Parents, are you prepared for those last, hectic weeks of school? As school winds down, end-of-the-year events — from field trips, and music recitals to athletic banquets — clog the calendar. I can guarantee this last month of school will fly by and SUMMER will be here to shake things up! This is when daily routines change, and it’s easy to start letting little things slip through the cracks. And, eventually, those little things add up to big headaches. With a little bit of organization and planning, parents can make the transition into the summer break as smooth as possible. Follow along as I provide end-of-the-school-year organization tips and must-dos to prepare for summer break so you and your family can enjoy every moment.
End-of-Year Paperwork
Soon enough your kiddos will be walking into your home with backpacks filled to the brim with end-of-school paperwork, artwork, projects, and more! Emptying out those backpacks can be a daunting task, so just take it one step at a time.
Recycle and trash: Recycle everything that you can! Be sure to pull staples off any paperwork first. Trash anything you can’t recycle: broken pencils, crayon bits, laminated papers, etc.
Sort and Purge: Sort through and make decisions on what school items to keep and what items should be discarded as soon as possible after school is done for the year. Doing so provides a bit of closure from one year of school to the next. I also encourage you to have the kids participate in the process so they can learn by being actively involved.
Create a filing system: Creating a filing system is a great way to keep all of your child's school paperwork organized. This could be as simple as using a file folder for each school year, or you could create a more detailed system with folders for each subject, activity, or event. Make sure to label each folder clearly so you know exactly what's inside.
Use a binder: If you prefer to keep everything in one place, a binder can be a great option. You can use dividers to separate different types of documents and add plastic sheet protectors to keep important papers safe from damage. This is also a great way to keep track of any forms that need to be filled out or signed.
Go digital: Another option is to digitize your child's school paperwork through a smartphone app. This can be a great way to keep everything in one place and easily accessible. You can create a folder on your computer or in the cloud for each school year or category, and make sure to label each document clearly. A great option is The Class Keeper app. The Class Keeper app helps you safely keep all the best childhood memories as they are happening or pulled from years past. It’s your private placeholder for unlimited photos and stories.
Keep Kids Learning
Summer break can be a fun and relaxing time for kids, but it's important to keep their minds engaged and active during these months to prevent the "summer slide" and ensure a smooth transition back into the school year in the fall.
To prepare for keeping your children learning through the summer months, you can start by creating a summer learning plan that includes a mix of academic and non-academic activities. This could involve signing your child up for a summer reading program at the library, enrolling them in a summer camp or class focused on a specific subject, or even just setting aside time each day for independent reading or writing.
It's also helpful to create a dedicated learning space at home, whether it's a small corner of a room or a designated area in your backyard, to encourage your child to stay focused and engaged. Additionally, try to make learning fun and interactive by incorporating games, puzzles, and hands-on activities into your child's routine. Finally, don't forget to incorporate physical activity and outdoor time into your child's daily routine, as this can help boost their overall well-being and promote a healthy balance between learning and play. By taking a proactive approach to summer learning, you can help your child stay engaged, motivated, and ready to tackle the challenges of the new school year.
Here's a PRO-TIP....utilize those empty pages from their school workbooks that they didn't get to during the school year.
How To Get Organized This Summer
One of the most common challenges I hear from my clients during the summer months is how to stay organized while the kids are home. With school out, it can be difficult to maintain a structured routine and keep your home tidy with little ones running around. But don't worry! I will share with you a few simple tips and tricks, to stay organized so you can enjoy a stress-free summer with your family.
Go Through Summer Toys: Before life gets really busy, go through your garage, shed, or mudroom and make sure all your summer toys are in good shape to use for the summer. Purge any broken toys and donate all the outgrown toys. Make sure you have enough storage for all the summer toys. These items can overtake the garage pretty quickly. Give every item a place to belong.
Organize Outdoor Equipment: With warmer weather comes more time spent outside, which means more outdoor equipment cluttering up your space. Invest in storage solutions such as hooks, shelves, and bins to keep everything organized and easily accessible. You can also maximize your storage by utilizing vertical space in your home. Hang shelves or install a pegboard in your garage or mudroom to keep items off the ground and out of the way.
The Crafts: When the weather is nice, you know you will want to take full advantage when it comes to arts and crafts. Everything from chalk to paint is more fun outside anyway, especially when it means that your kiddos can let their creative juices flow without the worry of making a mess inside the house. Set up a crafting system outside where it is easily accessible for your children to grab and go their items.
Stock Up on Summer Essentials: Organize your home for summer by making room for summer essentials. Now is a great time to stock up on sunscreen, aloe vera, bug repellent, and first aid supplies. Do you have enough beach towels? Life jackets for everyone? Swimsuits? Not only do you want to have these things on hand before summer is in full swing, but you want to have a place to put them.
Create a Summer Schedule: It's important to have a schedule in place to help everyone stay on track and establish a sense of routine. Set specific times for activities such as meals, outdoor play, and indoor activities. This will help keep everyone accountable and prevent boredom.
Make Time for Summer Fun
Summer is a wonderful time to relax, explore, and make unforgettable memories. However, with so many possibilities and activities to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed and lose track of what you want to accomplish during the season. This is where being organized and creating a summer bucket list comes in handy. By taking the time to plan out your goals and desires for the summer, you can ensure that you make the most of your time off. Start by brainstorming activities your family has always wanted to do, places you've been wanting to visit, and goals you'd like to achieve. By being organized and intentional with your summer plans, you'll be able to make the most of the season and create lasting memories that you'll cherish for years to come.
Feel free to use the below Summer Bucket List to create your family's goals for the summer and keep it in a visible location, such as on a bulletin board or fridge, where everyone can see it and keep track of the items they still need to accomplish and be able to cross off the completed activities.
In Closing
Getting organized for the summer break is essential for a fun and stress-free summer with your family. By incorporating the above tips and tricks you can stay on top of things and make the most of your summer break. Remember that getting organized doesn't have to be overwhelming or complicated - start small and work your way up. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can enjoy a summer filled with amazing memories and quality time with your loved ones.
Happy summer!
Want to learn more about Simplifying & Organizing with Kids?
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the kid clutter in your home? Guess what...you are in luck! A NEW parenting tool is now available! The Simplifying & Organizing with Kids digital course will give you back your time, your energy, and your space, and allow you the freedom to enjoy the more important things in life like experiences and quality time with your kids.
Click the button below to get started today!
