The end of the year is looming.

Looming is probably NOT the correct verb here…
…but…
There is so much still left to do and so little time to squeeze it all in.

So little time.

Lots of crazy days ahead.

Busy, crazy, fun days.

I used to do big stuff right up to the end. But then I learned that I do not LIKE doing that.

Especially not on the last day.

I really like a calm, relaxing last day with the kiddos. Just hanging out and talking, laughing, and reflecting.

So, we take it easy. The room is “packed up”. Desks are moved against the wall. August/September’s bulletin boards are up (the kids help me do it the day or 2 before!) and we just hang out.

I seriously LOVE it. I’m sentimental about the kiddos. It’s hard to say goodbye. I cherish the last few hours I have with them. Parents are not invited. No parties. No chaos. Just us.

When I first started this tradition I was worried about upsetting the parents, that it would be boring for the kids. But the kids seem to love it as much as I do. I think the parents understand.

I also roll out the red carpet during this time and we celebrate each other’s fabulous qualities.

I give each kid an award with a Smartie attached to it.

source

We use Smarties in class to celebrate “fabulous schema use”.

Anyway, the point is – the kids work hard for those Smarties – so they mean a lot on an end of the year award. Another plus? Smarties are very inexpensive and have the BEST name! 🙂

What I do is similar to those fabulous candy/candy bar awards that are available on TpT. I love those! Mel D from Seusstastic is has cute pre-made ones available in her store – super adorable. They are just so creative and adorable and each award has a very unique look.

My kiddos’ awards all look the same. I type in the kiddos name and reason for the award, then attach a pack of Smarties to it. I make each reason very unique to the student. We celebrate their generosity, kindness, hard-work, determination, silliness, amazing fashion sense, incredible printing, brilliance, humor… you name it. Whatever fabulosity stands out to me about the little peep – that’s what I type in.

I’ve made this into an easily editable, simple PowerPoint file for you. Each award will look the same. You are able to edit the student names, reason and teacher name using colors and fonts of your choice!

This resource is now available in my store.