KindergartenWorks: end of the year kindergarten class sorts and memory banner

Today was the day. Our last day of school! {Well, it's now officially 1:34 am, so give or take a few hours} I am excited to have time to share ideas with you this summer from this past year and ideas for next year. One of our end of year duties that we pull together is what we fondly call a "kid sort." Do you do this in your school, or have any input?

We create student profile sheets that are a tad bit of extra work, but something I consider a valuable piece to next year's teacher. While their report cards do give their first grade teachers a great understanding of their academic skills, our student profile sheets are "what I really think you should know about this student... at a glance." I understand the concept of not being biased on a student's achievement level, but in my experience sharing with another teacher, is caring. I share what is most pertinent, and what we write down is con.fi.den.tial, which is great. I can say exactly what I need to say, teacher-to-teacher.

{Click to download}

We bring these sheets to our kid sort in two piles - boys and girls. And each pile is ordered by strength in performance (not just ability). The sort starts with high girl into each pile from each K teacher, followed by high boy and we continue on down the list. Then we move any pairs that shouldn't end up together and d.o.n.e! It was a quick part of my day amongst the packing up, stuffing envelopes, passing out gifts, returning books, taking last minute photos, enjoying field day and filling out cumulative folders. But, I hope that perhaps this might be a tool we have recreated to line up with Kindergarten (we took out all the data and scores other grades have and really got to focus on K issues most often dealt with) that can be helpful to you. I also insert their school photos to give the first grade teachers the leg up on learning those names. (Wish we had that advantage!)

{click to download}

Need a last minute project? Have your kinders outline the bubbles with as many colors as they have crayons and then paint with watercolor to fill in each bubble. I take a picture and email them home on the last day! Looking for another option? Little Miss Kindergarten has a cute handprint poem that might fit the bill.

More Free Downloads
Free Addition Game
Free Valentine Cards for Students
Free Describing 2D Shapes Game

With all of my kinders "sorted", hydrated after field day, they each received a hug and their, "You're a first grader now!" affirmations. Sorted and sent off. Looking ahead with reflections in tow.

If you like what I do here on KindergartenWorks, then be sure to subscribe today. I look forward to sharing ideas with you weekly.
- Leslie