That’s a Wrap

It’s finally May, and you can almost smell the chlorine filling the local pools. The grill is prepped, the amusement parks are open, and your kids are looking forward to a life of leisure for the foreseeable future.

Unfortunately, we aren’t there just yet.

It’s only natural that around this is the time of year parents, teachers and students start to take their foot off the gas pedal of learning—but that doesn’t mean it’s a great idea. How children finish their current school year will set the tone for summer months and the forthcoming academic year. If they’re given leeway to ease up and coast out of their grade, they are already at a disadvantage. Parents want to raise responsible learners who take their job seriously and don’t quit just because the end is near.

Here are a few tips to keep your kids engaged with their schooling, all the way to the first cannon ball of summer.

Set attainable goals

The imminence of summer freedom can make the work in front of your children seem insurmountable. Debilitating, even. They may find themselves struggling to focus and falling behind. Be proactive and review outstanding tasks due. Break work into small, weekly chunks that are more palatable than the entire thing all at once. Then celebrate each weekly win to give your children momentum to carry all the way through.

Pro tip: Don’t believe your children when they tell you they’re done with their work for the whole year and “nothing is happening.” They’re lying.

Keep reading in the mix

When school is over, one of the single best ways to ensure your kids retain what they’ve learned is to keep them reading. In the weeks leading up to the end of the year, hit up the library and start your children reading a chronological series (e.g., Harry Potter, The Boxcar Children, Percy Jackson, etc.). By the time summer starts, you’ll have finished the first book and they’ll be excited to start the next one. They won’t realize it, but you’re teeing them up to keep turning pages all the way through the summer.

End of year conferences

If you feel like it’s possible your child has fallen behind, it’s not too late. Schedule a meeting with the teacher and your child to talk realistically about what can be done before the final bell rings. Are there extra-credit opportunities or missing assignments that would bring that grade up just a few more points? Depending on your child’s age, consider letting him lead this meeting. It’ll be good practice for asking for help when he gets a job and is on his own. If kids are younger, feel free to drive the conversation with the teacher to get the most out of the time.

Dig deep for interests

Take a minute to focus on what is piquing your child’s interest at this time in her life. Is she super into dinosaurs? Find a nearby museum and offer to take her this weekend if she completes her science project early. Earning small rewards will keep your child engaged and motivated. Uncovering these interests can also help you carry learning into the summer months. Find local camps or activities based on those interests and get your child signed up!

Double check their tools

It’s the end of the year, and not only is your children’s patience waning, but their learning tools might be running low too. Check to make sure they have enough pens, sharpened pencils with full erasers, glue and paper. You might be surprised at how a brand new pencil not covered in teeth marks can make someone feel motivated. (It works for me!)

Give the backpack a quick glance as well. Who knows what Twix crumbs and permission slips you were supposed to have signed linger in that black abyss. A quick cleanout can help your child—and you—feel a boost of energy.

Keep getting Zzzz’s

The sun is staying out longer, and the temperatures are rising. This is not the time to allow bedtimes and homework to slip. Keep your school schedule on a strict loop all the way through to the last day. Those nights of recuperation are vital to your children’s staying focused and learning. Don’t do them a disservice by letting them miss out.

Be selective with extras

The final weeks of school are packed to the gills with activities, both at school and home. Spirit Week, Field Day, end-of-year celebrations, track and soccer competitions, birthday parties … the list is never-ending. These activities are meant to be fun, but coupled with the pressure of end-of-year exams, can be overwhelming. If your child doesn’t want to dress up like his favorite Disney character this Wednesday, let him skip it and wear what he wants. If you feel she’s getting burned out, skip the Saturday birthday party at the skating rink in exchange for a couple of days of relaxation.

Show them how

Let’s be honest—you’re excited for summer, too. No more dropping off and picking up and heading to soccer practice and arranging schedules to attend recitals. We parents find it so easy to slip into a lower gear and get complacent before that final bell rings. Be mindful of the words you’re saying around your child. Avoid negative phrases about the remainder of the year that allow your child to mimic your energy. Because, trust me, they’re listening.

Be healthier

Skip juices and soda at dinner. Drink a lot of water. Eat some vegetables. Maybe throw an apple in there, too. The end of the year is generally when fast food and quick meals start to appear more frequently. Do your best to prepare for the week ahead, so your children have the nutrition to stay in motion.

Quick End-of-Year Hacks

1. Clear out the closet – Get the long-sleeve shirts and sweaters into the winter bins. If your kids can easily find weather appropriate clothing, it will cut down on their stress.
2. Reduce screen time – They have all summer to be screen zombies. Turn the screens off by a scheduled time each night and stick to it. No exceptions.
3. Get outdoors – The weather has improved, so spend weekends and evenings after homework outside. The Vitamin D will do everyone good.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son.