

2. Cut out Ice Cream Cones (1 per each student)

3. Attach Printable Poem with glue onto Ice Cream Cone

4. Ask students to come and select a color for their Ice cream

5. Students “SIGN” all of the circles for their color ( Yes that means they are writing their name around 20 times, one on each circle)

6. Once the students have create their Ice Cream Scoops they then distribute to the other students in the class. (Check to be sure everyone the same amount in return)

7. Now it’s time to CREATE your own unique Ice Cream Cones Using all of the students UNIQUE Ice Cream scoops. Attach with Glue

8. Encourage students to also decorate their ice cream cone, think waffle cones.

9. Once they are complete it’s time for a fun Class Pictures and Ice Cream Treats for your End of year Ice Cream Party.

You can also read some adorable Ice Cream Books for kids at your end of the school year party.

Ice Cream Poem for End of Year Craft for Kids

To make your own Ice Cream Cones you can purchase the rights to printing the Ice Cream Poem from our Online Store for $1.00 {Click Here}

Here’s a little peek at how my daughter’s class Ice Cream Cones for their End of School year Project turned out when she created hers in Kindergarten. The students came up with so many unique ideas on how to create them. Who knew there were so many ways to make an ice cream cone?

Once they finished their End of School Year Project we had the back table set up for an ice cream party with items the students had brought in from home to make an ultimate ice cream sundae.  YUM!

It made for a fun way to remember her classmates over the summer as it hung on our fridge as Kindergarten Keepsake.

Do you have a Playgroup, Preschool CoOp or Tot School Group you are a part of?

Here’s a fun ice Cream Playdate to host for that age group or you could make your own ice cream with the kids using.

Activities for the End of School Year

• End of School Year Activities
• End of School Year Party Idea with Printables
• End of School Year Printable Interview
• Last Day of School Gift Idea
• Tips for Organizing Art Projects at the End of School Year
• How to Write a Placement Letter for Your Child’s Teacher

**Like it? Pin It! **

Share your Ice Cream Keepsake Photos with us HERE on Pinterest 

Keep your kindergartner’s skills sharp this summer and help prepare them for first grade with these hands-on, innovative learning games in our book, 100 FUN AND EASY LEARNING GAMES FOR KIDS. Turn off the TV and beat boredom blues with these clever activities that are quick and easy to set up with common household materials. Each of the 100 learning games comes with an additional 3 alternative ways to play, making this a resource with nearly 400 activities!

Here are a few guidelines and a sample classroom placement letter to get you started.

I believe that it may or may not help in making your next year’s teacher a better match with your child, but it is worth the chance. So, as the time is now for most schools, how should you write a placement request letter?

Disclosure: Amazon affiliate Links Used in this Article

Tips for Writing a Placement Letter Request

Grab your pens and paper, now’s the time to sit down and write a placement letter request. There really is no one right way. This is just the format that I use every year with my own children. Call your school first to find out if they accept placement letters, the date they need the letters by, and the specific guidelines for your school.  Some principals allow preferred teachers to be named others do not.

Placement Letter Request Format:

1. Start by stating your child’s current grade level and teacher. I always include a picture of my child somewhere in the letter as well.

2. Write about your child’s strengths – academic and social.

3. Write about your concerns for your child. This is the place to include any special needs or personality traits that may need extra attention.

4. Write about the type of classroom or teacher traits that you feel your child would do best with.

5. Thank the team for considering your request.

Read the article: Getting the Teacher You Want

Sample Classroom Placement Letter

RE: 2024-2025 Classroom Placement Dear “School” Team,

We are writing this letter on behalf of our daughter “name”. She is currently in “teacher” “grade level” class and excelling in all areas; social and academic. “Name” is a very bright and enthusiastic learner. She reads at a much higher decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension level than her current grade. In fact, she reads 1-2 chapter books and multiple picture books every evening and is able to discuss with higher-order thinking, challenging concepts. She reached over 100 AR points, made it to the 5^th level in Ticket to Read, and has read almost the entire collection of chapter book series in the school library this year (and she is only 6 years old). In addition to reading, she enjoys science and has become a citizen scientist collecting data for a project called Monarch Health. Her one complaint about school is that she wants to learn more than the material presented. We are currently providing her with enrichment activities at home.

She is also a very thoughtful, kind-hearted child. I have seen her give up her space for others, allow them to go first, and help solve disputes using kind words and effective problem-solving. She responds well to compassionate adults with fair rules.

It is amazing to be parents of such an inquisitive, thoughtful child. When she was younger, we were worried she would have trouble learning as she has vision issues. After patching for several years, multiple eye muscle surgeries, and therapy, she has improved her vision. Glasses are essential for her and she is never without them. She also relies heavily on her other senses and benefits from consistent classroom routines.

We feel that she would do the best in a classroom that is not only organized, with consistent routines but also has a teacher who is willing to challenge and enrich the grade level material. “Name” would also do well with a teacher who routinely uses multi-sensory lessons, rather than one who primarily leans towards providing visual cues and presentations.

Last, but not least, we feel that it is important for her to be placed in a classroom that supports and challenges her in a safe and loving way, for “name” to feel worthwhile and appreciated in her learning environment.

Thank you,

“Parents Names”

Need tips for writing a First Grade Classroom Request Letter?

As a Parent of a Grade School Child, you may also enjoy these resources:

• The Parent Backpack for Kindergarten through Grade 5: How to Support Your Child’s Education, End Homework Meltdowns, and Build Parent-Teacher Connections
• Smart Parenting for Smart Kids: Nurturing Your Child’s True Potential
• Raising a Gifted Child
• Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids
• Different Learners: Identifying, Preventing, and Treating Your Child’s Learning Problems
• Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents
• The Learning Habit: A Groundbreaking Approach to Homework and Parenting that Helps Our Children Succeed in School and Life
• The Educated Child: A Parents Guide From Preschool Through Eighth Grade

Keep your kindergartner’s skills sharp this summer and help prepare them for first grade with these hands-on, innovative learning games in our book, 100 FUN AND EASY LEARNING GAMES FOR KIDS. Turn off the TV and beat boredom blues with these clever activities that are quick and easy to set up with common household materials. Each of the 100 learning games comes with an additional 3 alternative ways to play, making this a resource with nearly 400 activities!

Cheap – Easy – Meaningful

That’s a hard combination.

As a teacher, I usually give my students a little gift on the last day of school.  With 26 students, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. Yet, I wanted to give them something special to mark the occasion.  I spent all year learning and growing with them.  They filled my days with laughter and my heart with love.  Although I know many were excited for summer, I do miss them dearly when they were gone.

Me as a parent? I usually forget and do something little for my own kids on the day after the last day of school.  After seeing my friends pictures show up in my Facebook feed, I’m inspired.  Better late than never right?

If you are a teacher (or parent) looking for a little gift to give your kids on their last day of school, then here are some quick, easy, and not to expensive last day of school gift ideas for you!

Disclosure: This post contains Affiliate Links to Amazon. 

Last Day of School Gift Ideas for parents and teachers:

1. A beach ball. Attach the words “Have a ball this summer” Let their friends or classmates sign it.
2. A little bag with bubbles, stickers, and a notebook.
3. Homemade crayon shapes using the “leftovers” from the year.
4. A box of sidewalk chalk.
5. “You’re o-fish-ally in 3rd grade” bag with goldfish crackers and note.
6. A book. Write a sweet little note on the inside.
7. A healthy treat.
8. Sand bucket with shovel
9. Print pictures of their friends and classmates. Make a little mini yearbook.
10. A dry erase board and marker. Date and sign it in permanent marker on the back.
11. Seed packets and a planter.
12. A tote bag with pencils and a notebook.
13. Pinwheels
14. A bag of homemade playdough.
15. Make a friendship bracelet.
16. Print a small last day of school poem on pretty paper, roll it up and tie with a ribbon.

Need a Teacher Gift Idea for the End of the School year?

What do you give kids on their last day of school?

Here’s a few more ideas for the End of School Year with your child below…

You may also enjoy the following parenting articles here at The Educators’ Spin On It

• End of School Year Party Idea
• End of Year Keepsake – Ice Cream Party Craft
• Teacher Gift Ideas for End of School Year
• How to Write a Placement Letter
• Tips for Getting the Teacher you Want for your Child
• Writing a First Grade Teacher Request Letter
• Summer Bucket List of Activities
• Making Summer Memories with Your Child

Keep your kindergartner’s skills sharp this summer and help prepare them for first grade with these hands-on, innovative learning games in our book, 100 FUN AND EASY LEARNING GAMES FOR KIDS. Turn off the TV and beat boredom blues with these clever activities that are quick and easy to set up with common household materials. Each of the 100 learning games comes with an additional 3 alternative ways to play, making this a resource with nearly 400 activities!

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Although many schools discourage parents from requesting a particular teacher by name, they do allow parents to write a teacher request letter. As a former kindergarten and first grade teacher, now mom to a soon-to-be first grader, I too am writing this letter for my son. Affiliate links.

Finding the BEST Classroom Fit for First Grade

First grade is a big transition from kindergarten in terms of time on task and expectations for learning. Our kids are getting bigger, more independent, and learning more each and every day. I believe that their early classroom years set the stage for a successful lifetime of learning. If kids are excited about going to school, there is a good chance; they will be excited about learning to read too! So how can we find the best classroom fit for our first graders?

Writing a teacher request letter “MAY” help your child get into the right classroom fit.

I add quotation marks in the word may, because placement letters

1. May not be read. Yes, this is a chance I am willing to take.
2. Do not have to be granted. Many factors are involved in building classrooms, from current teachers opinions, learning styles, student needs, and a mix of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Parent request letters are just a portion of things considered during a child’s school placement.
3. May work in the ideal world, but not be the right fit in reality.

Tips for Writing Your First Grade Teacher Request Letter

As with all classroom placement letters, I tend to follow the simple sandwich rule. That means, I start with something positive about my child’s education, then state the “need” or “issue” that concerns me, and end with a positive. I sandwich the concern for my child’s education in between the good stuff. As a parent, I have a lot of needs for my kids, so I try to pick one or two of the most important ones.

Start with a Positive

Add the Concern

End with a Positive

Another piece of advice for writing placement letters is to skip the flowery writing and be short, sweet, and to the point. Often, the principal or curriculum director is reading a TON of placement letters. The schools that do allow parents to write these often times DO take the time to read each and every one. Make sure that your voice is heard.

Be consistent, clear, and kind. Even if you do not like your child’s current kindergarten teacher, this placement letter is not the place to discuss it.

If you do not know where to start, consider asking your child’s current teacher. He or she may provide valuable insight into the type of classroom environment that may be best for your child. Other family members may also be invaluable in helping to write these letters. I will often times bounce ideas off my mom because she knows my kids and the education world.

Sample First Grade Teacher Request Letter

Dear NAME OF SCHOOL team or PRINCIPAL,

I am writing on behalf of my kindergarten son, _____ in regards to his first grade classroom placement. He is currently in Mrs. ____’s classroom. We appreciate how hands-on her math lessons are and how she incorporates movement throughout the children’s learning day.

My son LOVES to take things apart and build and home. He is curious about the world around him and likes doing science experiments. I believe that he would do well in an experienced teachers classroom that has consistent routines and procedures in place, but is also sensitive to his feelings and gives positive feedback often. He loves SMILES! In the ideal world, I would like him to be in a classroom that uses music, art, and hands-on stations for learning as well (with lots of recess!)

I appreciate your team’s consideration and look forward to another successful year at ____ Elementary.
Please feel free to call me or e-mail with any questions.

Phone Number
E-mail
Name
< I usually add in a picture of my child’s smiling face at the bottom of the letter>

First Grade Teacher Request Letter Format

So, in a nutshell, make sure to include the following information in your parent request letter for your child’s first grade placement.

• Greeting:
• Say who you are, what grade your child is in, and one nice thing about their current classroom / classroom teacher.
• Explain 1 good thing about your child. Tell about their needs and what type of classroom environment they would do best in.
• Thank them for considering your request.
• End with all of your contact information.
• Child’s picture, optional

Keep your kindergartner’s skills sharp this summer and help prepare them for first grade with these hands-on, innovative learning games in our book, 100 FUN AND EASY LEARNING GAMES FOR KIDS. Turn off the TV and beat boredom blues with these clever activities that are quick and easy to set up with common household materials. Each of the 100 learning games comes with an additional 3 alternative ways to play, making this a resource with nearly 400 activities!

Here are some ideas for getting the teacher you want for your child in the upcoming school year.

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Getting the teacher YOU want.

1. Really get to know the teachers.

Many of us have attended school events to get to know the teachers. Yes, the school carnival is a great way to support my child’s school, but also a good time to see all of the teachers and how they interact with the kids and families. I like knowing that my child’s school has teachers that care enough about their students to spend time outside of their contracted work day to engage with families.

To me, this shows that the teachers are dedicated to their profession and their students. I don’t know all the teachers in the next grade level up, but I do know who the “favorites are.”

They are the teachers at these extra events. The ones kids run up to and give high fives and hugs. The ones all the room parents know by first name. You know, the teachers that every parent wishes their child would make it into their classroom.

2. Write a well-crafted placement letter.

Most schools that allow parents to write a classroom request letter. If your school allows it, grab your pen and paper and ask nicely for the teacher you want. If your school does not allow for specific teachers to be named, write about the positive qualities of that teacher. When you are writing your letter, think of the things that the specific teacher you want does and how those things meet your child’s learning style. I taught with a kindergarten team of teachers that were amazing.

One particular teacher really got into thematic units (she was a real life Ms. Frizzle). Her classroom was full of learning stations that children could rotate between by choice. A parent who thought this teacher would be best, may say, “My child is very creative and thrives in a classroom environment that activates her learning through different modalities. I would like to request a placement where she is able to learn in flexible grouping and small learning stations. Self-directed children who thrive in a creative, flexible environment would work well in her classroom.

Another teacher in my team was extremely regimented to the minute. She was an amazing teacher and the kids thrived knowing exactly what was expected of them. The classroom was a buzz with talk about books and writing was integrated into the entire day. She kept reading logs and sent home detailed notes to parents with records and suggestions for enriching their academics at home. Children needing structure and routine stability, would probably do very well in her classroom.

You know your child best.  Think about the ideal classroom to match their learning style.

3. Schedule a conference with your child’s current teacher

You may consider scheduling a conference with your child’s current teacher to discuss their placement for the upcoming year. They may have a good insight into which teacher would be the best fit for your child. If your child has an IEP, Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan, then you may consider scheduling a meeting with the team to discuss which teacher would best meet the needs of your child and how to get that teacher.

The last, but not least, person to consider meeting with in regards to getting the teacher you want is the school principal. They are extremely busy people, so this may not be possible, but if you are concerned about your child’s classroom placement, consider scheduling a 15 minute meeting to discuss academic success in the upcoming year.

The Do’s and Don’t of Getting the Teacher You Want.

• Do ask for the teacher or learning environment you feel would best meet the needs of your child.
• Do NOT guarantee your child a particular teacher. In fact, it may be best not to even mention your preferences, rather talk about how all the teachers are fabulous and that the next year is going to be great!
• Do ask parents of the next grade what they like about their current teachers.
• Do NOT bad mouth teachers, especially in front of children. If the conversation turns into negatives, try to change the tone.
• Do follow your schools rules and guidelines for teacher requests.
• Do NOT be pushy, rude, or demanding.
• Do know that you will most likely NOT get the teacher you want.
• Do NOT panic. There are MANY, MANY, MANY amazing teachers out there. No matter which teacher your child gets, with your support and guidance, it will be an awesome year.

You may also enjoy these parenting articles…

Keep your kindergartner’s skills sharp this summer and help prepare them for first grade with these hands-on, innovative learning games in our book, 100 FUN AND EASY LEARNING GAMES FOR KIDS. Turn off the TV and beat boredom blues with these clever activities that are quick and easy to set up with common household materials. Each of the 100 learning games comes with an additional 3 alternative ways to play, making this a resource with nearly 400 activities!

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Fruttare, but all my opinions are my own. #itsallgood #pmedia  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

End of School Year Party with Fruit Bars

Last week I mentioned that I grew up in Arizona and in Florida.  

Living in such warm climates most of my life I’ve learn that cool snacks are a summertime must. You and I both know it gets hot in just about any place in the world during Summer.

Are you ready for a cool snack?

Cool Summer Treat for End of School Year Party

We were are at Publix exploring the frozen section and discovered a new cool treat to check out.  It’s called Fruttare Fruit Bars.  We chose a variety of flavors including strawberry, lime and mango!  With 10 flavors to choose from Fruttare Fruit Bars will be our go to snack for cool summer fun.

My youngest daughter’s favorite is the strawberry bar, you can even see the diced strawberries in the bar in this picture!

End of School Year Party Idea ” Have a Cool Summer”

I’ve been trying to figure out what to bring to our end of the school year party for my daughters friends. After discovering how delicious the bars are my daughter and I decided to share with our friends at the end of the year school party.  I must admit these are so much better than the typical unhealthy food served at class parties like cake, soda or chips.  

It’s official, we’re serving a cool Fruttare Fruit Bars.  These bars make it easy for moms too!  It’s all good we’ve got you covered!

End of School Year Party Printables

We wanted to make our end of year party a little special so we create a printable Party Banner that says “Have a COOL Summer” .  

We’re going to hang up the banner when she comes home from her Last Day Of School and celebrate with COOL Treats from Fruttare too!

Plus we made a little keepsake from the party that says “You Made Our School Year COOL”.  What a fun way to celebrate the end of the year with your child’s class!

End of School Year Ideas for Kids

Hope you have tons of fun celebrating the last day of school with your child.

End of School Year Ideas include

1. Last Day of School Photo Ideas
2. Placement Letter Suggestions
3. End of Year Organization
4. End of Year Interview
5. End of Year Keepsake Idea

We’re featuring below ideas we’ve seen and experienced over the past few years of parenting and teaching to help make your end of school year an easy transition into Summer Vacation.

End of School Year Ideas  

includes photo ideas, summer learning board, teacher gift ideas, and more.

End of Year Placement Letter Suggestions and Sample

Before school ends take the time to write a placement letter, here’s how

End of Year Organization Tips

Tips for how to store their school work and art work plus an interview form for the last day of school

Free Printable End of School Year Interview

End of Year Keepsake: Ice Cream Cone Craft

Create a class End of year Keepsake with a Printable Poem and Craft Idea

End of School Year Party Banner and Printables

For more ideas visit Round Up of End of School Year Activities at Discover and Explore

Upcoming Summer Activities

• Summer eCamp Book {Buy NOW}
• Using Pinterest to Plan Summer Activities {Watch the Video NOW}
• Love Books Summer Exchange 50 + Book Activities   
• Virtual Book Club Summer camp 

Wishing you you the best as you end your child’s school year. We hope that you’ll find the information shared useful.

Tell us what you’re doing for summer fun in the comment section below!

Portfolios have been sent home.

Report cards are posted.

What do parents need to do?

ORGANIZE!!!

This post contains an affiliate link to amazon for the memory book to save you time

End of the School Year Organization for Parents

At the end of every year I take time to do some housekeeping. Kids grow and change so quickly that we will forget how they are at this age. I try to make a snapshot or time capsule of who they are at this age and file it away in a memory book or box.

It is important not to save everything or throw everything, but find a happy medium that works for you. What would I do?

1. Save the Last Report Card

Save the last report card and file it in my child’s School Memory Book.  You could make your own, but I’ve found it is really convenient to just have the pre-made, store bought one!

School Memories Album on Amazon  

2. Choose 2-3 Samples of Work

Look through the school work I have saved over the year and choose 2-3 samples of writing and 2-3 artwork from the year to save.  This is really the hardest part for me. Make sure your child’s name is on it (have them write it if it isn’t) and date is visible and legible.

3. Take Pictures of Student’s Work to Make Digital Portfolio

Take digital pictures of them all (not just your absolute favorites) and put them with your digital photo albums.  I wasn’t sure I wanted to save this art piece my daughter did this year in 1st grade at school, but it has got such great color. I made a digital image of it and may turn it into a card to send “snail mail” to her Grandparents!

4.  Print 5-10 Photos from School Year

Go through your digital pictures from the year and print off 5-10 photos that represent their learning, growth, major accomplishments, and friends from the year. These go into the memory book folders.

If you have time and haven’t already, make sure to send your kids Grandparents a copy too!

5. Draw a Self Portrait

Give your child a blank piece of paper and ask them to draw a self portrait of themselves and write about it too.

6. Write About Your Child

While they are drawing, you (the parent) take a minute to write down all the wonderful things about your child – the things that they do or say that make your heart melt.  You can make a list or write a paragraph, just do it.  Date your writing and file that too!

7. End of Year Interview

Have them complete an informal survey about their likes and dislikes. (My daughter’s teacher had the kids write a little book of some of their school favorites. If you know the original blog source for the above fishbowl template – please leave me a comment and I will credit the source!)

The book was really bulky, so I just took a digital image of it because it was cute and a good representation of who my kid is right now! I like my informal surveys to all fit on one page =)  

File this in the school memory folder too.

Printable End of Year Interview

Some ideas you may want to include are:

My School:
My Teacher:
Height:
Weight:
My best friends:
My favorite snack after school:
The best lunch ever:
My favorite school subject:
The best book I read this year was:
I like to write about:
The best thing that happened this year at school was:
My favorite thing to do at recess is:

HERE’s a PRINTABLE INTERVIEW! 

My last piece of advice is:

The most important thing is that you just do something now.  So if you are reading this and haven’t taken 15 minutes to organize your child’s school year growth and memorabilia, go do it! (Don’t just put this in your PINTEREST to do board!)

If you are reading this at work or on the go, schedule 15 minutes when you get home to tackle this task.

Happy Organizing!!!

Looking for more ideas to celebrate the end of the school year? Try these…

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