Summer is coming. It’s officially the end of the school year and time to celebrate.
We are officially on countdown until that last school bell rings. We are itching for a break from school. Let’s just say, after a full year of homework, projects, essays, quarantining, and morning alarms, I am ready for summer break to begin too.
Who’s with me?
Before we start planning all the family fun we want to have for the summer, it’s important to teach our fellas to be completely present and how to finish well.
So, we intentionally take time to embrace the beauty of the end-of- school year moment.
Plus, I get excited coming up with ways to take time to reflect and celebrate all our fellas have accomplished in the school year.
One of the best ways to celebrate the beginning of summer break is with a few easy and fun last day of school traditions.
1. End of year reflection
One easy way to capture the memories of a school year is an end of year review. Our simple end-of-year reflection allows our kiddos to reflect on the year in their words. We want them to pause and reflect on their school year before we plunge full force into an exciting summer. These reflections have been simple mementos our sons enjoy going back to read as they have grown.
Mom tip: Use our End-of-Year Reflection download to help you get started. Print of one for each kids and keep in in a notebook. If your kiddos are too young to write, let them answer while you capture their words.
2. Milestone photo opp
I love to capture the memories of my children. Taking their picture on the last day of school is an easy way to see the physical growth and development of your child. As a family, we often spend time together looking back over the first day of school pictures to see just how much our fellas have grown.
Mom tip: Letterboards and chalkboards are simple photo props to help document essential details for your pictures like date, grade, school, etc.
3. Host a car party
Oh, this is a new one to our family list thanks to a friend of mine. When it’s time to pick up the kid for that last day, show up with a party in your car. Throw some balloons on the floor, hang a few streamers from the car ceiling, and put on a few fun tunes. Take your time getting home and have fun. This is sure to be a hit!
Mom Tip: Use school colors to decorate the car and take the long way home. Let your kiddos enjoy the car party just for them.
4. Write a letter to your child
As a mom of four, the journey with each fella throughout the school year is filled with highs and lows. It’s important you take time to reflect and rejoice in the growth of your child. Plus, your letters become keepsakes for your child for years to come.
Mom Tip: Use our Year In Review from Mom download to help you get started. Seal each review and place in a box for each kiddo. Can make for a great graduation gift.
5. A few of my favorite things dinner
Have a celebration dinner for your kiddos with a few of their favorite things. This annual dinner feast is sure to become a fan favorite. Whether it’s breakfast for dinner, ice cream, or pizza, just enjoy. These family dinners are a time my husband and I use to praise our children, share about positive character traits we have seen develop throughout the year and shower them with love.
When planning out the dinner, be sure to focus on more than academics. Talk about how your child has matured, overcome challenges, lessons learned, and how you are grateful for everything God has done in the lives of your children.
Mom Tip: If dinner is not your thing, feel free to make it a breakfast celebration. The important part is to carve out time to intentionally celebrate your child.
6. Create a movie
Gather you favorite pictures throughout the year and put them into a movie. Get some of the movie snippets, Boomerangs, TikTok videos and selfies then put them an end-of-year video recap. Invite your family together to remember, celebrate and laugh.
Mom tip: Consider making a movie for each kiddo. Overtime you have a group of videos capturing how your children have grown.
Look, momma, you don’t have to do a lot to start creating your own family last day of school celebrations. However, you choose to celebrate, have fun. Your kids will be so, and you get to create memories for years to come.
Celebrating summer break,
