When your child begins kindergarten, their life is filled with new experiences and adventures. This abundance of new things makes it essential to have a school bucket list of activities as early as possible. Your bucket list doesn’t have to be out of the ordinary, but it should include a lineup of things you would like them to experience. 

What is a school bucket list?

A school bucket list is a register of items to accomplish before graduating high school. It can be any number of things, from visiting a historical site to taking a trip abroad. The point isn’t for it to be exhaustive but to ensure you don’t miss out on any experiences that might be important to you or your child. You can also add more things to your list as time passes, and don’t forget to make it fun!

Some people use a physical list, while others use an electronic version on their phone or computer. It doesn’t matter how you create your bucket list, just make sure it meets the needs of your household.

You and I know how quickly time flies. Elementary schoolers seem to graduate before you know it. So now is the perfect time to start working on their goals! Having a bucket list allows one to set priorities. You can even use it as a family tool in your home by brainstorming the activities you want to participate in during the different stages of childhood. A school bucket list is a great way to document your year, record your goals, and plan for the future. 

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Documenting with a school bucket list

As you review the list each year, it becomes clear what you’ve accomplished, all the fun you’ve had, and if you need to adjust a few things. For example, if your little one didn’t crack open as many books as you hoped, chances are that this will be an area where you want to invest more time next year. 

How a bucket list records your goals

A school bucket list is a great way to keep track of your objectives. Once a goal is reached, check it off. Setting a monthly target may make achieving your list of items easier. If you’re unsure where to start, try setting small goals first. Then, as your objectives become more complex, break them down into smaller tasks.

Help kids stay motivated

When you make a bucket list, you’re making a plan for the future. Without a strategy, it’s tough to know what to do next and easy to become distracted. Setting specific, achievable goals makes it easier for kids to stay motivated throughout the school year. 

Here are 45 items that you can add to your bucket list:

Elementary School

1. Make a new friend
2. Read a new book each month
3. Practice daily gratitude
4. Try something new 
5. Do something nice for your teacher
6. Sing in a choir
7. Watch fireworks
8. Be in a talent show
9. Go on a nature walk
10. Learn to swim
11. Bring cookies to class
12. Write with chalk on the sidewalk
13. Plant a garden
14. Go on a field trip to somewhere new and different
15. Jump rope to twenty-five without stopping

Middle School

16. Eat something you’ve never eaten before
17. Go hiking
18. Keep a journal
19. Read a book with your family
20. Participate in the science fair
21. Audition for the school play
22. Write a song
23. Take a road trip with your family
24. Host a sleepover with friends
25. Learn to play a musical instrument
26. Write an epic story or poem
27. Take a martial arts class
28. Watch the sunset
29. Learn to cook
30. Start a new tradition with your family

High School

31. Get straight A’s
32. Learn a new language
33. Go to a football game
34. Find a mentor
35. Visit a college campus 
36. Attend a party or dance
37. Join a club
38. Volunteer
39. Take a road trip with friends
40. Participate in student council
41. Apply for a job
42. Participate in sports
43. Go to a concert
44. Visit a museum alone
45. Do something that scares you

Finally

Whether your child is headed to kindergarten, middle school, or high school, a school bucket list is an excellent way to record their experiences as they grow. The list doesn’t have to be out of the ordinary. Just make sure it includes experiences you don’t want to miss. If your little one has never done something before, put it on the list! You can use it as a fun way to communicate and build deeper relationships as kids get older.

A school bucket list can also help youngsters set goals for the future and determine their passions. Once they’ve completed a list item, they can look back with pride and see that they achieved something great!

I hope you find these 45 school bucket list activities helpful. What are your suggestions? I would love to see them!