Things You Can Do Midyear to Turn the School Year Around
The midpoint of the school year can be a pivotal moment for students and parents alike. If the first half didn’t go as planned or if there’s room for improvement, fear not – it’s never too late to turn things around. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of what’s left in the school year.
Strategies to Turn the School Year Around:
Reflect and Set Goals:
Before diving into changes, take a moment to reflect on the past semester. Identify strengths and weaknesses, and use this insight to set realistic goals for the remainder of the school year. Establish both short-term and long-term objectives to create a roadmap for success.
Good goals are tangible, achievable, and a part of the whole. You don’t want to jump straight to “Getting all A’s” as your goal for this year. Instead, start with something like:
- I’m going to study more
- I’ll try to have fewer missing assignments
- I’m going to keep my files, backpack, desk, etc. more organized
- Or something else small and tangible that can add up to achieving those larger goals.
Evaluate Time Management:
Help your child develop effective time management skills. Encourage them to use planners or digital tools to organize assignments, projects, and deadlines. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make studying more approachable and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
If your child struggles in this area, it’s likely due to weak executive functioning skills. Click here to learn more about what those are and how to strengthen them.
Rethink Study Habits:
If what you’ve been doing isn’t working, it’s time to try something new! Some of the best study habits include:
- Studying at 3 different times and in 3 different places before every test. It’s a myth that having a dedicated homework space produces better results. Instead, changing up your location builds different connections with the information you’re learning. It’s also critical to exercise recall by breaking down your studying into smaller chunks in the days leading up to a test.
- Studying actively. Just reviewing notes isn’t studying! Interact with the material in a way that creates a different output. For example, turn your notes into a mind map, a practice test, or an outline that shows mastery of the content.
- Get creative! Background music, fun scents, and other contextual changes can make your studying more effective. When you think of a song or smell that particular aroma, it’ll help with more efficient recall.
Establish Helpful Routines:
Consistency is key to academic success. Work with your child to establish a daily routine that includes dedicated study time, breaks, and a regular sleep schedule. Having a structured routine can help reduce stress and create a sense of predictability.
Evaluate Brain Skills That Contribute to Learning Struggles:
LearningRx focuses on targeting cognitive skills that are crucial for academic success. Consider digging deeper into key areas such as memory, attention, and processing speed to really find out WHY your child is struggling. This approach designed to create lasting improvements that can benefit students across various subjects (unlike tutoring which is very time-bound and focused on one particular subject).
Read more about the differences between brain training and tutoring as key interventions for your child.
Communication with Teachers:
Open lines of communication with your child’s teachers. Reach out to discuss any concerns or challenges your child may be facing. Teachers can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Collaborate with them to create a support system that benefits your child’s learning experience. If you’re not sure what questions to ask or what things to listen for, here’s a helpful starting point.
Encourage a Growth Mindset:
Foster a growth mindset in your child by emphasizing the importance of effort and resilience. Teach them that challenges are opportunities for growth, and setbacks are not failures but stepping stones toward success. A positive attitude can have a profound impact on academic performance.
If your family puts a large stock in final grades, it may be disheartening for your child when their effort doesn’t match the outcome. Instead, work together to create an environment in your home that values effort, learning from mistakes, and trying your best. If the results (like grades) don’t match this effort, then it may be time to dig a little deeper as a secondary step.
Read More: Does Your Child Need Accommodations or a Root Cause Approach?
Incorporate Fun into Learning:
Make learning enjoyable by incorporating fun and engaging activities. This can include educational games, interactive study sessions, or even field trips related to the subjects your child is studying. The more enjoyable the learning experience, the more likely your child is to stay motivated!
Ready to Take the First Step to Turn the School Year Around?
Start with a cognitive assessment that provides invaluable insights into things like:
- Your child’s cognitive profile & how these skills rank in relation to peers
- The reasons for struggles with math, science, spelling, reading, and so much more
- How learning struggles may be holding them back from achieving their greatest potential in other areas of life as well (like relationships and sports)
- And so much more!
