As the school year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pull out those end of the year read alouds. This is a time of mixed emotions for students and teachers alike, and picture books are always a great way to process these feelings. Excitement for summer adventures mingles with the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to friends and routines. It’s a time to reflect on the journey, celebrate achievements, and look forward to the future.
Read on for the very best end of the year read alouds!
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End of the Year Picture Books
One of the best ways to wrap up the year is by sharing one of these end of the school year read-aloud books that captures these sentiments, inspires reflection, and leaves students with a sense of joy and accomplishment. The end of a school year is a huge transition for students! These end of the year read alouds create opportunities to connect with students on an emotional level, to reinforce the values and lessons learned throughout the year, and to create lasting memories. The stories we choose can help students process their feelings about the transition and provide comfort and reassurance as they move into a new chapter of their lives.
Whether it’s a story that sparks laughter, one that encourages reflection, or a tale that offers a comforting message, these end of the school year read alouds are carefully selected to resonate with students at this pivotal moment. Here are some top picks for end of the year read alouds that are perfect for elementary students, each bringing its unique charm and valuable lessons to the classroom.
If you’re looking for some fun party activities to go with these stories, make sure to check out 9 Amazing End Of The Year Classroom Party Ideas.
Best End of the Year Read Alouds
Here are my very favorite read alouds for the end of the school year. Take a look and see which ones you think would be perfect for your class! I recommend choosing a few – it’s nice to spread them out during the last week of school to prepare your kiddos for saying goodbye.
A Letter From Your Teacher
This is the perfect book to read on the last day of school. This sweet book shares a message from a teacher to her students on the last day of school. It’s sweet and heartfelt and a wonderful send off for your students.
Goodbye For Now
This is a sweet end of year read alooud helps students who may have a hard time saying goodbye at the end of the year. This gives the end of the year a more cheerful and upbeat outlook, which can be helpful during this time of year for some students.
Last Day Blues
In this end of the year picture book, the students are worried about their teacher missing them. A fun twist on the typical goodbye story, this book weaves in humor and is bound to engage your students with its fun premise.
Instead Of Goodbye
This book is a great choice if you don’t want to say sad goodbyes. It shows the possibilities of remaining in touch and the truth that a great teacher never really leaves you for good.
I Wish You Happiness
This is another inspirational book that will fill your students up with motivation and happy thoughts at the end of the school year. This end of the year read aloud is perfect for telling your students you believe in them and you want them to be so happy in their next steps!
The Night Before Summer Break
Get your students excited about summer break with this fun and amusing story of a family trying to get ready for vacation on the night before summer vacation. This book would be perfect to pair with an activity asking students about their plans for summer break.
End of the Year Read Aloud Books
Ending the school year with a special read-aloud can make a big impact. These end of the year read alouds help students process their feelings about the end of the year and get excited for the future. By choosing books that resonate emotionally, you provide comfort and joy.
The end of the school year is a time to remember the good times, recognize growth, and look forward to new adventures. End of the year read alouds help students feel connected and valued. These books offer humor, reflection, and inspiration, making the final days of school memorable and meaningful.
Celebrate the last week of school with these engaging end of the year read alouds. They help create a sense of closure and excitement for what’s next. Students will leave with fond memories, a love for stories, and readiness for summer adventures and future learning.
Which end of the year picture book are you going to try this year? Let me know in the comments! xoxo Laura
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