说再见
This post originally appeared in Dr. 瑞秋一. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on May 9, 2023. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe. Please note, some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and pay for a product, Samara Early Learning will be compensated at no cost to you.
As the end of the school year is approaching, 孩子们, 家庭, and teachers will be saying goodbye to routines and communities they’re accustomed to and starting anew.
Transitioning to a new school (or classroom or grade) is a big deal. Many feelings and memories come 与 saying goodbye to the adventures shared, 发现, and relationships built.
But one thing I struggle 与 this time of year, is when the catalogs start arriving selling cap and gown regalia to purchase…for preschoolers. When online forums start lighting up 与 discussions about graduation plans…for kindergarteners. No! 只是没有!
Graduation means “receiving or conferring of an academic degree or diploma.” 的re are no degrees or diplomas in early childhood. 没有一个. As such, there should be no graduations. Now, you may be thinking, “But, 瑞秋, this is a big step—they’re going to school!” Yes, transitioning to a new school (or classroom or grade) is a big deal. 让我们好好庆祝一下! Let’s 庆祝 the adventures shared, 发现, and relationships built. 的 key word here is “庆祝,” not “graduate.”
Celebrations can range in formality. Some keep it simple 与 a few gifts for the 孩子们 and their 家庭, such as a photo album of their year, 一个拥抱, 还有再见. Others might invite 家庭 for an open house on the last day for 孩子们 and 家庭 to spend time together. And other programs choose a more formal ceremony 与 things like crossing a bridge or wearing wings—both symbols of moving to the next step in the child’s life.
As Priya Parker, an expert on gathering, says:
“Ending your time together well is a crucial way to shape the feelings, 的想法, and memories you want your guests to take 与 them. Endings are a reminder of why you gathered in the first place, and give guests a chance to make sense of the time they spent together.——普丽娅·帕克
However you choose to handle this time of year, focus on moments of group connection and connection 与 the natural world, rather than logistics. Please be careful of the language used and messages being conveyed. 目标是 庆祝 the time together and wish each other well on the next adventure.
As you design your final activities and closing rituals consider: How are you marking the end of your time 与 孩子们? Are you helping to create meaning and memories of the year? I hope they 庆祝 the connections you’ve made and the experiences you’ve shared while acknowledging that everyone is moving on to something new.
Keep changing lives,
瑞秋
瑞秋一. Larimore, Ph值.D., Chief Visionary of Samara Learning
For more reflections on your year…
Transitional times are tough. On adults and 孩子们! Reflect on how your program handles those harder times 与 our Reflecting on Practice: 的 BIG Transitions 工作簿. This download is packed 与 practical tips and proven strategies to help 孩子们 and 家庭 feel safe and supported during this major change.
Transitions happen at both ends of our school years, so if you’re also 规划 for registration & the start of a new cohort of nature-lovers, try out our Reflecting on Practice: Welcoming Families 包! 有了这本练习本, you'll gain the confidence and skills you need to foster strong, positive connections 与 家庭 and set the 孩子们 up for success–even before they arrive for the first day.
