HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD IN THE LAST PART OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

As we come back from the Semana Santa / Easter Break, we enter the last part of the school year. There is still much to do, and we will all be very busy. The warm weather that is characteristic of this time of the year can be distracting, but year-end learning is critical. With three smart tips, parents can help children wrap the grade with an academic edge.

1. Reassess the requirements - meet with the teacher to see what work remains to be done. Clear up confusion over missing grades and incomplete past-due work, even if there’s a penalty. Later learning builds on early lessons, and all course concepts may be covered on final exams.

2. Make a plan - check your child’s notebooks and folders to stay on top of things. Reorganize. Put notes in order. Get a bigger notebook if needed. Stock up on pencils, erasers, paper, printer ink or any other school supplies that are needed.  Organize homework time. Experts recommend students focus on a task for no more than 45 minutes before taking a break – younger learners need even shorter sessions. Downtime allows the brain to consolidate learning and re-energize.

 

3. Ease anxiety - Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and sustain energy with nutritious food. Start children off with a protein-packed breakfast and plan healthy snacks every two or three hours throughout the day. Brain work burns fuel. Remind your child of his/her strengths. Boost their self-confidence. Star students use their academic talents to overcome (or compensate for) weaknesses.

Now is the time to take and deep breath and remember: help your children finish this school year strong!