The school year is winding down (finally) and all the things that we spend the whole year looking forward to (and dreading) are creeping up. Yup, you guessed it, I am talking about the end-of-the-year slide show. Finding the perfect songs for your end-of-the-year slideshow can be quite the task. Let’s make it easier for you by giving you a comprehensive list so you can choose the ones that will fit the theme of your year perfectly! Here is a list of 32 Songs for your End of the Year Slideshow. Trust me, you’re going to want to check out #6 and #19!
It takes quite a bit of time to download those photos, put them into the Powerpoint, and then add the songs you choose from this list. You are going to need some very engaging activities to keep your students busy while you work on your heartfelt end-of-the-year slideshow. You can find those activities on Education to the Core Premium. I have I Spy, Crack the Codes, and Directed Drawings that your students are sure to want to do!
Heartfelt End of the Year Slideshow Songs
1. Slow Down – Nichole Nordeman: This song is about growing up and how quickly time passes.
2. We are Going to be Friends – Jack Johnson: This is personally one of my favorite songs to hear in movies, and now on slideshows!
3. A Million Dreams – The Greatest Showman: This is truly one of my favorite movies ever. This song is just so beautiful and has an incredibly positive message.
4. With My Two Hands – Ben Harper: Nothing better than Ben Harper’s chill voice sending the message that you can make a difference with “My Own Two Hands.”
5. My Wish – Rascal Flatts: “I hope each road leads you where you want to go.” I feel like that lyric just shows how perfect this song is for an End of Year Slideshow!
6. What I am – Will.I.Am: What a powerful message from Will.i.am.
“If what I am is what’s in me
Then I’ll stay strong – that’s who I’ll be
And I will always be the best
“me” that I can be…”
End of Year Slideshow Songs about Teamwork
7. Count on Me – Bruno Mars: This is a classic slideshow song. I think I have heard it at every graduation/commencement ceremony I have been to since it was released!
8. Best Day of My Life – American Authors: ALL your students are going to know this song! This one is definitely a keeper for any slideshow.
9. Forever Young Ft. Mr. Hudson – Jay-Z: This brings back memories for me. Hopefully, it will do the same for your students in 15 years.
10. We Are Family – Sister Sledge: A reminder to your students that they have a classroom “family” forever!
End of the Year Slideshow Songs That Make You Want to Dance
11. Happy – Pharrell Williams: This song is honestly so happy. No matter how sad saying goodbye is, it really is a happy time for everyone!
12. Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift: You literally can’t go wrong with Taylor Swift — that’s a fact! All joking aside this song is very sweet and sends a loving positive message.
13. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake: Like when you listen to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, this song is just so upbeat and positive you can’t help but embrace the happiness that comes with this time of year!
14. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield: The chorus to this song says “The rest is still unwritten.” I think that is just a positive message for students to take with them as they move on from my classroom.
15. Upside Down – Jack Johnson: This is another song that takes me back to when I was in school. I felt obligated by the teachers that came before me to add it to the list.
16. You’ve Got a Friend In Me – Toy Story: Reminisce about the year with “You’ve Got a Friend in Me!”
Songs That Take Us Back
17. Fireflies – Owlcity: This song just makes people feel good and happy and loved. I think that is exactly what an end-of-the-year slideshow is supposed to do.
18. Story of My Life – One Direction: This music video is basically a slideshow, so I think it would be a great idea to use it on an end-of-the-year slideshow.
19. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey: A classic song that I have found to be truly timeless when it comes to these types of things. And, it helps that it is truly a great song.
20. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong: This song pairs perfectly with an end-of-the-year slideshow.
21. Stand by Me – Ben E. King: This is literally a classic! “I won’t cry, I won’t shed a tear.” is what I have to repeat to myself over and over every time this time of year comes around!
End-of-Year Slideshow Songs Your Students Will Sing Along With
22. Try Everything – Shakira (Zootopia Soundtrack): This will be one your students can easily sing along to!
23. We Don’t Talk About Bruno – Encanto Soundtrack: Speaking of songs you can sing along to, this is a song that you will be singing for the rest of your career as a teacher!
24. Roar – Katy Perry: This is a song about strength and resilience. This is a great message to add to an end-of-the-year slideshow.
25. Who Says – Selena Gomez: I might be dating myself a little with this song choice, but I think it is a good one nonetheless. Plus, it sends a great message that it’s okay to be yourself.
26. Home – Phillip Phillips: If you want something comforting, nothing is better than “Home” by Phillip Phillips.
Don’t Forget These Songs!
27. I Can’t Wait To Be King – The Lion King: Talk about a moving on to the next step song!
28. Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus: This is always a fun song to pair with field trip photos, events, or any holiday celebrations you did in the classroom. It’s got a great beat!
29. Glorious – Kidz Bop 37: Kidz Bop has a great version of “Glorious.” If you did a lot with a growth mindset this year, this song is PERFECT!
30. Compass – Lady A: Lady A’s “Compass” doesn’t disappoint. I think your parents would appreciate this song as well!
31. Touch the Sky – Brave Soundtrack: I won’t lie, I might be biased and only adding this song in because I ADORE this movie. Or, it might really just be a great song. You can tell me once you listen to it!
32. Sing – Pentatonix: This might be another biased pick because I also love Pentatonix, or it really will be a great song to describe a great school year! And, it is a fabulous song to get your students excited about the year in review and the year to come!
If you are looking for more end-of-the-year ideas or are hoping to get some fresh ideas you can bring into your classroom this coming fall join any of our Fearless Facebook Groups; Kindergarten Fearless Group, First Grade Fearless Group, or Second Grade Fearless Teacher Group.
In addition, you can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @educationtothecore for continued information and resources as the school year progresses.
Written by: Korryna Sanchez
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