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🌱 End of school transitions 🌱

🌱 End of school transitions 🌱

May 19, 2025

Hello Sproutly Families,

As the school year winds down, children (and parents!) often experience a mix of emotions—excitement for summer, sadness about leaving teachers or friends, nervousness about what comes next. These transitions, even joyful ones, can feel big and uncertain for young kids.

Helping children reflect on what they’ve accomplished, process their feelings, and look ahead with confidence can turn the end-of-year experience into a meaningful time of growth and celebration. This week, we’re sharing tools to ease the transition and help your child feel supported through the change.

Parenting Tips

Photo by Daniel & Hannah Snipes on Pexels

Supporting End-of-Year Transitions

Talk About It Early
Begin casual conversations about what’s changing: “School is ending soon—how are you feeling about that?”
Acknowledge Mixed Emotions
Let your child know it’s okay to feel excited and nervous or sad at the same time. All feelings are valid.
Reflect on the Year
Celebrate what your child learned, who they met, and how they’ve grown—socially, emotionally, and academically.
Keep Routines Steady
Maintain familiar daily rhythms where possible to help your child feel safe and grounded during transition time.
Preview What’s Next
Share age-appropriate information about summer plans or the next school year to reduce anxiety and build excitement.

Activity of the Week

Photo by Naya Shaw on Pexels

“Then and Now” Drawing

Help children recognize how much they’ve grown—emotionally, socially, and developmentally—over the course of the school year. This builds self-awareness, confidence, and pride in their progress.

Materials Needed

Blank paper (folded in half or split into two sections)
Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
Optional: stickers, printed photos, or a simple template with prompts

Steps

Set the Stage
- Talk with your child about the first day of school. Ask questions like:
  - “Do you remember how you felt on the first day?”
  - “What were you nervous or excited about?”
Draw the “Then” Side
- On the left side of the paper, label it “Then.”
- Ask your child to draw a picture of themselves at the beginning of the school year.
  - What did they wear? What were they doing?
  - Who were their friends?
  - How did they feel?
Draw the “Now” Side
- On the right side, label it “Now.”
- Ask your child to draw a picture of themselves now, near the end of the school year.
  - How do they feel about school?
  - What’s something they’ve learned or gotten better at?
  - Who are their friends now?
  - What are they proud of?
Reflection and Discussion
- After drawing, talk about the differences:
  - “What changed the most?”
  - “What’s something you’re proud of?”
  - “What would you tell your ‘beginning of the year’ self?”

Transitions offer powerful opportunities to pause, reflect, and grow. As the school year closes, your calm and connection can help your child carry both memories and confidence into the next chapter.

Celebrate not just what your child achieved this year, but who they are becoming. With your steady support, they’ll head into the summer—and beyond—knowing they are capable, cared for, and ready for what’s next.

Wishing you a season of celebration, reflection, and renewal,

Millie & Melissa

The Sproutly Team

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