The excitement of the holiday season is over. The first semester of school is complete. Maybe your children are not happy with how they performed during the first half of the year, or maybe they are just getting burnt out from all of the work. After all, the school year seems so long for kids. This is a perfect time to reflect upon how your children are doing academically and what you, as a parent, can do to help keep your children motivated for the remainder of the school year. Here are a few ideas:
- Most importantly, encourage your children to set or revisit realistic study goals. Reflect upon academic highlights so far and discuss what they hope to accomplish before the end of the year. You may even want to offer a positive incentive, such as a reward, if specific goals are met.
- Take the time to get reorganized. Replace binders, folders, and other supplies that are no longer in great shape and suggest decorating the materials using fun, warm-spirited themes. Add colorful pens and markers to your children’s supply pouches so they will be excited to use them.
- With the weather getting warmer here in Arizona, it is the perfect time to take homework outdoors. Fresh air and sunlight can do wonders! Find a quiet space at a park or in your yard. Let your children take small breaks in between assignments to toss around a ball or go for a short walk.
- Incorporate enjoyable activities into study time, like making matching games to study vocabulary, going for a hike to investigate plants and animals, playing hangman to practice spelling words, or creating math word problems that relate to your family’s life.
- Make homework a family activity. You can use the time to read the newspaper, catch up on emails, or pay bills. If the whole family is working quietly, the kids will not feel like they are missing out on anything. You can also plan something gratifying following homework time, like a make-your-own pizza night or a board game activity.
There are several months left in the school year, which is plenty of time for your children to make great academic strides. Keep the excitement and encouragement up!