Graduation Themes for Primary Schools

So the school year is coming to an end, and you are in charge of planning the graduation for the children leaving primary, or elementary, school. Coming up with interesting elementary school graduation themes each year can be challenging, but a good rule of thumb is to select themes with a message of inspiration for the kids to take with them while still making the ceremony fun.

Graduation ceremony ideas for primary school can be complicated and time-consuming or sweet and simple, rest assured that parents will be happy to attend this milestone in their child's life either way. Think about the individual children in your class when you are planning a theme and organizing all your graduation essentials to make sure the topic fits their unique personalities, abilities and talents.

For sky-high elementary school graduation themes combine a backdrop of a bright blue sky with a drawing of a small plane spelling out “The Sky is the Limit!” with the smoke from the plane. You can also have flying graduation caps and diplomas on the backdrop as well. Have one or two of the children recite poems related to the sky being the limit on their dreams and potential. Have the children sing “I Believe I can Fly” by R. Kelly.

For some graduation ceremony ideas for primary school you get to transform the entire classroom or school gym into an out of this world stage for your little graduates to explore. Decorate the stage, or the area where the kids will be recognized, with a black backdrop with bright yellow stars all over it. Hang a moon, papier-mâché planets and a sun from the ceiling. Group a row of kid-size chairs together and with a large piece of cardstock cut out a rocket shape to attach to the side. The students can then sit inside the rocket for a photo opp. The kids can march down the aisle to the Star Wars Theme. For the class song, they can sing “Reach for the Stars” by S Club 7.

The graduation essentials for this theme include bright colorful decorations, balloons, and a vibrant rainbow. Let the kids throw confetti when they have all received their diplomas and encourage them to wear rainbow bright colors underneath their graduation robes. The children can march down the aisle to an upbeat song like “It’s a New Day” by Will.i.am, or they can sing “Can you Feel A Brand New Day” from the movie "The Wiz." Have select children speak about their future goals and aspirations in this upbeat celebration.

This theme is all about giving thanks to all the teachers in primary school that helped the kids reach this point as well as to their parents. This is one of the most sentimental graduation ceremony ideas for primary school and you can expect parents, teachers and even some kids to tear up a bit. The graduation essentials for this theme includes a backdrop with the words “Farewell, Pine Woods Elementary!” or “Thanks for the Memories!” In the weeks prior to the graduation, have the children make a video of each of them saying thank you to a particular teacher who was extra special to them. The children can sing “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion or “The Wind Beneath my Wings” by Bette Middler.