School Year Homestretch: 4 Things to Do Before It Wraps Up

As the weather warms up, put some fun outings on your calendar. (Jack Frog/Shutterstock)

Some of us have been homeschooling, some of us have been “virtual” schooling, some of us have been “hybrid” schooling, and a few of our children have actually enjoyed “in-person learning,” to add to the list of terms we never needed before.

It has been a year colored with worry about physical health, mental health, “falling behind,” and potentially “ruining the kids.” So much worry.

But, wait—look out there just past spring break and a hair beyond Memorial Day—it’s the finish line! We’re almost there!

As you fling open your windows and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of spring, take a moment to reflect on this year. You may find there have been more lessons learned than you would have thought.

Review the Year

For example, you may realize that you did quite a bit of learning. Perhaps you find yourself more informed than ever before about your children’s academic prowess and areas of interest. Who knew Johnny was a whiz at geometry? You have also likely learned a thing or two about your children’s learning styles. Sally is a visual learner, while Mary is an auditory learner.

What’s more, you may find yourself significantly more informed about the curriculum being offered at your children’s school. Perhaps the writing program is more robust than you realized. Perhaps you’ve been surprised to see what qualifies as history these days.

The information this forced situation has bestowed upon you is invaluable to you and your children. You’ll be able to make more informed decisions about their schooling going forward and better help them or supplement their schooling as needed based on what you’ve learned. Take note and commit to staying involved in your child’s educational journey.

Plan Next Year

This is a great time of year to think about next year. Many people have been considering homeschooling. Now’s the time to make those plans. Continuing homeschoolers are likely gathering next year’s curriculum and looking forward to more options for field trips (fingers crossed!).

Perhaps you’d like to look for different schooling options for your child based on your experience. If so, use the early springtime to nail down those details so they’re in place by summertime.

Lay Down Your Worries

As the year presses on, start letting go of the worries you may have been holding onto. It’s understandable, of course, but you don’t want to allow it to become a permanent fixture.

Let the increased sunshine entice you and the kids outdoors. Consider whether you can get some fun day trips or outings on the calendar. Plan a simple celebration for the last day of school.

Do what you can to process, heal, let go, and find peace within your spirit to carry on without the shadow of worry looming so close.

Pat Yourself on the Back

This school year called for all the tools in the parenting toolbox. You’ve almost made it through. Pat yourself on the back, and allow yourself a personal celebration by doing whatever you enjoy most. Congratulate your children for their valiant efforts in these most unusual circumstances. Make sure they know how proud you are of them. As for their teachers, whatever end of the year gift you usually give—double it.