100 Days of School Ideas for Preschoolers

The 100th day of school is an exciting milestone for your preschoolers. Finding engaging 100 days of school ideas can help to celebrate this progress and reinforce early learning concepts, 

Since the number 100 can be abstract for young children, using age-appropriate activities is key. Need some inspiration? We've gathered the below hands-on projects, games, and activities to help you celebrate this special day.

100 days of school: Math and counting activities

The theme of the day is 100, making it the perfect time to build on early math skills. Here are some simple counting activities to try.

1. 100-piece snack mix

A tasty snack is a must-have for any celebration. Have your children count out snacks into groups of ten (like pretzels, Cheerios, or Goldfish) and then combine them to see what a collection of 100 looks like.

2. 100 items collection poster

Ask families to help you collect 100 small items by sending their child to school with a few things. You can gather buttons, stickers, or paper clips. Glue all 100 items onto a poster board to give children a powerful visual of the number.

3. "100 hungry ants" hunt

Hide 100 plastic ants around the classroom in easily accessible spots. Ask the children to find them while you tally the growing number on a whiteboard. This group activity gets everyone moving and counting together.

4. 100-themed party snacks

Turn snack time into a party! Serve small finger foods like jellybeans or grapes in groups. You can also ask families to send children to school with pretzel sticks and round crackers to build the number "100."

5. Classroom scavenger hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt where children work in groups to find 100 hidden items, like crayons or pom-poms. This is a great way to practice counting while building teamwork skills.

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100 days of school: Movement and reading activities 

Incorporate movement and reading to keep the energy high and support emergent literacy skills.

6. Read a "100th day" book

Gather your class for circle time and read a book themed around the 100th day of school. Ask simple questions afterward to check their understanding and engagement.

7. Take 100 steps

Ask the children to take 100 steps together around the classroom. Make fun predictions about how far they’ll get. You can also try hopping, dancing, or wiggling for 100 seconds.

8. Write a 100-word story

Create a collaborative story as a class. Have each child contribute one word at a time until your story reaches 100 words. Write it down on a large poster to display in the classroom.

9. Sing 100 days of school songs

Singing is an effective way to teach new concepts. Find songs about the 100th day of school or other educational songs that help children practice counting to 100.

10. Sight word challenge

Create a list of familiar sight words. Challenge the class to read them aloud together until you reach a total of 100 words.

100 days of school: Hands-on and craft activities 

Hands-on activities help children practice fine motor skills and express their creativity.

11. Fruit loop necklaces

This is a classic fine motor challenge. Give each child a string and 100 Fruit Loops to create their own necklace. You can group the cereal by color in sets of ten to make counting easier.

12. Make a 100th day of school poster   

Decorate a poster board together to celebrate the day. Let the children get creative with markers, paint, and stickers. Display your finished artwork at the classroom entrance.

13. Create a photo booth

Set up a simple photo booth with a backdrop decorated with the number 100. Create or buy fun props for the children to hold while they pose for memorable pictures.

14. 100 coloring shapes

Cut out 100 simple shapes from paper. Have the children color them throughout the day, then attach them to a large poster to create a colorful mural.

15. Make 100 handprints

On a large piece of poster board, have the children make handprints with paint. Use different colors to make the poster bright and cheerful. Teachers can add their handprints, too!

16. Pom pom art

Draw a large, simple picture (like a butterfly or a rainbow) on a big piece of paper. Ask the children to glue 100 pom-poms onto the drawing to fill it in.

17. "When I'm 100 years old" project

Ask children what they think they’ll be like when they are 100 years old. Write down their answers and have them draw a self-portrait. It’s a fun way to get them thinking about large numbers and the future.

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Partnering with families 

Collaborating with families to celebrate the 100th day of preschool can be an exciting way to enrich the educational experience and foster a strong connection between home and school. Inviting parents and guardians to participate in the festivities can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for your young learners.

Sharing the planned activities for the 100th day with families in advance is one way to involve them. This enables parents to discuss and reinforce the concepts with their children, ensuring a seamless transition between home and school. Additionally, it allows them to witness the excitement and enthusiasm that fills the classroom, strengthening their connection to the school community.

Celebrating the 100th day of school is a wonderful opportunity for families and schools to unite and enhance every child's educational journey. This partnership can take many forms, such as shared reading activities, collaborative crafts, or simple conversations about the milestone's significance. By actively participating in their child's early education, families can instill a sense of pride and belonging in children, nurturing a sense of unity and shared purpose between school and home.

Conclusion

The 100th day of school is more than just a number—it’s a chance to create lasting memories. By using these creative and engaging 100 days of school ideas, you can celebrate your preschoolers' achievements while reinforcing valuable skills.