As the back-to-school excitement fades and routines settle into place, it’s easy for your child’s initial burst of motivation to fade. But keeping that enthusiasm alive throughout the school year is crucial for their success, and well-being! By staying engaged and offering the right support, you can help your child stay focused and motivated at school, even after the novelty wears off.
From setting clear goals to creating a positive study environment, there are simple strategies you can use to keep their interest in learning alive and thriving. Here are some tips to ensure their motivation remains strong long after the first day of school.
Communicate with your child’s teacher
If your school hosts an open house, movie night or other special event, make an effort to attend as a family. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and find out their communication preference, so you can stay in contact during the school year. Establishing a strong line of communication with the teacher is crucial for staying informed about your child’s progress. This can help you better support your child’s learning both at school and at home.
Don’t rush home after school
The more positive experiences your child has in and around school, the more they will view it as an enjoyable place. If your schedule allows, let your child linger outside at the end of the school day to use the playground, shoot hoops, ride scooters, or visit with friends.
Encourage Your Kids to Join a School Club
These days, intramural sports and chess club aren’t the only options — there are student groups focusing on everything from mindfulness to Dungeons and Dragons. Check the school’s website, newsletter or social media feed to find out what’s happening. Joining (or starting) a club will build anticipation and connect your child with like-minded peers.
Ask Open-ended Questions About School.
Inquire about your child’s school day with open-ended questions that can’t easily be answered with “yes” or “no”. Many teachers have websites, blogs or classroom-specific social media accounts that can provide conversation starters, such as the book they’re reading in class or this week’s Science topic.
Bump up Bedtime.
A cranky, under-motivated kid is likely a tired one. Be vigilant about their sleep routine and adopt the “it’s a school night” approach whenever possible. The extra shut-eye will help reduce morning wake-up battles and make the whole day go smoother.
Rediscover Reading.
Your child’s imagination may be sparked by a great author, a funny graphic novel or an entertaining book series. Take a welcoming approach to anything your child seems keen to read — including slightly goofy series like Captain Underpants, Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and The Bad Guys. If you’re not sure where to start, ask the school’s librarian or visit your local public library for age-appropriate recommendations.
Book a Playdate with a School Friend.
The notion of seeing a favorite friend at school can provide a much-needed boost on a weekday morning. In the schoolyard, keep your eyes peeled for the parent of the student your child frequently mentions as a desk partner or recess pal. Introduce yourself and propose getting the kids together sometime.
Upgrade Their School Supplies.
Keep an eye out for school supplies that are now on clearance with marked-down prices. A fun notebook, a set of gel pens, or a cool lunch bag could be just the thing to lift your child’s spirits. If they’ve run out of labels for their belongings, maybe it’s time for a new set of Mabel’s Labels School Labels, personalized with the icon of their choice.
Spice up Their Lunch.
Choose some different lunchbox snacks to add some zip to the usual rotation. Splurge on watermelon or berries to add a splash of nutritious color. Have your child do an online search for a new muffin or cookie recipe. Or, write them a classic smiley-face note, either on paper or using our Wash-Away Lunchbox Notes.
Seek Help if Needed.
Some minor moaning and groaning about school is one thing, but if you notice significant changes in your child’s behavior or willingness to attend school, set up a meeting with the teacher or school counsellor. They may have further insights and resources for additional support.
At times, the school year can feel like a grind for you and your child, so take things one day at a time. With a little creativity, you can keep the positive momentum going. For more tips and ideas, check out our post about winding down after school.
