School’s out: Here's what to keep & what to get rid of
Your kids will want the highlights, not every single assignment
These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of end-of-school-year activities and preparing for our annual trip back to the States to see family. It’s hard to believe summer is here!
One tradition I embrace at the start of summer break is going through all the kids’ schoolwork and supplies. They will be home a lot more in the next few months, and clearing the school clutter helps keep our space open and organized, and my mind more at ease. It's also a nice way to mark the end of the year mentally and set the tone for summer break.
If your kids are officially home for summer and you're feeling inspired to do the same, here’s a quick guide to help you decide what to keep and what to let go of:
What to keep
A few worksheets and notebook pages that showcase your child’s hard work
Writing and math samples from the beginning and end of the year to show their progress
Tests or assignments where they put in significant effort, showed improvement, or excelled
The cutest and most meaningful drawings and artwork
Report cards
Notes that may be helpful for future reference in more advanced courses (for older students)
School supplies that your child can reuse next year
What to let go of
Workbooks often lack personal flair and typically don't reflect your child’s creativity or personality. Appreciate the work and recycle them, or tear out a few noteworthy pages.
Blank worksheets or incomplete schoolwork
Similar worksheets, assignments, or notebook pages: A few samples are plenty!
Artwork that doesn’t hold special significance
Notes and handouts from subjects that your child won’t need in the future
Old planners or calendars
Pencils with no erasers, dried-up markers, broken 3-ring binders—you get the idea
If you find yourself unsure, prioritize items that truly reflect your child's growth and personality or bring you to tears. That’s what I do!
Twenty years from now, your kids won’t remember (or miss) what you didn’t keep. They’ll just be happy to have the highlights.
