The end of the year is a fun, busy, and emotional time for teachers and students alike. This list of read-aloud books can be used for any elementary grade level.
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Here are some great end of the year read alouds for elementary students:
A Letter from Your Teacher: On the Last Day of School by Shannon Olsen
This is a perfect last day of school book! It is a letter from the teacher to their students on the last day of school. The author reflects on the year shared and reminds the students that their teacher will be cheering them on for all that the future holds as well.
The Here I Come Series by D. J. Steinberg is a great end-of-the-year read-aloud for preschool through second grade. These books are written in poetry and celebrate all the milestones that go along with each school year or event. I have linked the entire series below.
Scribble Stones by Diane Alber
This is a great end-of-year book for students. Plus, it could inspire a fun end-of-the-year craft! Painting rocks are always fun. My daughter is currently on a rock painting kick. You can use paint pens to cut down on the mess or even have students use permanent markers.
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
This inspiring story encourages students to embrace their creativity and take risks and is a great way to motivate them to continue learning and growing over the summer.
The Last Day of School by Louise Borden
This book captures the excitement and emotions of the last day of school, from saying goodbye to friends to cleaning out lockers.
This end-of-the-year read-aloud is the perfect book for celebrating endings. This book will help your students to look at endings from a different perspective.
Check out my End of the Year Graduation Ideas blog post for more great book recommendations and ideas for the end of the year.
In conclusion, end-of-the-year read-alouds provide a great opportunity for teachers to engage their students in reflection, empathy, and excitement for the future. Whether it’s a classic like “Last Day Blues” or a newer book like “The End,” there is a wide range of books available that can help students process their feelings about the end of the school year and get them excited for the adventures that lie ahead. By incorporating end-of-the-year read-alouds into their curriculum, teachers can help their students finish the school year on a positive and uplifting note, while also fostering a love of reading and a desire to learn that will carry them through the summer and beyond.