With spring in full swing, many students and families begin to think about the end of the school year. High school seniors aren't the only ones who experience "senioritis" or the "end-of-the-school-year-blues." Elementary school students can begin to shut down and dial back their efforts towards the end of the school year.
It's important to help our children finish the school year strong. I want to raise responsible learners who don't quit and are able to work hard despite distractions. Here are some tips to help your elementary school students continue to put forth their best effort until that last school bell rings.
Gear Check
After months of hard work and lots of time spent in the classroom, many students are left with less-than-ideal supplies. Pencils no longer have erasers and crayons have been worn down to nubs. It's hard to do your best work when you don't have the right tools.
Help your children put forth their best effort up through the last day, by taking stock of their school supplies. A freshly sharpened pencil, a glue stick or two, and a new box of crayons can make a world of difference.
Lead by Example
Kids learn by example, and are quick to adopt our attitude. If your child hears you talking about how you wish it was summer, or how you can't wait for school to be over, he/she is likely to adopt that mindset. Avoid speaking negatively about school, homework, etc. in front of your child. It will be harder for your child to put forth his best effort if he thinks you don't care, don't like school, etc.
We like to tell our kids that every assignment is an opportunity to do their best. Encourage your kids to try their best, continue to set aside time to complete homework, and prioritize school attendance. Your positive attitude about school (even when it's sunny and almost time for vacation!) can help your children finish strong.
Stick to the Routine
When it's warm and light outside, it can be more difficult to enforce bedtime, but it's super important to help your child continue to get a good night's rest through the end of the school year. Stick to your child's regular bedtime and continue to make time for homework and at-home reading.
Help your child develop responsibility and perseverance by maintaining that good learners do what they need to do until the job is done. Sunny days and a looming summer vacation can't stop motivated and eager learners! Maintaining your school-year schedule will help reinforce these beliefs.
1-2 Reasonable and Reachable Goals
Goals are a great way to keep students motivated and on-task towards the end of a school year. Help your children select one or two small goals to accomplish before the end of the school year. The goals should be challenging but reachable. Some ideas include things like moving up a level in reading, memorizing their multiplication facts, having a certain number of positive behavior days, etc. Work with your kids to determine steps to take to work towards their goals and encourage practice at home.
How are you helping your children finish out the school year? Join the conversation and leave a comment on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page.
