Adapting Graduation Ceremony for my Kiddo’s!

I have been given a schedule from the 6th grade chairperson that should be simple enough for the other classes to follow, but for me, it will require a lot of intricate planning and rehearsing!  Today, we started practicing the processional walk in.  The whole sixth grade class walks in with a partner.  This is a pretty long walk and my goal is for my kids to do it on their own without an aide with them.  I am hopeful that if they start today, they will be good to go by the 18th!!!

I have a social story I have created that talks about sitting during graduation, clapping when others clap, and sitting quietly when others are quiet.  We started reading this story this week so that they can begin to understand the sequence of the big day!

Lastly, I will make individual phone calls to all of my student’s parents to talk to them about the big day.  I am sure to communicate the importance of wearing comfortable clothes, and the importance of keeping the morning routine the same as normal.  In the past, I have had families get so excited they bring their child late, or their grandma comes to the room with the child etc.  These little changes in routine can make a child stressed or nervous which could translate to behaviors during the graduation ceremony.  

My graduation ceremony is an hour long, and in the years past it has been a success!  I am up on stage with the other 6th grade teachers as I have to read my student’s names off and pass out certificates.  My aides will be sitting near my kiddo’s to help if needed.

A few tips for the big day:

-Practice Practice Practice

-Communicate with parents

-Plan for wardrobe malfunctions

-Use the restroom PRIOR to the start of the ceremony, we don’t want any kids needing to leave in the middle

-Read a social story to the kids for the weeks leading up to the big day!

How do you celebrate graduation with your kiddo’s?