(Metro News Service) Graduation parties begin to dot social schedules in early May and continue to do so throughout June and even into July. Graduation season is a fun time of year for students and their families as well as a lucrative period for the many different retailers who offer goods and services that make parties more fun and memorable.

Though graduation season typically highlights the dedication of students completing high school and college, students just starting also deserve a little extra attention during this time of year. Kindergarten marks most students’ initial foray into formal schooling. Come the end of kindergarten, it’s not uncommon for families to commemorate the milestone with a celebration. As graduation season draws closer and party planning hits full swing, parents of kindergartners can keep these tips in mind.

Arrange for entertainment. Each child is unique, but certain things seem to appeal to all children. For example, many kids find bouncy houses irresistible, so parents can rent a bouncy house or two for the party and then watch as youngsters and their friends spend hours bouncing around inside. Additional entertainment options include a pool party (just be sure to provide ample safe swimming accessories like swimmies and encourage parents to bring their own), an appearance by a favorite movie or television character, and a photo booth where kids can goof off and take funny pictures with their fellow grads.

Identify a theme and encourage guests to embrace it as fully as possible. Themes are often associated with children’s birthday parties, but graduation celebrations present another opportunity to embrace a fun theme. Since it’s a graduation party, a theme that emphasizes graduation can be fun. Encourage guests to arrive at the party wearing their graduation caps, and then give each a “diploma” good for a special treat as they arrive at the party.

Plan to invite the class. To avoid offending anyone or making some children feel left out, parents of children of kindergarten age should invite the whole class to the party. Hosting the party at home can help reduce the cost, but many children’s party venues can accommodate a classroom’s worth of children at a reasonable per-person cost as well. And though it can seem daunting to invite the entire class, it’s unlikely everyone will be able to attend, as graduation ceremonies often give way to family vacations.

Create school-themed party favors. It’s common to send children’s party guests home with party favors, and this tradition can be tweaked to celebrate the significance of graduating from kindergarten. Give each graduation party guest an assortment of school-themed party favors housed within miniature backpacks. Include pencils, some crayons, and even a small book tailored to first-grade readers. Of course, a few treats to help get through long summer days are worthy of inclusion as well.

Kindergarten graduations may not garner the same level of attention as high school and college commencement ceremonies. However, young children’s initial experience with graduation season merits a celebration focused on fun with friends.