The 100th Day of School in Kindergarten
The 100th day of school is one of those milestones kindergarteners actually feel. By this point in the year, they know the routines, they’re more confident learners, and counting to 100 is no longer just something we practice, it’s something they can do. That’s what makes this day such a big deal for them.
The 100th day of school is one of my favorite days in kindergarten. It’s a day to celebrate the school year and how far we’ve come. And for kinders, it’s a day to celebrate!
I’ve done a lot of different things over the years, and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you.
Counting Activities
Counting to 100 is a big focus on the 100th day, and there are lots of ways to make it concrete. Here are some things I do:
1. Collections of 100
Give students small objects like cubes, buttons, coins, cereal, or even paperclips. Have them count out 100 of one item and then group them by tens. Some students like to line them up in rows of ten on their desk because it makes 100 feel real.
2. 100th Day Snack Mix
Use cereal, pretzels, or small crackers. Students count 10 of each type and put together a snack mix of 100 pieces. It’s a counting activity and a snack all in one.
3. Counting as a Class
Make a class “100 pile.” Each student brings a small set of objects and adds them to the pile ten at a time. Count together as you go. It’s simple, visual, and keeps everyone involved.
4. 100s Chart Fill-In
Give students a blank or partially filled 100s chart. They can work individually or in pairs to fill in numbers up to 100. You can also do this as a whole group on chart paper.
5. 100 Steps Around the Classroom
Have students take 100 steps around the room in groups of ten, counting as they go. This adds movement while reinforcing counting by tens and reaching 100.
Simple Projects
Projects don’t need to be complicated to make the 100th day special. Here are some of my favorites that I always add in my 100th day rotation.
1. 100th Day Crowns
Have students decorate a crown with 100 stickers, dots, or drawings. They can wear it all day. It’s easy to prep and gives kids a sense of accomplishment.
2. Collections Posters
Students bring in a collection of 100 small items (like pennies, paperclips, or buttons) and glue them onto a piece of paper to create a poster. They can label groups of ten to make counting easier.
3. 100th Day Coloring Sheets
Coloring sheets that highlight the number 100 or feature 100 items to color are a quiet, focused option for independent work.
4. “I’m 100 Days Smarter” Self-Portrait
Have students draw a self-portrait and write a sentence about something they’ve learned in the first 100 days. Example: “I can count to 100.”
5. 100 Chains
Students make paper chains with 100 links. They can count by tens as they assemble the chain. These can be hung in the classroom for decoration and a visual reminder of reaching 100 days.
Short Games
100th day is fun so the energy in your class might get a little crazy which is why I always love to rotate games for brain breaks and movement throughout the day! Here a few games that channel energy and keep the 100th theme going…
1. Roll and Count to 100
Students roll a die or two and count out that many objects toward 100. First to reach 100 wins.
2. Partner Counting Challenge
In pairs, students combine small objects to reach 100. For example, one student has 37 cubes, the other has 65. They count together to find the total.
3. 100 Toss
Use a basket and small beanbags or pom-poms. Students toss objects into the basket and count them as a group until they reach 100.
4. Bingo 100
Use a 100 chart to play bingo. Call out numbers or show number cards, and students mark them on their sheets. First to get ten in a row wins.
5. Move and Count
Do simple movement challenges: 100 claps, 100 jumps, or 100 steps around the room. Count by tens or fives as a class to keep everyone on track.
A Ready-to-Go Option
If you want activities that are already planned, my 100th Day of School Activities for Kindergarten resource has coloring sheets, crowns, and games all centered around the number 100. It works for whole group or independent work and helps the day run smoothly without a lot of prep.
Get Ready and Keep It Simple
The key to a smooth 100th day is prep. Gather materials ahead of time, have your counting objects, crowns, coloring sheets, and games ready, and decide which activities will happen when. You don’t have to do everything—pick a few favorites that you know will work in your classroom.
Having a plan and keeping everything organized makes the day feel manageable and lets you actually enjoy it with your students instead of scrambling to find materials or instructions.
Even with just a few activities, the 100th day becomes memorable for the kids and for you. It’s a chance to celebrate how far your kinders have come and to give them a day that feels different from the usual routine.
