Getting ready for the end of the school year
The end of the school year often feels like a countdown to freedom—longer days, fewer routines, and the promise of summer ahead. But for many kids, this time of year brings more than just excitement. It’s filled with changes in schedule, increased stimulation, big emotions, and the reality of saying goodbye to familiar people and routines. You might notice more meltdowns, difficulty listening, or a sudden shift in behavior that seems to come out of nowhere.
The truth is, the end of the school year is a major transition—and transitions can be hard, even when they’re positive. With a little preparation and intention, you can help your child navigate these final weeks feeling more regulated, supported, and confident as they move into summer.
Check out the blog for some OT approved tips!
Emotional Preparation (Often Overlooked, Most Important)
The end of the school year brings big transitions, which can feel exciting and dysregulating for kids.
Talk about upcoming changes early and often
Use simple countdowns (visual calendars, paper chains)
Normalize mixed feelings (happy, nervous, sad)
Read books about transitions or endings
For younger kids: use play to act out “last day” scenarios
Create Closure & Celebrate Growth
Kids benefit from intentional reflection—it builds confidence and memory.
Make a “year in review” page (favorites, friends, skills learned)
Have kids write/draw notes to teachers or classmates
Create a keepsake (handprint art, photo book, memory jar)
Highlight growth—not just academics, but social/emotional wins
Maintain Structure (Even When Everything Feels Chaotic)
Schedules often loosen, which can lead to dysregulation.
Keep consistent sleep/wake times as long as possible
Maintain key routines (morning, bedtime, meals)
Prepare for “off-schedule” days (field day, half days, events)
Use visual schedules for younger kids or those who need predictability
Plan for the Summer Transition
The end of school is really the start of a new routine.
Talk through what summer will look like
Visit camps or new environments ahead of time if possible
Make a simple weekly summer rhythm (not a strict schedule)
Identify childcare changes early
Support Sensory & Regulation Needs
End-of-year events = loud, busy, overstimulating.
Prepare kids for assemblies, field days, graduations
Pack regulation supports (headphones, snacks, fidgets)
Build in downtime after big events
Expect fatigue and shorter fuses
Wrap Up Loose Ends (Without the Stress)
Parents often forget logistical prep until the last minute.
Return library books, devices, paperwork
Label and sort what’s coming home
Save meaningful work (don’t keep everything!)
Prep thank-you notes or small teacher gifts
Prepare for Goodbyes
Even if kids don’t show it, endings can hit hard.
Talk about how to stay in touch with friends
Practice simple “goodbye scripts” for younger kids
Validate sadness instead of minimizing it
Create a “bridge” to what’s next (“You’ll see new friends at camp”)
Shift Expectations (For Everyone)
June is not the time for perfection.
Expect more emotional ups and downs
Lower the bar on behavior slightly
Focus on connection over correction
Build in extra rest
At Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.