Make or buy graduation caps for kids to wear at the party.
Fifth-grade graduation marks a big change for students who, in many cases, will make the trek to junior high and start at a new school. Throwing a party for your fifth-grader and his peers is one way to celebrate this accomplishment.
Invites And Favors
Invites can be in the shape of the number 5, You can easily make your own, tracing a "5" shape on construction paper and cutting it out. Another idea is printing invites on plain sheets of paper, rolling them up and tying them with ribbon as you would a diploma. For favors, make small party bags with school supplies kids will need the following year, graduation caps for them to wear at the party, T-shirts with something like "Fifth-Grade Graduate" printed on them or even framed class photos for keepsakes.
Venues
Because fifth-graders are around the ages of 9 and 10, it's important to have a venue that's appropriate for their age. You could throw the party at the school the fifth-graders will switch to, so they can get a feel for their new school. Talk with the school to verify and select an appropriate time. Other venues can be at their current school; recreation spots such as a park, theme park, pool or skating ring; or a parent's home if it can accommodate the class. Ensure you have plenty of chaperons if going to a crowded spot.
Foods
Serve fun foods such as pizzas or plain subs that kids can add their own condiments to, or even have a sandwich bar and let kids make their own. Check with parents to ensure you accommodate any children with food allergies. A graduation cake is a must; for fifth-graders, make a cupcake for each one with a number 5 candle. They can each blow out their candles together to signify the end of their fifth-grade year.
Themes
A "5" theme -- such as hanging cutouts of the number 5 all over walls with streamers connecting them -- is one idea. A graduation banner is a must. You can find festive banners at party supply stores or make your own out of construction paper. Think of child-appropriate themes, such as a popular kids' show geared toward their age group. Another idea is to take a theme from something the kids learned during their fifth-grade year, such as a book they read or historical events they learned about. You could also have kids submit suggestions for a theme and let them vote on it.
Tags: Another idea, construction paper, fifth-grade year, graduation caps, make your, their fifth-grade