By Lara Masri, Education Specialist
May—a month filled with both celebration and sentiment all around Jordan—is a bittersweet time not just for students, but for everyone who’s been part of their journey this academic year: teachers, parents and school staff alike.
At this time of year, both at schools and homes, emotions run high: there is excitement, anxiety, pride and even a bit of mental ‘checking out’ from students who are ready for the year to be over!
Overwhelmed, Excited & Mindful
In Jordan, and especially during this month, schools are in different phases—some students are sitting for external exams and preparing to graduate, often feeling overwhelmed, while younger students are still actively wrapping up a year filled with growth, stress and new experiences.
As adults, it is important that we stay mindful of what our students are experiencing at this time. So how can we help ease the weight off this final stretch and make their transition to university or a new grade as smooth and memorable as possible?
How can we shift the focus from pressure and stress to celebration and support, making the end of the year a positive and meaningful experience for everyone?
Tips to Ease the Transition
- Reinforcing that the final weeks of school matter. By encouraging students to complete assignments and attend class, you remind them that how they finish is just as important as how they started
2. Acknowledging their feelings of relief and joy at reaching the end of the school year. You can speak about what it means to celebrate responsibly and how to balance fun with responsibility.
Ask students about their feeling, what their plans are, and what concerns they have. This makes them feel that we, as adults, understand what they are going through
3.Giving students space to reflect on their academic journey—it is one of the most meaningful parts of the year for both the adults in their lives and for them too.
There is something powerful about pressing pause and asking them to look back: at what they have learned, how they have grown, the challenges they faced and the moments they are proud of.
Encourage them to think honestly about what went right, what didn’t and what they might have done differently. It’s not about judgment—it is about growth. These reflections open the door to deep, personal insight and they often surprise themselves with how much they have overcome or accomplished over the year!
4. Making the end of the year feel like theirs. Whether it is letting them choose how to demonstrate their learning, vote on a final class activity, or even design their own reflection projects—giving students a voice in how they wrap things up is incredibly empowering
Creating Memories
Remember; it is in these final weeks that some of the most lasting memories and lessons are made—not from textbooks, but from connection, reflection and celebration.
As a teacher who has been part of many children’s lives at school for the past three decades, the mix of feeling sad and happy is what makes my job so human and meaningful.
The satisfaction I feel seeing them grow, move forward and become who they’re meant to be… is a beautiful kind of bittersweet I will always cherish.
You can contact Lara Masri at [email protected]
