Autograph, writing page, coloring pages, and more — a printable for the end of school! This is a free printable. Here are some ideas for the last day of school read-alouds. Please scroll down for my freebie. I like having a firefly theme the last day of class.
When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco
Books about fireflies are a wonderful way to end the school year. Teachers can make an analogy of having a class to catching fireflies (that are later released). Teachers admire student talents, abilities, and kindnesses all year, and then let them go on the last day. It was wonderful while the class was together. It is a special thought and lovely way to say good-bye. I learned this idea from Anne Martin, just to give credit where credit is due.
The pages in the printable PDF inspired by this book are the autograph pages. They are in both color and black and white for printing options. Select which pages of the printable are wanted for a class, and print only those pages. All of the pages do not have to be used.
Autograph Pages
The free instant download is at the next link.
free firefly theme autograph book
Autographs may be collected on this page (color or black/white). Students may sign their names or also memory statements.
Coloring Pages
Firefly Theme
Fireflies
Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe is a Reading Rainbow book, so very appropriate in length for primary children. When Lightning Comes in a Jar by Patricia Polacco is a long read and if there is time, and is a good book which includes summer visits with relatives. This book would be good for second grade and above. Both books could be on hand for whatever happens that sometimes unpredictable last day.
Some children may wish to write about their experiences seeing or gathering fireflies, so a writing page is included. The page may be used for other writing activities, as well.
NIGHT OF THE FIREFLIES is a story about the one day a year for fireflies in Japan, a book by K. Winnick. There is an actual workpage in the printable (with an answer key) for this story. It is so interesting that there is one night a year dedicated for fireflies in that country. A word bank will help students figure out some of the answers by counting letters.
Click on these words or the photo below to download your free copy of the fireflies printable.
You might also like the (gentle) Who’s Who autograph booklet activity as described in this post. It has a free printable as well. The actual free download is at this link on TpT.
At the end of the school year, students may be inspired by a free check your work printable display in the classroom, as well. You might also like this bulletin board resource.
Happy reading and end of the school year, Carolyn
