Setting Up for a Strong Finish
Spring hasn’t quite yet sprung, but is beginning to, well, spring. And that means we are swiftly coming up on midterm exams and heading into the second half of the school year. What better time, then, to re-evaluate study habits and tweak strategies that aren’t working?
Honest Evaluation
The definition of insanity is said to be trying the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Sometimes we get overly invested in go-to strategies. You know what we’re talking about. Do your homework right after school. Use a planner to keep track of assignments. Check in with your teacher to review that test you failed and see where you can do better next time. All of these are valid, tried and true strategies for academic success. And yet, not all of them will yield results for every child. If your child has been doing what they “should” and it doesn’t seem to be helping, spring is a perfect time to re-examine and reset.
Homework
Is homework not getting finished, or not getting turned in, despite having a set homework time and using a planner? It may be time to change things up for the second half of the school year. Getting homework out of the way right after school works for some children. Others need a break to decompress first. Just like preferential seating in class doesn’t always mean sitting in front of the room, but rather sitting where the child learns best, homework time should also align with when your child has the energy and perseverance to best perform. Or maybe it means an hour on and an hour off throughout the evening. It could be that the physical area where your child is doing their homework is too distracting and needs to be organized and consistent. The point is, if it isn’t working then it isn’t the right strategy.
The same goes for the use of a planner. While it’s a great organizational tool, it isn’t so effective if your child isn’t writing things down in it or remembering to check it. Rather than force an issue that isn’t a good fit for their learning style, don’t be afraid to explore technology and other options for keeping a calendar or keeping track of assignments. Whether it’s visual, auditory or kinetic – there’s likely an app for that.
Tests
Checking in with the teacher after a disappointing test grade is a great strategy, not to mention a good way to self-advocate. But it doesn’t do a lot for the grade. If your child has developed this essential skill, that’s wonderful. If they are still performing poorly on tests, it’s time to kick things up a notch. Rather than waiting until after the test, have them schedule some time with the teacher prior to the exam – not just to ask questions, but to check that their understanding of the material is accurate. Oftentimes, it’s when you “don’t know what you don’t know” that a poor grade takes you completely by surprise.
Spring is a time for renewal, and a great time to review and renew strategies for a strong finish to the school year.