As the school year winds down and summer is right around the corner, itβs the perfect time to celebrate just how far our Kindergarteners have come! One of my favorite ways to wrap up the year is with an ABC Countdown to Summer. Each day, we do a simple, fun activity that matches the letter of the dayβand let me tell you, the kids love it. Itβs such a fun way to make these last few weeks extra special. Come join the fun as we count down to summer, one letter at a time!
What is an ABC Countdown to Summer?
An ABC Countdown to Summer is a creative and engaging way to mark the final days of the school year leading up to summer break. Each day, typically starting about a month before the end of the school year, corresponds to a letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. For each letter, students participate in a themed activity or event that celebrates the impending arrival of summer vacation.
Find this Editable ABC Countdown to Summer Calendar Template here.
The activities might include fun and educational experiences like art projects, outdoor games, science experiments, themed dress-up days, special snacks, and more. For example, on “A” day, students might engage in an art project. On “B” day, they might have a beach-themed activity; and so on, all the way through the alphabet.
It's a fun tradition that adds a sense of fun and anticipation to the end of the school year, helping everyone celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to the adventures of summer.
Picking ABC Countdown Activities
When picking activities, think about the supplies you may need to get. I usually will stop by the Dollar store or Target dollar spot for supplies like bubbles, chalk, etc.
For snacks, I will sometimes have the parents donate a few things to help: like bringing in a bag of oranges for O day or assorted fruit to make a fruit salad for F day.
Need some help thinking of daily ideas? Grab this list of 200+ ideas for your ABC Countdown to Summer here!
Introducing the ABC Countdown to Summer to your Students
On the 26th day before the last day of school, you will start your ABC Countdown to Summer! I always love hyping them up during our morning meeting. I tell them, “Today we are going to have a special surprise at the end of the day. It's something that starts with the Letter A!” Then, I have my students guess what it might be. “Animals!” “Alphabet!” “Apples!” I love hearing them guess what they think it might be! Sometimes I will announce the activity in the morning and sometimes I wait until it's time.
You can also use Google Slides found here to announce what your daily activity will be each day!
Choosing when to do the activity of the day
Depending on your schedule, you will choose when to do the ABC Countdown to Summer activity. I liked saving it for the end of the day. It also encouraged my students to be on their best behavior throughout the day because they knew they would get to have a fun activity towards the end of the day.
Some days may require students to wear something or bring something to school. You may need to give a heads-up to parents, so I made sure to mention it in my weekly newsletter or send a note home.
Add in a Daily Writing Prompt
If you are looking for a simple daily writing activity, why not use the ABC Countdown to Summer fun as inspiration?!? Each day, your students can write about what they did during their special end-of-year activity. It's a quick and simple writing prompt that takes no extra planning. Your students can write what the letter of the day was, write a sentence or two about what they did, and then draw a picture to match.
You can collect these to make an ABC Countdown to Summer book! Another idea is to send home the writing page each day so they can share it with their family.
Try the ABC Countdown to Summer with your Students!
Make planning an ABC Countdown easier than ever with this editable calendar! Just type in your activity for each day, plus the date, so you can keep track of what you are doing each day. It also comes with writing pages, Google slides, and ideas to create your own!
Grab the EDITABLE ABC Countdown to Summer on TPT here!
Have Fun with Your Students with an ABC Countdown!
As we reach the end of another school year, let's celebrate our Kindergarteners with a memorable ABC Countdown to Summer. From art projects to outdoor adventures, each day is filled with opportunities for learning, laughter, and fun. Here's to a summer filled with sunshine, laughter, and endless possibilities!
If you are looking for more end of year ideas, check out how to do a no stress class party: End of Year Class Party
