The countdown to summer is on and with just over a week to go, children will be feeling all sorts of emotions and facing routine disruptions. We bring you six resources to prepare for a successful summer transition and some helpful tips. Keep reading!
The last week of school is always one of the most challenging for parents and teachers. It brings about behavioural and emotional changes in children as the exhaustion from the school year sets in and the excitement of the summer holidays builds.
The end of the school year can be harder on children than you think, most often we talk about the transition between school years - but the transition from school to summer can be a difficult one too.
This time of year comes with many changes, events and pressures, from school parties, summer fairs, awards ceremonies, performances and assemblies and disruptions to the school day. Children face changing routines and have to re-find their feet as summer begins.
Plus we haven't even mentioned the tiredness that kicks in around this time of year - we know from personal experience just how much of an effect this can have on children. School is hard work - and after 11 months most children are ready for a break!
All of these changes, tiredness and mixed emotions can cause some children to feel anxious or out of sorts. This may result in outbursts or tantrums, moments of hyperactivity or regression into old habits and struggles. Here we give you some tips to help you prepare for a successful summer.
Tips for a Successful Summer Transition
Establish a Routine - and Stick to it!
One of the major impacts on children's emotions and behaviours are disruptions to routine and change. Whether your child is attending a holiday club or staying at home, be sure to set a routine early on - and make them aware of it. Talk them through the changes ahead and help them establish a clear idea of their summer schedule. You could use our Summer Routine resource and display this somewhere visible in your home (more on this below!)
Talk and Reaffirm Schedules
Be sure to regularly let your child know what their schedule looks like, where they will be and what they will be doing. Get them involved in creating their own schedules - if you're planning lots of fun trips, grab a big calendar and pop them in together. Each week, sit down and go through the week ahead and what they will be doing and when. If there are any changes, try and prepare your child for these as much as you can.
Find Time to Slow Down
The summer holidays can be all go, go, go with new social pressures to arrange fun trips and days out. Find the solace in staying at home and having duvet days or self care days, and take time to wind down and do something mindful and relaxing. Whenever you book a trip or fun day out, be sure to balance it out with something calming and mindful. Help children find the pleasure in peace and the mental health benefits will follow.
Take Their Lead
Children lack a lot of control in their lives and are always being dragged about here, there and everywhere! This lack of control can contribute to things like anxiety, anger and outbursts. Help children regain some control over their summer break, perhaps you could sit down together and create a summer bucket list of all the things they want to do? Get them involved as much as you can in their own schedules, and introduce simple 'control regaining' activities such as letting your child pick their own clothes each morning or ask for their help with meal planning. Giving back small areas of control can give a boost to your child's confidence and overall wellbeing.
Open Communication Channels
Take time out to sit down and talk - perhaps it's over dinner or when they're in bed and feeling calm. Ask how your child is feeling about summer and finishing school. They may answer your questions with one word answers such as 'fine' or 'good' so try asking more open ended questions. For example, 'What three words would you use to describe how you feel right now,' or 'what is one thing you are looking forward to doing this summer?' - let them ask the questions too. Facilitating regular discussions also lets your child know they can come to you if they are feeling upset or anxious.
5 Resources That Can Help
1. Last Day of School Interview
This Last Day of School Interview is all about helping your children process the school year so that they feel ready to start their summer break. With fun prompts and questions, plus an option to rate their year - this also doubles as a helpful communication tool for you.
2. Last Day of School Colouring Sheet
Take time to slow down by colouring in our Last Day of School Mindful Colouring Sheet! The last day of school is an exciting and busy day - full of fun and games but also goodbyes to friends and teachers - help children to switch off, relax and disconnect from the day's stresses and activities.
3. My End of Year Journal
Our End of Year Journal (updated for 2023!) is the perfect way to help children reflect on the school year and start the summer holidays, with over 20 mindful activities such as creating a summer bucket list and filling a memory jar. Activities in this journal have been specially designed to support your child's emotions as they finish school and prepare them for the summer break.
4. My Summer Routine
My Summer Routine is a weekly visual chart that helps your children feel prepared for the week ahead. Following on from our tips above, establishing a weekly routine can help children feel confident and calm. Write down their morning, afternoon and evening activities and each week and be sure to give them a few reward stars for completing their busy summer schedules!
5. School Transition Toolkit
Our School Transition Toolkit is designed to support children as they embark on their journey from primary school to secondary school. Featuring 21 invaluable resources and engaging activities, our transition toolkit isn't just for the transition to a new school, but also includes lots of activities to help children process and reflect on their current year and feel ready for summer.
6. End of Year Class Activity - My Best Piece of Advice
My Best Piece of Advice is a fun classroom activity that helps this year's children reflect on their current year whilst settling in next year's students. What advice would your current class give to the next class? Fill out, make your class banner and display for next year’s students!
Comments