Getting to the finish line!

Do you wonder how you and your kids are going to make it to the end of the school year? This year probably feels like it will never end. But, I’m here to tell you that the end is in sight!

Maybe your kids are still going to school virtually. Or maybe they have transitioned back into the classroom. Either way, school has looked very different for the 2020-2021 school year. Staying focused for the remaining weeks will be difficult, but here are a few things that might help!

1. Keep a separate study space, or two!

It is so easy to do schoolwork in bed or on the couch, but having a separate study space is important. While at school your kids would be sitting at their desk, so why does it need to be any different at home? This separate space will help them stay focused and know the difference between time for schoolwork and time to play. This separate study space should have good lighting with a good hard surface and comfortable chair. No need to make an elaborate space, the kitchen table might even work!

2. Take breaks frequently.

With the warm weather rolling in it will be tempting to go outside and play. So, let them! Allowing kids to take several breaks throughout the day to run around, play basketball, play tag, or just sit in the sun is a good thing. These breaks will help them shorten their work time into smaller, more productive chunks. If it helps to schedule these breaks in ahead of time, do it! Making breaks a part of the school day might help the day go faster and help them stay focused when they are working. It might also help to incorporate snacks into these breaks. Often times we forget that our brain is an organ and needs to be fueled well to function at its best!

3. Write assignments down.

It can be very confusing to know what assignments are due and when they are due. Writing assignments down will help both you and your child keep track of all the different assignments and when they need to be completed. There are so many different ways to keep track of assignments these days! At the beginning of each week write down in a planner or on a white board when assignments are due. This will allow both you and your child to plan out the week ahead. And who doesn’t like writing on a white board and checking off a list?

4. Ask for help!

Encourage your kids to ask their teachers for help when they are struggling. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an attempt to learn more and improve! And, more times than not, someone in class is going to have that same question. As parents it is important to model this behavior, so don’t be afraid to tell your child when you don’t know the answer and work together to ask questions!

You have made it this far in the year and I have no doubt you will be able to make it to the finish line! Keep encouraging your kids and keep encouraging yourself, you’re working hard too.