Student Spring Fever
By Ann K. Dolin
Think of the last leg of a race. You’re exhausted, and you can see the end in sight. It is so tempting to slow down as student spring fever sets in and the motivation begins to dwindle. For kids, especially those with ADHD, the end of the third quarter and the entire fourth quarter feels a lot like this final leg.
Despite the fact that motivation naturally lessens in kids right before and after spring break, it’s the time of the year when they likely have the most on their plates. Cumulative exams, standardized testing, final projects, papers, and last-minute assignments: there is so much to get done!
Just like a race, the last quarter of the school year can completely impact the outcome. So how do you keep kids motivated when it seems like they’ve checked out?
We put together a few tips and strategies that parents can employ during the third and fourth quarters to keep kids motivated and finish the school year strong.
Plan Ahead
It’s after dinner and you’re finally relaxing. You’ve poured yourself a glass of wine or a hot cup of tea and have your feet back watching the newest episode of your favorite TV show. Your child with a look of sheer panic across her face. Her big science fair project is due tomorrow, and she completely forgot!
You jump up and together spend hours putting this thing together. You’re mad, tired, and annoyed at your child for her lack of planning. Planning ahead for a lot of kids is really tricky, which is why they often need help. So we recommend using one scheduled time a week, preferably a Saturday, to plan ahead for the upcoming week. Spend this time mapping out upcoming tests and projects.
Break every item into small chunks that you spread out throughout the week. For example, if you see that your daughter’s science fair project is due on Friday, you may have her break the project into small tasks that she can work on nightly to avoid last-minute chaos.
Sunday evenings are among the most requested times for our one-to-one tutoring and executive function coaching sessions because they help students set the tone for the upcoming week.
Visual Aides
One thing parents often tell me is they’ve become the parents they never wanted to be: nags. They say they feel like they have to give their child seventeen reminders before he actually does anything. It doesn’t feel good.
If you find yourself slipping into the nagging role, try implementing verbal reminders. This can be done by just placing sticky notes or checklists in your student’s study area or by the front door, where they are sure to see them.
For example, if your student is frequently forgetting his homework at home, put a note next to his desk that says “homework in the homework folder.” Students always respond more positively to visual reminders than verbal ones.
Keep Routines Consistent and Communicate
Students aren’t the only ones who lose steam as the school year comes to a close. Many times, parents themselves report checking out and not being as involved in their child’s academics. By the end of the year, many parents have loosened routines and decreased structure.
The routines that were set up at the beginning of the year, things like designated homework time or using a launching pad by the front door, have gone by the wayside. If you notice this happening, find one thing that worked well at the beginning of the school year. Try to focus on getting that one thing back in place. Consistent routines, all school year long, are really the biggest key to continual success.
Nix Long-Term Rewards
As you plan your summer activities, it may be tempting to tie your child’s academic performance to rewards during the summer, such as paying for grades. There’s definitely some merit in rewarding students for their grades, but the research tells us that when the reward is too far in the future or the task is too big (say getting all A’s), kids lose steam fast.
Instead of rewarding your child for grades or test scores, try offering smaller rewards for tasks that lead to those big results, like studying for the test or planning ahead for a big project. The reward doesn’t need to be an item like a toy or game but a privilege the student can attain in the near future, like going out with their friends on the weekend or an extra 30 minutes of video game time.
Leave Time for Play
Every kid is a little different, but most students need about a half-hour break after school before they get started on their homework. This is enough time for kids to grab a snack and relax a bit.
A lot of kids are tempted to hit the couch and zone out playing a video game during this time. There’s nothing wrong with a 30-minute video game session, but this might not be the best time for it. Instead, try to encourage some outdoor free play. Spring is a great time to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor exercise. In fact, a study published in the National Library of Medicine found that aerobic exercise for just 20 minutes before homework or learning can have the same positive impact on focus as a stimulant medication designed to treat ADHD.
Finish Strong
The fourth quarter is tough on students, teachers, and parents. There is so much to get done in such a short amount of time, and with summer just months away, it’s easy to lose focus and steam. But by implementing just a few of the tips mentioned, we promise you will see a real boost in motivation and, in turn, your child’s fourth-quarter grades.
If your child’s motivation is low and their grades are slipping, we can help them finish the school year strong and start the next school year with confidence. Learn how our virtual tutors and executive function coaches at ectutoring.com can help motivate your child and prevent student spring fever with a personalized learning plan and accountability partner—if needed. #