THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
As the end of the school year approaches, children and
teachers are “on the countdown" to the last day of school. Many students
are looking forward to summer and two months free of lessons and tests. And yet
this may be a bittersweet time for children who will miss teachers and friends. For most kids, the end of the school year means saying lots
of good-byes. Some of these are temporary, some more long-lasting. Endings are
harder for some children than others.
While children may happily anticipate the summer--and feel relief
knowing that the things they didn't like about the year are over--there's still
an underlying awareness that life will never be quite the same again. For
children who are changing schools, or saying good-bye to friends who are
moving, the good-byes may be particularly meaningful.
The many celebrations that mark the end of the
school year keep everyone busy with plays, graduations, and stepping-up
ceremonies. Families are often preoccupied with end-of-year projects and plans
for the summer. The excitement surrounding the end of a school year can
sometimes ease the transition but may also distract kids from how it feels to
say good-bye. It's important for parents to find ways to acknowledge, and
even honor, the year-long bonds that their children formed during the many
months of school.
A parent can help with end-of-year good-byes by
1.
encouraging kids to talk about their feelings--about what they'll
remember and miss.
2.
helping your child write down some of the events that marked the
year. What your child remembers most vividly may not be the big play or a major
field trip, but a funny comment made by a classmate
3.
encouraging your child to get addresses of classmates to be able
to stay in touch. If possible, take some photos of classmates and teachers--and
of the classroom--before displays are dismantled.
Not all kids experience the end of the school year in the same
way. Some are totally focused on what's next; they're glad to move on. However,
most children need some understanding that in moving on there may be a sense of
loss for what was ... and that's okay. Communicate with your child! Acknowledge
his or her feelings. Saying good bye is a hard lesson to learn, but you may be
there to help your child learn it effectively.
