5 Keys to a Stress Free 100th Day of School

If you’re a primary teacher, part of our everyday routine is counting to the 100th day of school. And it will come as no surprise that the 100th day of school is pretty special! Not only is it quite the milestone, but you finally get to regroup all of tens for ONE HUNDRED! If you know, you know.

What Not to Do for the 100th Day of School

During my first year of teaching, I had no idea that some teachers went all out for the 100th day. Tons of centers, crafts, games… things they’d planned for weeks (even months) ahead of time. I tried to keep up. We’d spend the whole day doing 100th day of school activities.

No joke – I tried that for a few years. Each year I would plan new centers, new activities, new crafts… and every year I was EXHAUSTED by the end of the day.

I finally told myself enough is enough. Yes, the 100th day is super fun and exciting, but I don’t need to wear myself out planning like a crazy person! So that’s why I want to share with you my 5 keys to a perfect 100th day of school!

5 Keys to a Perfect 100th Day of School

1. If you’re a fan of The Office like me, then you’ll love my first piece of advice: Keep It Simple Stupid. Now, if you’re on board with the K.I.S.S acronym, keep reading for my next few tips!

2. Don’t alter your regular routine. If your class normally has reading first thing in the morning, stick to reading in the morning. Switching up your schedule is just asking for a chaotic day. Students thrive on routine!

For example, during word work, you might see how many words students can make from the letters in one hundred? This is a super easy way to integrate 100th day fun, while maintaining routine! Also, we love no prep activities like this!

In math, you might have them do activities or puzzles with the hundreds chart or see how many times they can write their name in 100 seconds. And again, it’s zero prep!

3. Choose a few fun picture books to share with your class. My students always loved when I filled my whiteboard ledge with new books, and the 100th day is the perfect time to do it again!

If you need a few ideas, these are three of my favorites! You can click the book cover for my Amazon affiliate link!

4. Don’t try to do a bunch of different themed centers. I’m telling you – IT’S TOO MUCH. I suppose this goes right along with tip number one, but it’s worth repeating. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

I’m all about hands-on activities, but printable, no prep activities are also your friend! AND THEY CAN BE FUN AND ENGAGING!!! I’ve got a great little (printable + digital) pack right here!

5. Make a super easy gift for your students. Better yet, let them do the work themselves! That’s right – I’ve got FREE little bookmarks AND celebration crowns your students can make to remember the day!

Download 100th Day Freebies Below!

Want more stress-free ideas? Learn how to take the stress out of math centers here!