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June 23, 2025
The final bell has rung, the backpacks are (mostly) unpacked, and summer is officially here. It’s tempting to shift gears entirely—into vacation mode, camp schedules, or much-needed downtime. But before we close the book on this past school year, it’s worth taking a moment to pause and reflect.
So much happens between the first day of school and the last. There are obvious academic milestones, sure, but also emotional growth, social development, struggles faced, and perseverance shown. Reflection helps us capture all of it—the victories, the lessons, and the moments that made this year unique.
Whether your child soared, stumbled, or experienced a little of both, now is the time to take stock of what they learned, how they grew, and how we can use that insight to set them up for an even stronger year ahead.
Start by looking at what went well. What were the highlights of this school year for your child? Maybe they finally cracked long division, gave a presentation in front of the class, made a new friend, or became more independent with their homework routine. Perhaps they took a risk, showed resilience after a tough grade, or started using strategies from coaching to stay more organized.
These wins, big or small, matter. And in many cases, they’re the result of quiet, consistent effort over time. Children don’t always recognize their own progress, especially if they’re still facing challenges in other areas. That’s why it’s so important to pause and say, “Look at how far you’ve come.”
Sit down with your child and talk through the year together. Ask them what they’re proud of and share your own observations too. Consider writing down a few “wins” on paper or creating a small ritual to celebrate their growth: an ice cream outing, a summer journal entry, or a photo of them holding a sign that says, I did it! These little moments of recognition help reinforce confidence and show your child that their hard work matters.
Of course, the school year likely came with some bumps in the road. And that’s okay; every student faces obstacles, and every year has its difficult chapters. Maybe mornings were stressful, motivation dipped, or certain subjects felt overwhelming. Perhaps your child had a hard time with deadlines, got lost in a crowded middle school schedule, or struggled with test anxiety that impacted their performance.
Instead of brushing past those moments now that school is out, take time to unpack them together. Ask gently:
These conversations don’t have to be heavy or overly formal. They often work best when they happen during a walk, over lunch, or during quiet downtime. The goal isn’t to dwell on the negative; it’s to understand it. When we help kids reflect on what didn’t work, we equip them with tools to respond differently next time.
It’s also important to offer reassurance. Struggles aren’t a sign of failure—they’re part of the learning process. What matters most is how we respond and grow from them.
Reflection is valuable, but it’s even more powerful when it leads to action. Now that the school year is over and summer is underway, it’s the perfect time to start thinking ahead.
Use what you’ve learned to shape goals for the coming year. This doesn’t mean mapping out every subject or activity down to the minute. Instead, focus on a few key questions:
You might realize your child could benefit from some light academic support over the summer, or that a few targeted strategies could help ease transitions and reduce stress in the fall.
Involving your child in this planning process is essential. Ask for their input. What do they want to do differently next year? What are they excited or nervous about? When students feel a sense of ownership over their growth, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
For many students, the coming school year will bring big changes. Whether your child is moving from second to third grade, entering middle school, or preparing for high school, these transitions can feel exciting—and daunting.
New classrooms, new expectations, and new social dynamics can all be overwhelming, especially if your child is unsure of what to expect. That’s why it’s helpful to start preparing early. Discuss what will be different and offer opportunities to practice key skills, such as organizing materials, using a planner, or even just waking up a little earlier toward the end of summer.
The more prepared your child feels, the more confident they’ll be. And when they know they’re not facing those changes alone, the transition becomes that much smoother.
At ERG, we’re here to support your family every step of the way. Whether your child had a fantastic year or one that felt full of struggle, we believe that every student deserves a fresh start, a thoughtful plan, and a team that believes in their potential.
That’s why we encourage families to schedule an educational consultation with us as a year-end check-in. We’ll take the time to review the year, highlight strengths, identify areas for growth, and create a personalized plan to help your child start the next school year with confidence and momentum.
