kindergarten graduation speech by teacher sample pdf

Kindergarten Graduation Day Speech Free PDF for Teachers

Kindergarten graduation is a momentous occasion, marking the end of a remarkable journey for both students and teachers. It is a time to celebrate the growth, achievements, and bright futures of our young graduates. However, preparing a heartfelt and engaging speech for this special day can be a daunting task. To alleviate the stress and reduce the effort required, a free PDF resource can prove invaluable.

The Importance of Kindergarten Graduation Speech:

A kindergarten graduation speech holds immense significance as it serves as a bridge between the students’ early educational experience and the exciting journey that lies ahead. It is an opportunity to reflect on the students’ growth, acknowledge their accomplishments, express gratitude to parents and guardians, and inspire them for the future.

Challenges Faced by Teachers:

Crafting a memorable graduation speech that resonates with both children and adults can be a challenge for teachers. Time constraints, the pressure to deliver an emotional and engaging message, and the need to strike a balance between humor and sentiment can make the task overwhelming. This is where a free PDF resource can provide valuable assistance.

Introducing the Free PDF Resource:

The free PDF resource is a comprehensive guide designed specifically to assist teachers in creating kindergarten graduation speeches. It offers a step-by-step approach, providing useful tips, sample speeches, and customizable templates to suit individual preferences. This resource aims to reduce the effort required by offering a structured framework and helpful insights.

Streamlining the Speech Writing Process:

The PDF resource begins by outlining the key elements that should be included in a kindergarten graduation speech. It emphasizes the importance of a warm and welcoming introduction, sharing memorable anecdotes, acknowledging achievements, and expressing gratitude. By following these guidelines, teachers can ensure that their speeches cover all the essential aspects while maintaining a cohesive flow.

Sample Speeches and Templates:

One of the most valuable features of the free PDF resource is the inclusion of sample speeches. These speeches serve as inspiration, showcasing different approaches and styles that teachers can adapt to suit their unique personalities and the characteristics of their students. Additionally, customizable templates are provided, offering a convenient starting point for teachers to craft their own personalized speeches.

Structuring the Speech:

The PDF resource guides teachers in structuring their speeches effectively. It provides insights into organizing thoughts, creating engaging transitions, and maintaining an appropriate length. By following these guidelines, teachers can ensure that their speeches captivate the audience while maintaining a suitable timeframe, as young children may have limited attention spans.

Incorporating Humor and Emotion:

Humor is a vital component of any kindergarten graduation speech, as it can connect with young children and create a lighthearted atmosphere. The free PDF resource offers tips on incorporating age-appropriate humor, sharing funny anecdotes, and using playful language to engage the audience. It also emphasizes the importance of emotional moments, such as expressing pride and love for the students, which can leave a lasting impact on both children and parents.

Saving Time and Effort:

By utilizing the free PDF resource, teachers can significantly reduce the time and effort required to create a memorable kindergarten graduation speech. The structured approach, sample speeches, and customizable templates eliminate the need for extensive research and brainstorming, allowing teachers to focus on personalizing the speech and adding their unique touch.

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Kindergarten Graduation Speech - Well Done To One And All

A kindergarten graduation speech marks an amazing and special milestone!

You're looking out over a sea of faces in your audience - proud mums, dads, grandparents, family and friends - and indeed they have every right to be proud.

There is something special about a kindergarten graduation ceremony - innocence retained, journeys begun and dreams waiting to be achieved.

A graduation speech needs to pay tribute to each and every child - all so special in their own way.

We hope our free sample speech will get your creative thought processes going and we have no doubt that you'll add a bit, maybe delete a bit - either way - you are going to say it just right!

Good Afternoon Ladies, Gentlemen and of course, most importantly, the girls and boys who are graduating from kindergarten today - this is indeed a very special day!

I am very aware that today is about the children and as such, my speech is largely aimed at the special young people sitting on stage today. Don't they look fantastic? I think they deserves a round of applause before we even begin! Today is all about you girls and boys. I know it is difficult to sit still for a long time - so I promise that I'll try and keep my speech as short as possible.

Stacia Tauscher said, "We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." 

As parents and teachers we do put a lot of time and energy into preparing our children for their futures. And rightly so. We do indeed need to equip our children with life-long skills to prepare them for adulthood. It is our collective responsibility as we guide and mold the leaders of tomorrow -  for it is on them that the future will have to depend.

Today, as we pay tribute to the young ladies and gentlemen of tomorrow, we know that they have started their remarkable journey towards achieving this goal. This year has seen them grow and develop exponentially. They have learned so much. They have remained eager and enthusiastic and they have grown in so many ways. Our thanks and appreciation to all the teachers and the parents for the fantastic role that you have all played to facilitate this process.

Now, girls and boys...I need to tell you how very proud we are of you today.

You are all incredibly special people today, right now,  as you sit here in front of us. You have all worked very hard to learn more every day, you have played hard, you have made new friends and you have all tried to be a good friend too. Well done and congratulations to each and everyone of you - you can feel very proud of all you have done this year.

Our young children will move into a new year - a year with new challenges to deal with. As they move into their respective tomorrows so bright with goals already achieved and more dreams still to aspire to, we say to them...

Enjoy being four today with all your heart and soul... and worry less about preparing to be five.

Hold onto your uncanny gift of finding everything in nothing, of not only seeing seven wonders in the world - but several thousand.

"Work hard and play straight" and may you stay...in your spirit and soul...

Forever young!

In your kindergarten graduation speech pay tribute to our children - "they are the message that we send to future that we will not see" - John W. Whitehead

Return from Kindergarten Graduation Speech to Words of Wisdom Free Graduation Speeches and Words of Wisdom that Inspire

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Graduation Speech [20 Examples + Template]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Being selected as a commencement speaker is a great recognition, but the responsibility can be intimidating. How do you know what kind of message will hit home for the graduates at this point in their lives? How do you make your message stand out from other words of wisdom that the graduating class has heard before?

Fortunately, there are many incredible graduation speeches from which you can pull information. We’ve gathered 15 of the best graduation speech examples here to make your research and brainstorming process easier. A little studying can give you ideas for the perfect graduation speech topic and help you write your speech efficiently.

In this article:

Graduation Speech Examples

Graduation speech template.

Take note of the flow and structure of the examples, and let them guide you in creating your own graduation speech outline. Remember to practice your speech and memorize the bulk of it so you’re able to deliver with confidence. With a strong theme and plenty of practice, you’re sure to gain the audience’s attention and leave them inspired.

Here are 15 free graduation speech examples to gain inspiration from. If you like a style or message of a sample speech, use it as a model to create your own original version.

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1. Funny Valedictorian Speech

This valedictorian entertains the audience of his high school graduation speech with subtle, kind-hearted jokes that reflect the graduating class and the school faculty. The graduation speaker has a sentimental theme to his speech, but his light humor ensures that the presentation is both meaningful and memorable.

“You see, this is not goodbye. This is see you in two to 10 years when I’m significantly smarter, wealthier, funnier, and more handsome than I am right now.”

2. College Graduation Speech Example: Conan O’Brien at Dartmouth College

You don’t have to be a famous comedian to deliver a funny graduation speech, but let Conan O’Brien’s speech at Dartmouth College serve as a good model to create your own. Intertwining life advice and great jokes, O’Brien inspires graduates to get past failure and pave their own paths.

“Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment, you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.”

3. Preschool Graduation Speech

This preschool graduation speech is a great example for teachers who need to give a commencement address. A speech for a preschool or kindergarten graduation is different, in that the speaker is mostly communicating to the parents of the graduates. This preschool teacher delivers a meaningful speech that explains the joy in her job, while touching on the humorous things the students have said over the months.

“Tomorrow I give you back your child, the same child you entrusted in my care last fall, except now I give them back to you pounds heavier, inches taller… I give them back to you a little smarter, a little more mature, and a little more responsible than they were 10 months ago.”

4. David Foster Wallace Kenyon College Commencement Speech

In what is recognized as one of the best graduation speeches of all time, David Foster Wallace affirms to a class of liberal arts students that their education taught them how to think and how to be self-aware.

“The only thing that’s capital-T True is that you get to decide how you’re gonna try to see it. This, I submit, is the freedom of a real education, of learning how to be well-adjusted. You get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn’t. You get to decide what to worship.”

5. Middle School Graduation Speech

A class president delivers a heartwarming message in a storytelling format at his middle school graduation ceremony.

“Once upon a time, three long years ago, a journey began. We were obedient little munchkins, climbing up stairs meant for giants, carrying heavy backpacks filled with every sort of colored pencil existing on this earth.”

6. University of Wisconsin-Madison Commencement Speech 2017

Steven Levitan, creator of the award-winning show “Modern Family,” was the commencement speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the graduating class of 2017. This is a good example to follow if you’re an alum of the college you’re presenting to.

“It’s hard to believe I graduated here 33 years ago. I still have the official university photo of me receiving my diploma wearing only shorts under my cap and gown and holding a big bottle of champagne, as if to say, ‘Hey world, lower your expectations.'”

7. Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard University Commencement Speech

Successful people are often chosen as commencement speakers for university graduation ceremonies. See how the CEO and founder of Facebook is able to portray humility in relating to the 2017 graduating class at Harvard University.

“I’m honored to be with you today because, let’s face it, you accomplished something I never could. If I get through this speech, it’ll be the first time I actually finish something at Harvard. Class of 2017, congratulations!”

8. Al Roker’s Commencement Speech at Champlain College

Upon receiving his doctorate degree of humane letters, the “Today Show” weather anchor delivered an inspirational speech to the graduating class. Roker speaks to the class’s generation and relates his graduation speech topic back to his own upbringing.

“Be in the moment. Stop living through your screen. Experience it now.”

9. Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech at Stanford University

The Apple CEO’s commencement speech at 2005 to the graduating class at Stanford University is one of the classics. Jobs tells stories about his own experiences with dropping out of college, being fired from Apple, and being diagnosed with cancer.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of the other opinion drown out your own inner voice. And, most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

10. Elementary School Graduation Speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVOQVsbkmbM

This fifth-grade class speaker relates her teacher’s message to a lesson from her grandfather as her opening hook .

“To survive the fifth grade is not barely making it through. Instead, to survive means to perform with distinction.

11. Ellen Degeneres Commencement Speech at Tulane University

The famous talk show host and comedian Ellen Degeneres’s commencement speech at Tulane University is a great example of how a guest speaker can identify with her audience.

“It was so important for me to lose everything because I found what the most important thing is. The most important thing is to be true to yourself.”

12. University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address

Rear Admiral William H. McRaven aims to inspire his audience right from the beginning. The rear admiral encourages the graduating class to change the world, relating everyday life struggles to those of the people in the military.

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

13. Matthew McConaughey Commencement Speech

Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey drew from his own personal story to deliver an inspirational commencement speech at the University of Houston. McConaughey gives the graduating class 13 life lessons, including to define success for yourself and find joy in your work.

“Prioritize who you are and who you want to be. Don’t spend time with anything that antagonizes your character.”

14. Commencement Address by Jim Carrey

In his commencement address at Maharishi University of Management, actor Jim Carrey tells an emotional personal story. Carrey uses emotion to encourage the graduating class to walk their own path and never settle in life.

“Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory.”

15. Stephen Colbert’s Commencement Speech at Wake Forest University

The famous comedian delivers a witty and funny graduation speech, offering students practical advice for the real world.

“And if there’s one thing you need even more, it’s your own set of standards. It may seem counterintuitive now, but once you leave here, you may miss being graded on all your work. Because when you’re out of school, there are no objective criteria for achievement anymore.”

16. Inspiring Graduation Speech

In this remarkable graduation speech, the class valedictorian makes a political statement by publicly revealing her status as an undocumented immigrant. The speech starts out with jokes, but turns into a moving performance that’s as powerful as it is fun to watch.

“To each and every single one of you, I say thank you. You taught me that it’s okay to be different and that there will always be people willing to overlook those differences and accept you for being yourself.”

17. Funny Graduation Speech

This class-elected graduation speaker has the perfect delivery of well-crafted jokes and one-liners throughout her speech. She keeps the whole class laughing and never misses a beat.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to pursuing an additional 4-year education – which I can’t afford.”

18. Moving Graduation Speech

This college graduation speech educates listeners about women’s education through the eyes of the speaker, who encountered resistance to seeking an education just because she was a woman. It’s nearly impossible to listen to this speech without feeling moved to take action.

“I couldn’t have imagined attending college, simply because we weren’t allowed to. My sisters weren’t allowed to; the girls before me weren’t allowed to.”

19. Funny Graduation Speech

This graduation speech by the senior class president is humorous and engaging. The class president reminisces with plenty of jokes in a speech full of fun memories and just the right amount of inspiration.

“I know we can all agree that this class is resilient. We survived an earthquake, two blackouts, and Ebola.”

20. Short Graduation Speech

Graduation ceremonies can be long, but the speeches don’t have to be. This short graduation speech uses an “ABCs of life” format to pack a lot of power into a short amount of time. The class president gets wild applause from the audience for his quick but clever speech.

“We must Q – quit quitting, and R – run the race with patience.”

• Thank teachers and your parents or other family members for their support, encouragement, help, aid or personal assistance during your years of studying.
• Praise accomplishments and achievements of the class.
• Reflect upon the past years, what has changed and is interesting enough to share with all?
• Mention funny and exciting events, you can opt for funny oneliners or even small innocent jokes, poems or quotations from famous people if you like.
• Motivate your fellow students and teachers and professors to look to the bright future:
• I continue with the 10 most wanted and popular graduation speech topics:
• Give advice, but avoid boring cliches that are totally not surprising.
• Entertain by telling humorous anecdotes and vivid stories. Offer an account of an interesting or humorous incident.
• Express the feelings of the class. But do not go over the top.
• Say farewell to all attendees. This acknowledgment at parting is the warming-up for the next and final step
• Wish the graduates of your class all the best and thank them for listening.

Don’t forget to:

Thank the parents and family.  Have your class honor them with applause. Not only have they made sure you showed up to school, there’s a host of other responsibilities that parents have sacrificed to accomplish for you. Now is your moment to focus on them for a minute or so.

Thank the teachers and administrators.  Each teacher or professor works many long hours that you don’t see in the classroom, and many have poured their hearts and lives into teaching. Take this moment to make it worth it for them.

Use some of my vote of thanks example expressions to feed you imagination for topics for graduation speech a little bit.

Make the address personal. When you decide to make your graduation speech personal, you will experience much bigger success. It will also be more fun to write and deliver a talk that brings high school or college to a close with recognition of the small things in education life. The memories you will run across looking through yearbooks and talking about with friends will be priceless for you as well.

Calm the nerves.  It is very intimidating to address hundreds of people in the audience while delivering a graduation speech. Many of us have fear of public speaking. Before you proceed, do this test. And practice the tips.

Consider including:

STORIES Include stories about your school. These high school graduation speech topics can be about teachers and funny things that have happened over the year.

EVENTS Include motivational or moving events that may have happened – perhaps volunteer opportunities that have changed the students’ perspective. Make sure that any major events that have happened are recognized.

Sports and music events that have been important to the school need to be recognized, even if it happened in one of the prior years of your class and not the graduating year.

CLASS EXPERIENCE Bring the class experience alive for those attending the graduation. Grandparents and parents, as well as siblings, have heard the names from school.

Bring the people to the campus life that they have heard about.

DECEASED If a fellow student or teacher has died, mention that person. Make it not a funeral obituary eulogy but recognize them for the family who might be present.

PROJECTS Mention any projects that the school has undertaken; if you have been involved in a community garden or other volunteer organization give credit for the impact it has made.

Pet Peeve Speech Topics

Commemorative Speech

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Kindergarten Korner – A Kindergarten Teaching Blog

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Kindergarten Graduation Program

Graduation mega bundle for pre-k and kindergarten: oh, the places they’ll go theme.

This MEGA Graduation Bundle Contents:

This Graduation MEGA Bundle includes all you need for your Pre-K or Kindergarten End of the Year Ceremony that goes along with the theme of the story, Oh, the Places They’ll Go! This zip file includes a bulletin board craft, differentiated balloon writing templates, medium and large display letters, pastel pennant banner letters, editable invitations, editable program, editable diplomas, and my personal graduation script with teacher tips, poems, songs, and more!

OH, THE PLACES THEY’LL GO BULLETIN BOARD BUNDLE

This end of the year Oh, the Places They’ll Go! Bulletin Board BUNDLE includes 27 differentiated balloon writing templates, craft templates, bulletin board letters, and decor to create a Graduation display to remember! Both primary and regular lined templates are included. Choose from 2 display options – (3-D or pastel), or CREATE BOTH at different times throughout the year like I do!

PASTEL BANNER FLAG PENNANT STYLE LETTERS

GRADUATION SCRIPT

This file includes my personal 18 page graduation script filled with teacher tips, ideas, teacher’s scripted lines, poems, songs, and more. This is a non-editable file.

EDITABLE INVITATIONS

Choose from Full Page or Half Page. – Print, Post, or email! You may personalize by add wording or graphics of your choosing!

EDITABLE GRADUATION PROGRAM / PAMPHLET

Choose which option you like for the front and back covers. Click the boxes to personalize. My graphics are secured and may not be deleted. Wording and graphics may be added. The entire program inside is FULLY EDITABLE for you to customize as you wish. 

EDITABLE DIPLOMAS

Choose from 9 options including templates for preschool, kindergarten, and general diplomas. Select which diploma option you like, and click the boxes to customize. Please note that my graphics are secured in place and may not be deleted as with the previous two editable options. You may Insert text boxes to add text anywhere you like. You may also add graphics such as your school’s logo or even a picture of each graduate on the side.  

Use this product year after year! You may use many of the elements included in this bundle throughout your school year.   For example, the balloon writing templates include a goal setting prompt that I use at the beginning of the year.  In addition, you can create banners with the included pennants for any occasion. 

 I purchased these sets of Amazon to go along with the Oh, the Places You’ll Go theme:

I also purchased these directional signs and made up own sayings on the blank ones.  For instance, I created labels that had the arrows pointing to the auditorium and the cookies.  All you need to do is purchase full sheet Avery labels and print onto them using a large font size.  Just peel and stick to the decoration.

Most importantly, I hope that this post has inspired you to create an amazing kindergarten graduation or end of the year celebration!  Thank you for looking, and I wish you the very best of luck.  Click below to view my Graduation Resource in the Kindergarten Korner Shop Site.

Oh, the Place They’ll Go Graduation BUNDLE | Kindergarten Graduation | PreK Preschool Graduation | Editable Program, Invitations, Diplomas

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I am wondering if there is any way that I can just see an example of the script. We are a private academy in search of a new K4 program. I am just curious if it would work for two classes of almost 30 kids.

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How to Write a Kindergarten Graduation Speech

Kindergarten graduation is an emotional milestone that brings smiles and tears to doting family members who can’t believe this special year is already over. Some schools recognize the significance of the event with pomp and circumstance that may include speeches, music, graduation apparel, certificates and a graduation cake shaped like a school bus. Delivering a graduation speech that will captivate students and adults alike is a formidable challenge. Consider giving a multimedia presentation instead of a memorized speech because kindergartners get bored quickly, as parents and teachers well know.

Explore this article

• Prepare Opening Remarks
• Share Highlights of the Year
• Express Gratitude

1 Plan Ahead

The best time to start writing a kindergarten graduation speech is the first day of school. Keep a journal noting impressive accomplishments during the year, such as the giant purple dinosaur a student constructed using balloons and papier mache. Obtain permission from parents to take occasional photos for viewing at the graduation ceremony. Photos and videos can reinforce the tremendous learning that you describe in your speech. Write a draft of your speech at least one week before graduation, so you’ll have time to revise and rehearse it.

2 Prepare Opening Remarks

Write a friendly welcome to students, parents, siblings, grandparents, family friends and fellow teachers in attendance. Encourage distinguished guests to stand and be recognized, such as the principal, superintendent or school board members. Explain why graduation ceremonies are important rituals at any age. Ask the children to stand. Invite the audience to applaud the graduates for their determination and success.

3 Share Highlights of the Year

Reference notable events of the year, such as a field trip to the fire station and the school play. Stress impressive facts, such as low absenteeism, strong class participation and success in meeting state standards that measure learning through the curriculum. Mention each child by name along with a special accomplishment or good deed. Show a power point slide or iMovie while talking, or ask children to stand when their name and achievements are mentioned.

4 Express Gratitude

Thank the parents, caregivers and family members for playing a key role in the learning process. Explain that parental involvement and high expectations correlate with student achievement. Note that the school views families and caretakers as influential partners in educating children and preparing them for a bright future. Encourage adults present to read to their children over the summer to keep skills fresh for the challenges of first grade.

Express your confidence that the graduating class has tremendous potential, and wish them well in their journey. End with a favorite inspirational quote, such as “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go” by Dr. Seuss. Thank everyone for coming and encourage everyone to enjoy cookies and punch if there’s a reception.

• 1 Reading and Writing to Learn: Strategies across the Curriculum; Katherine Wiesolek Kuta
• 2 Michigan Department of Education: What Research Says About Parent Involvement in Children's Education

About the Author

Dr. Mary Dowd is a dean of students whose job includes student conduct, leading the behavioral consultation team, crisis response, retention and the working with the veterans resource center. She enjoys helping parents and students solve problems through advising, teaching and writing online articles that appear on many sites. Dr. Dowd also contributes to scholarly books and journal articles.

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Kindergarten Graduation Speech For a Teacher

One of the special moments for parents is the preschool graduation ceremony of their children when they complete the very first step of the academic platform and move forward to knock on the door of the school. On this day parents and other family members are very excited and they try to make the preschool graduation ceremony special for their kids. To celebrate this day teachers also play their role and try to organize a memorable preschool graduation ceremony for kids. In this article, I have written a Kindergarten graduation speech for a teacher to deliver in the ceremony.

Also Read: Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony Script – Preschool Graduation

Good morning everyone to the parents, guardians, family, and friends of our moving-up students and to our students. You have made it. You have made it for another year and I would like to congratulate our students for sustaining one year in kindergarten. Can our parents give them a round of applause?

Congratulations! The performance has been well done and now what you have done for the year it’s being honored for today and what you have accomplished for the year the result is successful.

So with that, I would always believe that the children are our heritage and I like the program you have. God has a plan for each of our children and the excel begins here so with that I would like to thank you, parents, for giving us the opportunity here at Central to start what God would want your children to become.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help move your children to become who they are as God has planned. I would also like to thank you for all the hardships you have done and I know these children of ours would really do or would really achieve much more later on.

Moreover, I would like to congratulate the parents too! Children can we give our mama and papa a round of applause and say to them thank you. Children, can you say thank you to your mama and papa? Can I hear you say thank you?

I would like to also congratulate the kindergarten for all the teachers and staff. I know you have labored so much for all the hard work and now it pays. Indeed, we have plans to bring forth improvement to the kindergarten, and hopefully, we will be able to materialize it little by little as soon as possible.

We are simply waiting for the plans to be done and we are looking eagerly forward to that headway and improvements to the kindergarten. We also look forward that the next generation or your next children would also be enrolled at our kindergarten.

So with that, I would like to officially welcome you here in the moving up ceremony and I just would like to leave what proverbs have said: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” So, hopefully, what our children have learned here at the kindergarten, we hope they would be able to achieve and be found that more at the time they would be needing it then we know that they will not be departing from righteous ways that have been set for them.

Once again congratulations, good morning, and welcome to the moving-up ceremony. What do you want to read next? Please let us know the script and sample speech you need, by commenting in the comment section below.

• Best Graduation Speech in English – Commencement Speech
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The Ultimate Kindergarten Graduation Idea Guide for Teachers + Award Ideas for the End of the Year

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Graduating from kindergarten is a significant milestone in a child’s life, marking their first academic achievement and transition into elementary school. As teachers, it is our privilege to make this occasion memorable. This ultimate guide offers creative and heartfelt graduation ceremony ideas, along with unique award concepts to cap off the year with smiles, pride, and excitement.

Ceremony Themes:

1.”Oh The Places You’ll Go!” – Inspired by Dr.Seuss, decorate your classroom or auditorium with colorful balloons and maps. Encourage children to dream big about their future adventures.

2.”Future Leaders” – Highlight each child’s potential to be a leader in their way. Use stars and bright lights to symbolize each student’s inner light and path forward.

3.”Storybook Farewell” – Turn the classroom into a fairytale setting with popular storybook characters. Have students dress up as their favorite character from the books they read during the year.

Decoration Ideas:

1.Memory Lane – Create a photo display featuring pictures of each student throughout the school year.

2.Handprint Wall – Have each child leave their handprint on a wall banner that reads “We Made Our Mark!”

3.Classroom Time Capsule – Bury a time capsule filled with mementos from the class that can be opened in future reunions.

Program Activities:

1.Cap Decorating – Let each child personalize their graduation cap with stickers, glitter, and drawings.

2.Song and Dance Performance – Help the children prepare a special song or dance number to perform for parents on graduation day.

3.Graduation Speeches – Allow your kindergarten graduates to express their feelings about moving on to first grade through short speeches.

Gifts for Grads:

1.Kindergarten Diploma – Create personalized diplomas for each student with their name proudly displayed.

2.Storybooks for Summer Reading – Give each child a storybook that encourages summer reading and sparks imagination.

3.Graduation Teddy Bear – A small teddy bear wearing a graduation cap can be a comforting reminder of their time in kindergarten.

Award Ideas:

1.Most Enthusiastic Reader – For a child who always dives headfirst into story-time.

2.Kindest Heart Award – Given to a student who goes out of their way to help friends.

3.Master Artist – For exhibiting extraordinary creativity in art projects throughout the year.

4.Science Explorer Badge – For showing exceptional curiosity and enthusiasm during science activities.

5.Outstanding Helper – For a student who always helps others and takes initiative in classroom responsibilities.

Conclusion:

Kindergarten graduation is not only an opportunity to celebrate achievements but also to inspire young minds as they continue their educational journey. With these suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable event filled with joy, achievement, and anticipation for all the wonderful things ahead for your students.

Remember, it’s all about encouraging your students to embrace learning with eagerness and cherish memories of their first education experience forever!

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Preschool Graduation Speech Ideas

It's the moment many teachers dread: Coming up with a preschool graduation speech .... (queue in horror film music here).  

Fears of being unprepared and stammering fill our heads, anxiety may set in and many think,

"I am NOT a public speaker!  I HATE public speaking!  I am a preschool teacher!  I LOVE teaching preschool!"

Take a breath.... really!  Remember your 'Why'...why you are planning preschool graduation ideas in the first place:  It is to celebrate the children and their year!  

Giving a preschool graduation speech is also an opportunity to publicly thank your families for sharing and entrusting their child(ren) with you.  

In addition, it is an opportunity to thank staff such as the director, co-teachers, support staff and volunteers.

As you are thinking of what to say, who to acknowledge and how long to take remember this one, important factor: This is not a keynote speech for college! Let's say it again:  It is a preschool graduation speech!

This is preschool!  Yes, your students may be going off to kindergarten or moving up to Prek, but, it is still preschool!   BE YOURSELF !  

That, after all, is why parents entrusted the children in your program's care to begin with!

Don't put pressure on yourself to be "formal"...instead.... put pressure on yourself to be "you"!  Or, in the words of Dr. Seuss:

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

There....feel better?  This is a fun day and your preschool graduation speech ideas should keep that fact in mind! :)

Well, one more fact to keep in mind.  Because this is Preschool Graduation, that means the preschoolers are sitting there......waiting.......excited......nervous......poking their friend beside them!

And, they are.... brace yourself.... I KNOW you've worked all year on this.......but......get ready........

They are NOT LISTENING TO YOU when you give your speech!

Phew, there, I've said it!  So, this speech is not for them--even if you address the children in this preschool graduation speech (And no, I don't mean saying something like "And this year we have ALL learned to LISTEN WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS TALKING, haven't we Cheryl?")

What I mean is that while you are presenting your speech they sometimes hear.... well, here is my point when it comes to preschoolers and speeches:

You KNOW that is what they are hearing!  When you are giving your preschool graduation speech, be sure to have 1 or 2 adults sitting with the children to redirect them during this time!  That's all I'm saying!  

There are many types of preschool graduation speeches.  You might give an actual speech, read a story or show a DVD of the children!  

As I said earlier, remember to just be you!  

Here are a few ideas for speeches.  

Feel free to use these and modify as you need to for your own program!    

A "Welcoming" Preschool Graduation Speech Idea

Preschool graduation speech idea #1 traditional speech.

written by me, Miss Cheryl, at Preschool Plan It

This is the typical speech or welcoming speech I give.  It includes a thank you and accolades to staff and introduces the stars:  The Preschoolers!

"Hi everyone!  Thank you so much for coming!  We are SO excited about today, aren't we boys and girls??!!!

Today is a very special day.  Today we celebrate YOUR children's life and times in preschool!  

It's hard for many of you to believe that the time has come for child or children.... your babies, are beginning kindergarten isn't it?

When your children first started preschool-there was much separation anxiety.  The beginning of a new school year is like that for children...and for parents!  

The beginning of the school year was a time of building trust with the children......and with you.  It was a time of building relationships together and creating a team with one shared goal:  Providing your children with what they needed to develop and grow as preschoolers.

That trust was built, relationships and teams create.  We moved through the year--as a team--growing and learning and building a foundation your children will bring with them to Kindergarten.

And now, it is very hard for US to believe your children are leaving us!  You have entrusted the most important thing in your lives to us--your child.  We can't tell you how much we appreciate that trust!  

We thank you for sharing your children with us.  We thank you for allowing us to be part of your family during this time.

And now, it is the end of the year.  It is time for your children to move on and, Guess what?  It is us.... the teachers...who have separation anxiety.  We will miss your children more than you know.  But, we smile through the goodbye tears because we are so grateful to have been part of their lives and your family during this time.

And, I want to thank the teachers today.  Thank you for your dedication to the children and their families. Thank you for your thoughtful planning and time invested in the lives of each and every one of these children! There was a poem written by Forest Witcraft that talks about teachers and it definitely applies to the teachers, support staff and volunteers here today:

One hundred years from now

It won't matter

What kind of car I drove

What kind of house I lived in

How much money I had in the bank

Nor what my cloths looked like

The world may be a little better

Because, I was important

In the life of a child.

And you were.  You were important to each and every one of these children.  Thank you.

And now, the children are very excited to get this party started, right?  Okay, let's hand over the program to the children!"

Here is when your children  might sing their songs or do their play they have been practicing!

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #2 Laugh and Be All You Can Be

Here is another you can use and modify to meet your program's needs.  It is from StudyMode  

"We are here today for "ABC Preschool's Graduation Ceremony. This is a momentous occasion in the lives of all the children. 

It is also a time to recognize the outstanding work of the staff here and the parents of the students.

Just looking around, the happy smiling faces says so much about the environment here at ABC Preschool. Our children have learned so much. The school places great value on community, learning and fun.

I am proud of the way the children love coming here to school and look forward to what they learn. Seeing the big smiles on their faces in the morning is fantastic. They have learned to love learning and that skill will help them so much as they progress with their education.

Life is not just about learning to read and write. They are important, but just as important is love and friendship. 

This school places great emphasis on being part of the community. This is a lifelong skill which will help all of us flourish. 

It may seem slightly old-fashioned, but a sense of community to me is very important to the future of our nation and our children.

So, thank you to the other teachers here, the love you have for the children shines through in their results. Thank you to all the parents who have willingly given their time volunteering here, and who have raised such wonderful children!

Looking ahead, our children are very well-equipped to take on the next part of their educational lives. They have strong foundations and we feel very confident that we have given the children a great start in life. They have learned many priceless lessons. 

So, children: Take on challenges, be loving, love learning, be part of the community, laugh and be all you can be. 

Thank you."

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #3: We Give You Child Back Now

This preschool graduation speech is called We Give Your Child Back Now (author unknown)

Dear Parents,

We give you back your child, the same child you confidently entrusted to our care last fall. We give him back pounds heavier, inches taller, months wiser, more responsible, and more mature then he was then.

Although she would have attained her growth despite us, it has been our pleasure and privilege to watch her personality unfold day by day and marvel at this splendid miracle of development.

I give him back reluctantly, for having spent nine months together in the narrow confines of a crowded classroom, we have grown close, have become a part of each other, and we shall always retain a little of each other.

We have lived, loved, laughed, played, studied, learned, and enriched our lives together this year. I wish it could go on indefinitely, but give him back we must. Take care of him, for he is precious.

Remember that we shall always be interested in your child and his destiny, wherever he goes, whatever he does, whoever he becomes. His joys and sorrows we will always be happy to share.

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #4: Read a Story INSTEAD of A Preschool Graduation Speech!

Yes!  Have the children gather on the floor in front of you, like a final Circle Time or Story Time!  Wear a microphone so the families can hear it as well.

A perennial favorite, Dr. Seuss’s wonderfully wise graduation speech is the perfect send-off for children starting out in the world, be they nursery school, high school, or college grads!

From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and illustrations, while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within.

In a starred review, Booklist notes: “Seuss’s message is simple but never sappy: life may be a ‘Great Balancing Act,’ but through it all ‘There’s fun to be done.’”

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #5: Growing Up

For a few weeks before graduation, talk with your preschoolers about one of their favorite things or memories about preschool!  Write them down.

Examples:  

• Cheryl remembers the day we brought snow inside to play with.
• Joey remembers being Superman with John and how they saved the dolls from the bad guy.
• Give each youngster an opportunity to share one fond memory of this school year and one hope for the coming year. Be sure to write down one of your own as well!

Preschool Graduation Speech #6: Moving On

Here's another story instead of a speech idea!  Again, w ear a microphone so the families can hear it as well.

In this adorable story, the young crab is growing up.  It outgrows its home (shell) and moves into another one.  After reading the story, tell the children and families, the children have much in common with the crab:

They are also growing up!  They are moving on.... into a new phase of school--kindergarten (or Prek), though we will remember the fun we had in preschool!

At this point, use the information you gathered over the past few weeks about each child's favorite memory of preschool!  Have each child stand up and share their favorite memory or you can share it for them!

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #7: Our Year in Review: A DVD Viewing

In lieu of a long preschool graduation speech, show a DVD montauge of the children's year.

This was a hit every single year!  It was started by my mentor, Miss Peggy and I continued the tradition!

Give a short speech, thanking the parents and staff and then show the DVD in lieu of your speech!

Say something like:

"Welcome to your children's preschool graduation ceremony!  We thank you so much for sharing your children with us and entrusting them to us.  They have learned and grown so much during this time!

The children have a few surprises for you!  They want to ___________ (sing a few songs, fingerplays, act out a play---fill in the blank for your program details).  But first, we have a surprise for you!

Rather than tell you what your children have done all year, we want to show you and reminisce with you! Enjoy!"

Invite the children to come sit down near the front so they can see also!

Play the DVD!

Creating the DVD in lieu of a preschool graduation speech for the above idea:

This takes some time but is WORTH it!  If you begin saving digital pictures of the children at the beginning of the year, the process is quicker!  If you are putting it together later in the year, it will just take more time to go through your photos!

Here are the steps.  (numbered)

1. Choose 1 photo of each child where JUST THAT CHILD is in the photo.  Use your software (I use Microsoft Paint or PowerPoint) to place their first name on the photo.

2. Choose 4-5 more pictures of EACH child.  Have 3-4 of these photos showing the child participating in a small or large group activity.  Have 1-2 more individual photos of that child (perhaps of them reading a book, painting, playing outside, etc.).

3. Upload the photos into a DVD maker program.  There is probably one on your computer that you didn't even know about! ;)  I use Windows Live Movie Maker.

4. Be sure the individual children's photos are the first ones in the program!

5. Create an introduction frame in the program such as "ABC Preschool Class of 20XX".

6. Choose 2 songs to play as background and upload them.

We have used 1 song that is sure to make the parents weep.... yes, that IS our goal! And one song that was a favorite in the classroom this year.

Children and adults alike laugh and giggle and LOVE this DVD.

If you are able, make copies for each family as a gift!  

I recently had two different parents message me on the Preschool Plan It Facebook page  (be sure to head over and like that page, by the way!), to tell me they just watched their preschool DVD and were thinking of us (and these children graduated preschool 5 years ago)!

Preschool Graduation Speech Idea #8: Speeches from the Preschoolers!

Preschool Graduation Speeches by...... The Preschoolers?  Why not?!

I have heard of some programs scheduling time for speeches from their preschoolers.  This can be difficult it is a huge, public "TELL" portion of a Show and Tell.  It can be nerve-wracking for them.  But, it can also be fun if brief and a fun question!

You just never know what they will say!  Once idea would be to ask the children what they want to be when they grow up!  Don't wait until graduation day to spring this question on them!  Give them time to think about it.  Ask it a few times in the weeks before graduation.

Here is an example of one that was found on YouTube (not my program) that I think is so adorable!

Ending Your Preschool Graduation Speech

At the end of the program you might give another, VERY BRIEF, closing speech.  Keep it more like an announcement at this point!  The children are excited and want to be with their families now!

"This concludes our Preschool Graduation Ceremony!  Please, please join us for refreshments and hugs in the _________ (list the place).  Thank you again for sharing your children with us!

I hope you enjoyed these preschool graduation speech ideas and they have helped you get started on your decision for preschool graduation day!  Do you have one or more speech or speech related idea you'd like to share?

More Preschool Graduation Ideas

Here are several more of my pages and articles to help you plan your Preschool Graduation that you might find helpful!

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The Ultimate Kindergarten Graduation Idea Guide for Teachers + Award Ideas for the End of the Year

Written by Hilary Dorr

In the blink of an eye, graduation season is already upon us! Are you on the hunt for kindergarten graduation ideas you can execute easily this spring with kid-friendly songs, quotes and maybe a few end-of-year student awards you can hand out?

We know there’s a lot on your plate, so our teacher team has compiled a comprehensive guide to hosting a memorable kindergarten graduation! Read on for teacher-tested ideas, books to read, songs to sing, graduation themes and tips to plan the perfect event that families will love and students will enjoy.

Kindergarten Graduation Ideas

Graduating from kindergarten is a big milestone, and a celebration will give your students a sense of accomplishment and pride. Plus, family members will appreciate your efforts! You don’t need to spend a lot of money to mark this special time in your students’ lives. Do what you’re comfortable with, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Keep scrolling for ideas on hosting a classic graduation ceremony, award ideas and alternative activities if hosting a traditional award ceremony isn’t your style!

Choose a Theme

If you’re planning to go all out with your kindergarten graduation, you might want to start by choosing a theme. Although it’s not a must, a theme can sometimes make things easier as it focuses the planning. Will your kids walk the red carpet to receive their diplomas? Cross the rainbow into first grade? Here are some fun theme ideas:

• The Places You’ll Go
• Up and Away
• Blasting Off to First Grade
• We Are a Rainbow of Possibilities
• Beach Blast
• Cupcakes and Sweets
• My Future’s So Bright
• We’re a Bright Bunch

Your theme can extend from the class bulletin board all the way to the door! Here’s some inspiration from Massachusetts kindergarten teacher Katie. She chose the beloved Pete the Cat and the words College Starts With Kindergarten.

Photo courtesy of Massachussets kindergarten teacher Katie Nicole .

Looking for ways to save money on a decorative ceremony? Here are some ideas to consider:

• Use just caps instead of caps and gowns. Kids can wear what they’d like and still get the graduate feel.
• If you’re a new teacher and want to have a formal ceremony each year, add caps and gowns to your teacher Amazon wishlist. Once you have a full class set, you can use them each year instead of having families pay for their own caps and gowns.
• Have students wear graduation crowns instead of caps and gowns. There’s nothing quite like a crown when you’re 5 or 6! (Check out these printable last day of school crowns !)
• Keep an eye out for sales at Target and similar stores for things like letterboards and photo booth props. You can also check your local dollar store.
• Just like caps and gowns, save graduation decor to use each year. Laminate banners and signs for easy storage with little to no damage.
• Instead of traditional caps, have your kindergartners cut, color and create their own promotion cap for gradution!

Songs for Kindergarten Graduation

Is there even a graduation ceremony without music? Dozens of songs can fulfill your needs, whether you want to create a playlist of background music, need songs for the kids to walk to as they receive their diplomas or tunes the entire class can sing in front of their families as a special send-off.

We’ve saved you the time it would take to comb through all the songs out there to make sure they’re kid-friendly and came up with a few teacher-approved songs for the ceremony.

Here are some great songs for background music:

• Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift
• Over the Rainbow by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole
• My Wish by Rascal Flatts
• Let Them Be Little by Billy Dean
• You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
• Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root
• Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
• Celebration by Kool and the Gang
• Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
• You’ll Be In My Heart by Phill Collins
• Happy by Pharell Williams (this could also be a singalong song where the kids sing during the “happy” segments and clap where appropriate)

These tunes are great for a full-class singalong:

• First Grade, First Grade (to the tune of New York, New York)
• You Are My Sunshine
• ABC You Later
• One Small Voice by Jack Hartmann
• With a Little Help From My Friends by the Beatles
• What I Am by Will.i.am
• I’m Ready to Go

Graduation Ceremony

So you’ve chosen a theme and have a playlist of music. What’s next?

Having a set plan of events will help your graduation run smoothly and efficiently. Will your graduation be held in your classroom? The gym or the library? If you need to book another location other than your classroom, make sure you plan ahead to have a date and time set up just for your class.

Regardless of where you decide to host your ceremony, running through the day’s events in the week or days leading up to graduation will help your class know what to expect and feel prepared. Have they tried on their caps and gowns? Will they walk across a stage to receive their diploma? Will they shake your hand and pause for a photo op? These are all actions to consider, and a rehearsal with just the kindergartners can help prevent (or at least lessen!) chaos on graduation day.

Of course, you don’t have to plan everything on your own. Do not be afraid to delegate.

If you’re lucky enough to have some eager parents who are offering to help, let them! Reach out through email or your next classroom newsletter that you’re looking for volunteers to help decorate or assist in graduation prep. Families can help in a number of ways from organizing food to bring in, collecting decor to make your classroom festive or even helping each child get into their cap and gown before the ceremony begins.

Here’s a hypothetical list of events to get prepped for the big day:

• Have chairs set up for both the students and their families. You may want to talk to the custodians about this early so they can plan, and the chairs in the front should be marked off so your students have a place to sit.
• Get students dressed in their caps and gowns 30 minutes before families arrive. This gives you time to get it all done, but it’s not so early that you’ll have 30 5- and 6-year-olds milling around all dressed up with nowhere to go!
• As families arrive, make sure there is somewhere there to let them know where to sit. You might be able to ask some pre-k parent volunteers to help out with this as they may be curious about what will happen when their children are in kindergarten!
• Once everyone has arrived, welcome the group and give an overview of the past year (What did the class work on? What were some big milestones or accomplishments? Were there any memorable field trips or class visitors?).
• To embellish an overview of the year, you can play a slideshow of photos while you speak or afterward with some music.
• Hand out diplomas and any end-of-year awards (more on that below)! Make sure to pause with each child for photo ops before they go back to their seat.
• If your students practiced a song, have everyone come to the front to perform as a final ceremonial event.
• Thank everyone for coming, and invite everyone to have some food and mingle before going home.

If you plan to have a food table with snacks, desserts or a cake, ask families beforehand if there are any food allergies and label each treat accordingly. If you plan to ask families to pitch in with food items, run it by your admin beforehand.

Kindergarten Graduation Awards

Planning to award your kindergartners at the graduation ceremony? You can stick to the old standards of most improved at spelling or best student in X subject, but why not take their social and emotional learning into consideration when creating your superlative awards? This reminds our students that how we treat others is just as important as how we perform on academics.

Here are some of our teacher team’s favorite end-of-year award ideas that will make your students smile bright (and their families proud!).

• Ask each child what they’re most proud of from the year, and create an award just for that.
• Most smiley
• Best sharer
• Miss/Mr. Manners
• Good friend
• Kindest Kindergartner
• Best problem solver
• Most helpful
• Biggest smiler
• Team Player
• Mega Musician
• Awesome Artist

Books to Read at Your Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony

If you need another filler activity for your ceremony, reading a book is a sweet way to send your kids off to their summer before first grade. Here are some teacher favorites to consider that may or may not get the waterworks going for you and the families attending:

• First Grade, Here I Come by D.J. Steinberg
• A Letter From Your Teacher On the Last Day of School by Shannon Olsen
• The Night Before Kindergarten Graduation by Natasha Wing
• The Berenstein Bears’ Graduation Day by Mike Berenstein
• Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss
• Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by James Dean
• You Are a Beautiful Beginning by Nina Laden
• Going Places by Paul A. Reynolds
• Be You by Paul A. Reynolds
• Just in Case You Want to Fly by Julie Fogliano
• The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines

How Not to Cry at Graduation

Speaking of crying … we’re going to tell you a little secret, there’s no sure way to prevent it, and that’s OK! Those bittersweet tears only show just how much you treasure your students, and they’ll feel the love that much more. Make sure you have tissues handy for you and the rest of the tearful ones.

A cute way to remember your class is to have your students sign their names and/or decorate a white t-shirt (or bag, dress, sweatshirt, etc.). You can do this a few days before the ceremony so you have a sweet keepsake to wear on grad day.

Parents are already bound to be tearful, but you’re almost guaranteed to bring on the waterworks if you have your students write out what they want to be when they grow up. Families can treasure this early goal their child has in mind. This printable template works great as a bulletin board display as well if you need some easy graduation decor!

Quotes to Use for Graduation

Sometimes a few words go a long way. Take a look at some inspirational quotes that can be used as decor, included on diplomas or written in a letter to your students to take home:

• “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
• “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” — J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
• “It isn’t where you come from. It’s where you’re going that counts.” — Ella Fitzgerald
• “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
• “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
• “If you can dream it, you can do it!” — Walt Disney
• “Be bold, be courageous, be your best.” — Gabrielle Giffords
• “Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.” — Helen Keller
• “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” — Confucius
• “All our dreams can come true…if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
• “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” — Robin Williams
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of the dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Alternatives to a Graduation Ceremony

If you have limited planning time or aren’t a fan of a traditional ceremony, many alternatives can be just as memorable and special! Consider these activities:

• Take a class “field trip” to the first-grade classrooms around the school . This will allow students to meet their potential future teachers and get an idea of what their classroom may look like in the fall.
• Host a class talent show . For more shy students who may not want to sing a song or perform, invite them to participate in a show and tell so they can talk about a special item they own, share a photo they love or present something they’ve drawn or created.
• Create a photo booth with signs that say “I graduated from kindergarten today” or “Kindergarten graduate.” Take a photo of each child so their families have a treasured keepsake from their last day.
• Have a movie and popcorn day . You can even double up with a coworker for a combined celebratory viewing in the library.
• Get outside with field day-type activities just for your class. There are many activities you can include, such as a water balloon toss, tug of war, potato sack race, bubble blowing station, or simply free play in the school field. Get everyone together for a class photo before students go home for the summer.
• Host a picnic with your students’ families . Be sure to include what items you’d like families to contribute (if they can) whether it be food items, blankets to sit on or fun games that can be played outside.
• Host a breakfast at school . Like a picnic, make sure families know what they can bring and what to expect on the last day.

However you choose to organize and execute your kindergarten graduation, we hope it runs smoothly, and you enjoy your last day of school to the fullest. Pat yourself on the back; you deserve it!

Looking for more end-of-year activity ideas leading up to graduation? Take a look at our entire collection for activity booklets, mystery pictures, STEM challenges and much more.

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• Learning English
• Editing & Writing Topics

kid speech for kindergarten graduation

• Thread starter yakuza
• Start date Oct 31, 2019
• Views : 25,825
• Oct 31, 2019

Could you please check if there is any grammatical errors? Thank you so much! Dear parents, principal, teachers and friends. Good evening everyone, I am ________, welcome you to our school concert and graduation ceremony 2019. First of all, I’d like to thanks dad and mum for all the love and support you have given to me. Thank you for sending me to this outstanding school. We’ve had good time in the school and learned helping each other. Now we are going to graduate and we feel reluctant to leave. On the occasion, I represent all of the graduating students to express our gratitude. "Dear teacher, thank you for your love and hard work to educate us. Please believe us, we will continue strive to do better for our future. On behalf of our school, we are very grateful for your continuous support. Wishing all of you have a pleasant night. Thank you.  

Could you please check to see if there are any grammatical errors? Yes, there are a few. Thank you so much! Laying it on rather thickly, aren't you?  

• Nov 1, 2019

Tarheel said: Could you please check to see if there are any grammatical errors? Yes, there are a few. Thank you so much! Laying it on rather thickly, aren't you? Click to expand...

yakuza said: Thanks for your reply. Do you have a better suggestio n? Click to expand...

No Longer With Us (RIP)

dads and mums  

Can I just check something? Is this really a speech to be read out by a child who is just finishing kindergarten? A child of 4 or 5 years of age?  

Dear parents, principal, teachers, and friends. Good evening, everyone! I am Yakuza, and I welcome you to our concert and graduation ceremony for 2019. First of all, I'd like to thank Dad and Mum for all the support you have given me. Thank you for sending me to this outstanding school. We've had a good time and learned a lot helping each other. Hm. A five-year old is to give that speech? (Graduating from kindergarten to college, I guess.)  

Two more sentences. Now we are going to graduate , and we feel reluctant to leave. On this occasion, I represent all of the graduating students to express our gratitude.  

• Nov 3, 2019

Tarheel said: Dear parents, principal, teachers, and friends. Good evening, everyone! I am Yakuza, and I welcome you to our concert and graduation ceremony for 2019. First of all, I'd like to thank Dad and Mum for all the support you have given me. Thank you for sending me to this outstanding school. We've had a good time and learned a lot helping each other. Hm. A five-year old is to give that speech? (Graduating from kindergarten to college, I guess.) Click to expand...

• Nov 4, 2019

emsr2d2 said: Yes. Don't include any kind of "Thank you" in a post asking for our help. Wait until we've helped you and then thank us by clicking on the Thank button. Click to expand...

Perhaps: Dear teachers, thank you for your kindness, patience and hard work teaching us. You have set a good example for us. Thank you. :up:  

I hope the child understands the words he or she is using.  

yakuza said: It's a speech for six-year old kid who will be going to primary school next year. However it seems pretty common here to let kid giving a speech at this age. :-| Click to expand...

emsr2d2 said: I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a six-year-old to give a short, simple speech but the contents of post #1 seem much more appropriate for an older child. I might expect a six-year-old to manage something like: "I really liked going to this kindergarten. Thank you to all my teachers." Even that might be too much for a shy child or simply one who doesn't like speaking aloud in front of others, especially in front of adults. Click to expand...

• Nov 5, 2019

Not a teacher ----- I don't think I've ever seen a six-year-old use anything even close to post #1. I've even seen six teen -year-olds struggle with writing something similar. I'm not talking about using English as a second language. I'm talking about using language in general, and making your thoughts coherent when expressed with words.  

Did the six-year-old write this or a text close to this? It does sound to me like putting words into someone's mouth.  

And it would be particularly unfair to make a child who didn't enjoy their kindergarten experience to say that. They could say something like "I'm really looking forward to going to primary school next year. Goodbye, everyone!" It's polite and they don't have to lie.  

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Preschool graduation speech.

8 comments:

Great use of Satire. I enjoyed reading your post, and I have a son that is moving on to kindergarten next year. It was so weird to talk about his 'testing accommodations' in his IEP meeting for KINDERGARTEN! I don't want to homeschool, but it might be our best option to keep creativity and natural learning alive. Thanks again for the post.

Powerful! It makes me so sad. Fostering curiosity should be the focus no matter what age or grade.

Fantastic, beautiful letter. As a pre-service teacher, this reminds me again of what I want my classroom to be and how I want to teach. This makes me more determined to provide a fun, open and engaging classroom for my students to grow in.

This was sad and funny at the same time. I have been teaching elementary school for the last twenty years. It is hard to see the trend that what is tested is what is taught, period. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one with a wider vision. Thank you.

Very true . . . and sad. This is why I moved from doing therapy with public school students to running an authentic Montessori school. Love of learning - learning HOW to learn - is fostered every single day at out school. I see it in my own children and in the other students. Why can't this way of learning be accessible to every child in elementary and middle school??? Oh, right. Because we have all that testing to teach to as dictated by . . . ???

As an elementary school principal of a Pre-k to 3rd grade school, I appreciate the wisdom of the 'speech'. We want children to have a love of learning. Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA - currently known as No Child Left Behind) must be done to remove the high stakes testing if we have any chance of preserving that natural curiosity and creativity.

I agree that student's creativity is being put to the side as they enter elementary, junior, and high school. It is very unfortunate because learning should be fun, not just about grades and testing. This rigid form of schooling will cause a lot of students to lose some interest in school. Creativity is a must as some students need to be challenged this way. The good news is that Kindergarten and the early elementary grades use creativity sometimes. The bad news is that creativity gets removed from students' education as they progress through the grades. Thank goodness for teachers who really think outside of the box because like you said, no matter what is required of testing, these teachers will still incorporate creativity in the classroom.

It saddens me that this is so true!

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How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Graduation Speech: Tips, Examples, and Techniques

• The Speaker Lab
• March 7, 2024

Table of Contents

The goal of any graduation speech is to find words that capture the essence of years spent learning and growing. Today, we’ll guide you through that process and help you craft a memorable graduation speech . You’ll learn to weave gratitude with shared experiences, and balance humor with wisdom. We’ll even help you find quotes that strike a chord and deliver them in a way that resonates.

But that’s not all! Dive into proven strategies for public speaking, managing stage fright, and drawing inspiration from iconic commencement speeches. Discover how personal growth stories add depth to your message and explore themes that leave a lasting impact on your peers as they step forward into new beginnings.

Crafting Your Graduation Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to marking the end of your high school or university journey, a graduation speech can capture the essence of this pivotal moment. But how do you start such an important address?

Opening with Impact

The first words of your graduation speech are crucial. They set the stage for what’s to come and grab your audience’s attention. Think about starting strong by sharing a personal anecdote that ties into the broader experience of your class or drawing from Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech , where he began with, “Today I want to tell you three stories from my life.” This technique instantly piques interest because it promises narratives that have shaped who you are.

An impactful opening also acknowledges shared experiences. Perhaps you could reflect on how moments in classrooms turned strangers into lifelong friends. Or for university commencements, consider touching upon those late-night study sessions that tested perseverance but ultimately led to academic achievements worth celebrating today.

Building the Body of Your Graduation Speech

In crafting the body content, intertwine lessons learned throughout high school years or during university courses with aspirations for what lies ahead. For instance, share how overcoming obstacles like balancing extracurricular activities and academics taught valuable time management skills.

To add depth, incorporate quotes from luminaries like Oprah Winfrey or draw parallels between classroom learnings and real-world applications. Dive deeper by discussing milestones achieved together as a graduating class and recognizing the hard work everyone put in to make it to this monumental occasion.

Concluding with Inspiration

Your conclusion should leave fellow graduates feeling inspired while helping them celebrate high school memories one last time—or honor those unforgettable college years if addressing higher education grads.

Closing remarks could include heartfelt gratitude towards teachers’ support and parental guidance. You might even crack a joke or two. It’s these personalized touches paired with universal truths that resonate most deeply as students step forward into new chapters post-graduation.

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Delivery Techniques for Confident Speaking

Standing in front of a crowd can turn even the most composed student into a bundle of nerves. But fear not, with some smart strategies, you’ll be able to channel your inner orator and deliver your graduation speech with confidence.

Practicing Your Graduation Speech

Becoming familiar with every word of your speech is key. Rehearse it out loud until the words feel like second nature. This practice does more than just help you remember what comes next; it lets you find the natural rhythm and pace of your delivery. Consider recording yourself to catch any quirks or stumbling blocks—you might be surprised at how much this helps refine your presentation.

A trick often overlooked is practicing in different environments. If possible, stand on the actual stage where you will deliver your commencement address. Familiarity breeds comfort, making that once daunting podium seem like an old friend when graduation day arrives.

Overcoming Nervousness and Stage Fright

Nervousness is normal but doesn’t let it dictate your performance. Before stepping up to speak, take deep breaths to steady yourself—a calm body encourages a calm mind. An effective method for easing anxiety is visualization. Imagine delivering each line perfectly and receiving an enthusiastic response from listeners—envisioning success can make it so.

Maintaining Eye Contact

The power of eye contact cannot be overstated. It connects speaker and listener on a personal level that amplifies engagement significantly. Scan across different sections of the audience periodically without lingering too long on any one individual.

Incorporate these techniques diligently when preparing for the big day. In doing so, they become part of muscle memory and help build confidence. With confidence and plenty of practice on your side, your graduation speech is sure to conclude to applause leaving you to celebrate yet another milestone achieved.

Analyzing Renowned Graduation Speeches for Inspiration

When crafting a commencement speech , it’s often helpful to look at the giants whose words have echoed through auditoriums and across campuses. Steve Jobs’ Stanford University Commencement Speech is a classic example of weaving life lessons into an address that connects deeply with graduates. Similarly, Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard University Commencement Address showed how stumbling blocks can become stepping stones if we learn from them.

Steve Jobs’ Storytelling Mastery

Jobs had a knack for turning personal anecdotes into universal truths. In his Stanford address, he shared three stories from his own life without sounding self-indulgent. These stories worked because each one carried a broader message relevant to every graduate: finding what you love, dealing with loss, and facing death head-on. Jobs famously urged students to “stay hungry, stay foolish,” encouraging them not just to pursue success but remain curious about life despite challenges. This advice is especially poignant for today’s graduating class.

Like Jobs, you too can craft narratives around moments that speak volumes about perseverance and passion.

Oprah’s Unflinching Honesty

Much like her television persona suggests, Oprah did not shy away from discussing her setbacks in front of Harvard’s graduating class. Instead, she confidently laid bare the challenges faced by anyone who dares greatly because failure is part of achieving greatness. As she reminded students, “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise… At some point you are bound to stumble.”

In doing so she forged an instant connection with listeners grappling with their fears about what the future holds post-graduation. It was a powerful reminder that even icons like Oprah are not immune to trials but emerge stronger through them.

The power behind these speeches lies not just in their content but also in their delivery. These speakers mastered the art of speaking confidently before crowds, maintaining eye contact, and conveying authenticity—techniques any speaker should aspire to replicate on graduation day.

Themes and Messages That Resonate with Graduates

Facing a sea of caps and gowns, the right words can turn a graduation ceremony from mundane to memorable. When crafting your commencement speech, focusing on themes like overcoming obstacles and perseverance connects deeply with graduates who have hurdled high school or college challenges.

Overcoming Obstacles

Talking about stumbling blocks is not just relatable; it’s inspirational. Think Steve Jobs at Stanford University or Oprah Winfrey at Harvard—both shared personal tales of setbacks turned into comebacks. Beyond simply telling their stories, they showed how those hurdles were stepping stones to success.

Weave your narrative around the potholes you’ve navigated during your high school years. This doesn’t mean airing every bit of dirty laundry, just highlighting that one significant moment where everything seemed against you yet failed to defeat you.

The Power of Perseverance

Perseverance is more than sticking to something—it’s pushing forward when every fiber wants to quit. It resonates because everyone, including your fellow graduates, has felt that urge to give up but chose to persevere instead.

Incorporate this theme by using vivid examples that mirror collective experiences—the all-nighters before exams or balancing sports stars ambitions with academics—to illustrate perseverance isn’t just an idea but lived reality for many students.

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Life Lessons Shared During Graduation Speeches

In addition to sharing content that fellow graduates will find relatable and inspirational, you should also consider sharing life lessons with your audience. Whether young or old, everyone has a unique perspective on life and sharing your wisdom can steer graduates toward a fulfilling path.

The Power of Kindness

Making a positive impact doesn’t require grand gestures; sometimes it’s found in small acts of kindness or an innovative idea that simplifies lives. This message sticks because everyone wants their work to mean something—to know they’ve left footprints on society’s vast canvas.

True Grit and Tenacity

Embracing failure and resilience is another powerful theme echoed by commencement speakers across podiums. Let’s face it; not all endeavors lead straight to success. But as Oprah Winfrey once said during her Harvard University commencement address, “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise… At some point, you are bound to stumble.” Her words remind us: How we pick ourselves up matters more than how we fall.

Making a Positive Impact

A graduating class stands poised on tomorrow’s threshold ready to mold history—and speeches should fuel this transformative fire within them. Memorable graduation speeches show individuals that ovation-worthy achievements are possible if you believe your actions count.

As you prepare your graduation speech, consider including one of these life lessons or one of your own. Don’t be afraid to share your hard-won insights to your fellow graduates—you just might inspire them to make history.

Celebrating Achievements and Acknowledging Contributions

Graduation is not just a ceremony. It’s a tribute to the academic achievements and extracurricular activities that have shaped students into who they are. The acknowledgment of teacher support and parental guidance also plays a pivotal role in these speeches, as they’re the scaffolding upon which student successes are built.

Academic Achievements, Extracurricular Activities

Acknowledging academic prowess goes beyond GPA scores or honor societies; it’s about highlighting unique intellectual journeys. Similarly, shining a light on extracurricular triumphs—be it sports stars setting records or artists winning competitions—adds depth to your speech. Remembering these moments isn’t merely recounting victories but celebrating the relentless spirit of your fellow graduates.

Diving deeper into personal anecdotes helps you connect with peers by reminding them of their growth through challenges faced together—from late-night study sessions to championship games. It’s these stories that make graduation memories stick with classmates long after commencement ends.

Teacher Support, Parental Guidance

The unsung heroes behind every graduate deserve their moment in your address too. Teachers’ dedication can turn classrooms into launch pads for dreams, while parents’ unwavering belief often fuels aspirations during tumultuous times like the pandemic.

In weaving tales of mentorship from teachers or wisdom imparted by parents, you remind everyone that success is rarely a solo act—it’s supported by many hands and hearts along the way. Celebrate this collective effort because each person has contributed uniquely to shaping graduating classes across America, including yours.

Common Issues in Writing and Delivering Graduation Speeches

Staring at a blank page as the clock ticks down to graduation day can rattle even the most seasoned speech writers. Overcoming writer’s block is about finding your message stick—the core idea that you want to leave with your peers. Remember, this isn’t just any talk; it’s one that marks a significant transition for both you and your audience.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Finding yourself stumped on how to write a speech ? Don’t sweat it. Start by jotting down memories from school years or powerful life lessons that resonate. Think of Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech where he shared personal stories, which became an inspirational backbone for many other speeches.

If inspiration doesn’t strike immediately, step away from the computer. Take a walk and reflect on high school experiences or browse through commencement speeches archives—like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s address at the University of Pennsylvania. They might spark ideas you hadn’t considered yet.

Navigating Technical Troubles

A great speech can stumble over technical hiccups. To avoid glitches, check all equipment beforehand—a simple but crucial task often overlooked due to nerves or excitement about graduating class celebrations.

Prior rehearsals will also let you handle these issues like a pro should they pop up during delivery. Make sure any videos or slides complement rather than overshadow what you’re saying. After all, graduates aren’t there for bells and whistles—they’re there for meaningful words.

Handling Stage Fright

Your knees may shake thinking delivering in front of proud parents and peers—it’s no small feat, after all. Before you step on stage, visual your success until it feels more real and attainable.

And don’t forget to watch your body language. During your speech, maintain eye contact—not stare-downs—to connect genuinely with fellow students. And if anxiety creeps up despite practice sessions? Take deep breaths to steady yourself and keep going. You’ve handled high school—you can handle this.

FAQs on Writing and Delivering a Graduation Speech

What do i say in my graduation speech.

Share heartfelt stories, acknowledge support from others, and inspire your classmates to chase their dreams boldly.

How do you write a 3 minute graduation speech?

Keep it tight: hit the high notes with gratitude, shared memories, a dash of humor, and wrap up with punchy inspiration.

How do I start a graduation speech?

Kick off with thanks. Give props to family and mentors. Set the stage for reflecting on past adventures together.

What is the most important message of a graduation speech?

The core should spark hope—urge peers to leap into tomorrow equipped with lessons learned during these formative years.

Master your moment with a graduation speech that turns heads and warms hearts. Remember the power of gratitude and connect with your audience through stories, those shared adventures that bind you to your classmates. Don’t be afraid to add a few jokes and quotes to your speech either, as well as personal growth stories to inspire.

When you hit the stage, stand tall, make eye contact, and speak from your heart—the podium’s yours. If butterflies invade, breathe deep and know everyone’s rooting for you. Writer’s block didn’t stop you and neither will this.

Your graduation speech is not just words—it’s a battle cry for your graduating class as you prepare to conquer what lies ahead!

• Last Updated: March 5, 2024

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