The end of the school year…
The last day of school is quickly approaching, but before you jump into summer (whether it will be chaotic or laid back), take a few moments to reflect on the last 180 school days with your child. By asking self-reflecting questions, it may help you decide which mementos from the school year mean the most. It can get overwhelming at the end of the year when you child brings home their school supplies, all their papers, binders, art projects, etc. Setting aside time now will allow you to say “goodbye” and “thank you” to the last year while also set you up for success for when the summer is over.
Questions to ask:
What are you most proud of this year?
What do you think you could have done better?
Tell me what you enjoyed learning most about?
Tell me what project was most successful or took the most time?
After asking the reflection questions, then set aside 15 minutes for each category so that you can evaluate and eliminate the items that no longer serve you. I have broken down the list into categories to help you.
Backpacks & Pencil Pouches:
Can they be used again next year? Is the backpack washable and ready for next year? Do all the pockets and zippers work or does it have holes? Has your child own outgrown the theme of the backpack?
If the backpack is beat up and worn down, go ahead and pitch it. If someone else can use it, donate it with gratitude!
Pens, pencils, markers, scissors, crayons, calculator….
Take a moment to test out the pens, pencils, markers, scissors and crayons, if they don’t work or are in terrible conditio, pitch them or Recycle them! Staples has a great program where they recycle used pens, pencils, crayons and markers. If they are gently used and you don’t have a child that needs them next year, donate back to the school or your favorite donation place. If they just need sharpened and can look like new again. Save them for next year! I haven’t had to buy a school supply kit in years because of all the supplies my kid never used. #SavetheEARTH
Calculators, Scissors, Protractors, rulers: Just a quick Lysol and a wipe down will make these new again, if totally damaged….throw it out (or recycle at Staples)!
Papers: Check out my diagram on Papers! If you decide to keep, I highly recommend just one box or bin that is used for the entire span of your child’s school days. By setting a parameter for how much you can keep, it will help this become less overwhelming when they reach the end of their grade school career. I recommend visiting this bin every couple of years to see if the paperwork saved is still relevant or sparks joyful memories.
School Memorabilia (Yearbooks, Class T-Shirts, Pictures, Team Uniforms):This can be the hard one, but any decision made today, will save many decisions later: Does your child have a favorite piece of school memorabilia? If they are moving to a higher school, do they really want to keep a lower schools t-shirt? Do they have duplicates or similar items they can simplify, for example if they have a uniform do you need 4 copies of the same shirt? If they didn’t love their experience or have an attachment to it, LET IT GO! It is ok. After 13 years in school, items add up!
Good Luck getting through the last days of school. The next year will be here before you know it. Enjoy this moment and be ready to let it all go so you can successfully move onto the next year.
