6 Ways To Keep Your Kids Engaged At The End of The School Year
photo from teachstarter.com
The days are getting longer and the weather has begun to warm up. It’s only natural for kids to feel the itch to enter vacation mode as they countdown the last days of the school year. Some parents find that their kids are ready to check-out and need a solution to bring them to the finish line. Parents, look no further, we’ve rounded up 6 ways for you to keep your child focused and motivated until the last day of school.
1. Create a countdown calendar.
For all the visual learners out there, writing on a physical calendar engages your child to stay focused for all their school tests, assignments, and responsibilities. You can mark down important dates for each class or subject so there is both accountability and a reminder of what’s to come. Countdown calendars can also include all of the fun events during the last month of school (class parties, weekend playdates, events). Giving your child ownership to mark down the days and stay on top of the calendar gives them mental focus and drive to see through the remaining days of school.
2. Maintain a routine.
Although the sun is staying out longer, it may be tempting to stay up later and push back your normal routine. As the day winds down, remember to incorporate your daily routine with your child to help them unwind for the day. Kids can hold in a lot of stress and need a release from school work, studying, and classes. Keeping a consistent schedule, especially their bedtime, allows them the proper amount of rest they need in order to be physically and mentally rejuvenated. Focus in the classroom is disrupted when kids are hungry or tired. So make a point to keep your family mealtimes, snacks, etc. to help your child bring their best.
3. Get outside.
Rather than being a stickler and forcing your kids to stay glued to their desk all day long, let them have short breaks! Encourage them to go outside for a quick walk outside, or squeeze in a short swim in the pool before starting homework. Check out ways to let your child explore outdoors.
Brain breaks are just as important as studying, it also helps kids refocus and maintain their motivation. A little fun never hurt anyone, so take advantage of the sun! Next time allow your child to get a change of scenery in the backyard while they work on solving math equations. Not only will they get vitamin D, but they also get to finish their homework, win-win.
4. Ask questions.
Set aside time to talk to your child about school everyday. This can be brief and casual, but intentionality is key. Often, kids will brush off questions like, “how was school today?” with an abrupt “fine”. However, asking specific questions that require open-ended responses, instead of a “yes” or a “no” helps engage your child in conversation. By setting aside time to ask a few questions each day, you’re showing your child that you care and you’re here to support them. It also adds a layer of accountability as you check-in on them daily.
5. Incorporate incentives.
While the general belief is that it’s better to encourage children to find intrinsic motivation when it comes to school achievement, extrinsic motivators can be helpful too. In this case, incorporating appropriate rewards can encourage children who need help with that final push to the end of the school year. Sometimes kids are just flat out worn out and incorporating mini rewards can help power kids through. You can add in a mid-day treat to break up their day or a fun trip to their favorite place after an exam. Knowing they have a reward waiting for them can help them strive towards finishing their assignments or working on projects and other school work.
Check out these fun and easy brain break ideas!
6. Prepare for exams.
Older grade students typically have final exams or projects that are due at the end of the year. For many kids this can be daunting with the pressure of a big test or project that will affect their grade in class. Parents can help alleviate some of this pressure by checking in with your child and their teacher on what needs to be done to prepare.
Check out these 5 highly effective study habits.
Helping your child get organized could be the first step. Make sure they have their ducks lined up: notes, study guides, instructions. Have them be proactive and ask their teacher for test prep materials if they don’t have them.
If your child is struggling in a particular subject, hire a tutor for extra help or encourage them to stay after school for help with the teacher. Parents can also be their study buddy and do review questions with them at home.
The end of the school year is an exciting time, but sometimes also an overwhelming time. We hope these tips will help you foster motivation and encouragement in your child to finish off the school year strong!
You May Also Like:
How Parents Can Prepare for the End of the School Year
Overcoming the Mid-Year Slump
Sources:
https://blog.edmentum.com/5-parent-tips-keep-children-engaged-end-school-year
