The transition from the school year to summer can trigger a wide range of emotions for all of us, ranging from excitement and anticipation for summer break to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress. This mix of emotions is often associated with the transition from a structured school environment to the more unstructured time of summer, as well as saying goodbye to familiar routines and relationships.
Here at Complementary Curriculum we always think about how bring intention to everything we do with children and families. Here are some tips as you support children through this transition. You can pass these along to your families as they support this transition at home:
Listen to the child
Discuss the end to the school year and what it will be like. “You know, our schedule will be a little different soon.” Ask the child how they are feeling, if they have any questions about what is ahead over summer, or if they have questions about next year. Listen to them and validate how they feel. Let them know that you hear them and you will do what you can to help them understand what summer will look like at school if there is a summer program and at home for the family.
Do some research
Try to get some information on what next year might look like, especially if children are moving schools. This is an opportunity to partner with families about children’s next steps. Connect them with students/families that are about to complete, or have competed, the grade ahead. Knowing more can help alleviate some of the tougher emotions being felt by your child; it may help them feel more secure about moving on. Encourage families to visit the next school setting – even if it is just to walk around the grounds or play at the playground.
Set up summer expectations
Help families to communicate to child(ren) about the family expectations are for the summer in their household. This will help settle children’s minds as many children will find comfort in just “knowing.” The same is true for schools with summer programs. “We start outside in the summer so everyone needs to put on sunscreen when they arrive.”
Calendars and checklists
Encourage families to create a visual calendar at home where they can share their plans for summer and put them on a calendar. Children and adults can draw little picture or find photos that represent the activities. Add activities, camps, vacations, work trips, get-togethers, playdates, etc. on a calendar and post it in a central place for everyone to see.
Summer playdates
Schedule time with friends over the summer. Children miss their peers!
Summer playdates at school as the summer ends and new school year begins creates community and prepares children for the transition to come.
New things
Summer is a great time to learn a new skill, try a new hobby, or learn about an interesting topic. Communicate with families about what has been important and interesting to their child at school. Think about what might be easy for a families to engage in at home. Maybe it’s chalk art, rock painting, or trying a new sport. Whatever it may be, more than likely, there is time for children to try something new! Talk with them, see what interests them.
Celebrate!
We often have celebrations at school to commemorate the year. At home families can celebrate the end of the school year with something exciting for the children!
Whether it’s a day at the beach with friends or family, a special outing, or an exciting treat, celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of the school year.
Preparing for transitions supports children’s feelings of safety and agency as we move through these rhythms of the year!
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