Halftime Adjustments: Support Your Child’s School Success!
Last week we started a “halftime” speech to encourage champions of children to make the next few months of the school year their best yet! Whether your learner came into the halfway point up by 28, or down by 28 (or anywhere in between), these tips will be useful.
In our last blog, we talked about the brief relief that parents, caregivers, students and school staff experience over the winter break. We also noted that for many folks, as the break concludes, those old familiar fears and frustrations about their learner’s education return. If you missed our last post, take a few minutes to check it out!
Today, we’re offering strategies that you can use to help develop a gameplan to successfully tackle the rest of the year! So…pull out your self-reflection notes/voice memo/video from last week, because you’ll need them to make your plan of attack for the second semester!
If you realized you had a hard time getting the additional information / input that you needed to answer those questions, we’ve got your back!
Armed with all this information and self-reflection, while taking into account your learner’s input (wherever appropriate)…it’s time to develop goals and plans to make it happen!
So as you develop your goal for the next half, ask yourself:
“What are our realistic expectations for your learner between now and Summer?”
“What supports do they need for success?”
Use the SMART Goal format (if you’re not sure what this is, check out this article)
As you and your learner develop your SMART Goal(s), consider these points:
1) Reassess & Refine: Schedule an intentional conversation with your learner and/or school team (plan ways to make it more comfortable for all involved – e.g., timing, location, verbal and nonverbal communication tone, minimal distractions, etc.)
a) Discuss goals, roadblocks, and learning styles.
b) Adjust routines or study methods if needed.
c) Celebrate achievements and address challenges together.
2) Rekindle Motivation: Connect their interests and passions to their studies! Show how skills learned in math apply to building that robot, etc.
3) Rebuild Momentum: Tackle tough subjects head-on.
a) Partner with teachers for extra help, form study groups, or explore online resources.
b) Encourage daily practice habits for consistent progress.
4) Rethink Rewards: Reward effort rather than results (e.g., grades).
a) Celebrate the journey alongside results. Your positive words and belief in their potential are the most powerful tools you have! Other rewards include: Movie night for mastering a concept, game time for completing homework early, etc. (If your learner doesn’t like the reward, it’s not a very effective reward…Get their input!).
5) Refuel the Body & Mind: Model and encourage healthy sleep, nutritious meals, and regular exercise!
6) Open Communication Channels: Schedule regular meetings with teachers.
a) Be proactive! Don't wait for concerns to arise.
b) Share your observations and ask questions – you're both on the same side.
7) Be an Active Listener: Pay close attention to teachers' feedback and suggestions.
a) Try to understand their perspective (ask questions in a kind and respectful way to help you understand) and find ways to work together for your child’s benefit!
8) Advocate for Your Child: If you have concerns about learning gaps or specific needs, share them calmly and constructively.
a) Advocate for appropriate interventions or accommodations – knowledge is power.
9) Champion Classroom Engagement: Ask about volunteer opportunities (these strengthen your connection with the learning environment and their teachers). Check out our blog for tips for effective collaboration with school staff!
Remember, the second half of the school year can be the strongest!
With self-reflection, thoughtful planning, open communication, and a narrowed-focus on realistic expectations, your child can successfully tackle their school year!
Best,
Evan Gallena, Ed.S., NCSP
Founder & Lead-Consultant: GPS Education Consulting L.L.C.
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Together, as one… Navigating the path to school success!
