The end of the school year brings with it final assessments, Christmas concerts, exhausted students, a break from routine, and holidays so close you can taste them. Term 4 can be a stressful time for everyone but spare a thought for our students with learning difficulties. On top of the daily battle our kids face in the classroom, the end of year madness can become quickly overwhelming. Don’t drag yourself across the finish line this year. We are excited to share some sanity-saving tips for making it through those tough last weeks.

Keep things in perspective

Here at Learnersaurus, we know all too well the exhaustion that washes over our students by the time term four rolls around. Towards the end of the year, it’s not uncommon for literacy progress to stall with our exhausted learners. As a parent, we implore you. Don’t beat yourself up if learning slows down or reading levels stagnate. Keep things in perspective, and don’t invest too much emotional energy into things outside of your control. The more important questions to ask are:

1. Was your child in a supportive learning environment this year?

2. Are you happy with your child’s progress throughout the year?

If you’ve reached the end of the year and the answer to these questions is no, take a deep breath and keep reading. 

Some children need 1-1 help

Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or battle-weary, it’s crucial to reflect on these questions. If this year has raised concerns about your child’s progress with literacy, they may need an evidence-based approach to bring up those skills. The Learnersaurus program is a 1-1, structured literacy program for struggling students. Check out how Learnersaurus is changing lives. If you’d like to know more about these programs, get in touch with one of our literacy coaches.

Making it through those tough last weeks

At a time when daily structure often flies out the window, don’t underestimate the importance of routine. We know that routines foster a sense of responsibility and build healthy habits for our children. When the structure that kids count on at school veers off course, keeping a predictable routine at home can help kids to survive the chaos. The end of the year should also be a time to reflect and celebrate your child’s achievements - no matter how small. If your little learner turned heads in their Book Week costume or built a mind-blowing diorama, let them know how amazing it was.

What should I do during the holidays?

The holidays are a well-deserved chance to relax, recharge, and have some fun! It’s also a great opportunity away from the pressure of school to play literacy games and practise skills. You will thank us when back-to-school time rolls around. Find 10 minutes three times a week to keep those mental wheels turning. Try these multi-sensory resources and literacy games!

• Practise handwriting and alphabet knowledge with the 26 Letters Pack

• Getting started with 26 Letters is a free online course that packs a punch in only 15 minutes

• Master Vowels and Consonants with the LOL card game

• Help them forget they’re reading with the TRUGS card games

Remember:

• Keep things in perspective

• Keep some routine happening at home

• Reflect on the year and celebrate achievements

• Reach out for help from the Learnersaurus team (link to contact)

• Use games to keep minds active over the holidays

Share some of your wisdom for surviving the end of the school year on our Facebook or Instagram pages. If there’s something you’d really like us to write about get in touch.

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~ Written by Emily, Learnersaurus Coach at Speld QLD