With the school year drawing to a close, your home may be one of many affected by senioritis. Senioritis can be detrimental to a student’s grades, but it is curable. Here are seven ways that you can help your student conquer senioritis this spring.
1. Visit her future college
By late April, your student has probably chosen the school she’ll attend in the fall. If her interest in high school academics begins to fade, a brief visit to her future home may offer your child a fresh sense of motivation. Stroll the campus or take in a sporting event, and remind her that her effort now will lead her to her ultimate goal (i.e. college).
2. Set short-term objectives
If a campus visit is ineffective or unfeasible, help your student set a series of short-term goals. Given the impending changes in her life, your child may be focused on graduation or freshman orientation, which are still months away. Creating short-term goals with your student (for example, “Write first draft of English essay by Friday”) can assist her in prioritizing her immediate responsibilities.
3. Display said objectives
Our society grows busier each day, and our intentions can easily slip our minds. To ensure that your child doesn’t forget her short-term goals, display them prominently in the kitchen, living room or another communal spot in your home. By doing so, your entire family can encourage your student to remain on task and on schedule.
4. Incentivize her progress
All individuals, regardless of age, can benefit from incentives. As your child meets her objectives, reward her focus and progress. The most effective incentive will depend on your student, but options range from dinner at a favorite restaurant to a weekend away with one or both parents. Speak to your child about what types of rewards she might like best.
5. Enroll in a class
Yes, enroll your student in another class, but enroll yourself in it, too. Choose a course that interests your child and is not offered at her high school (for instance, you might take an art class together at your local community center). This can reinvigorate your student’s passion for learning, which may just transfer to her traditional coursework.
6. Exercise together
Physical activity can do wonders for a person’s interest and motivation levels. It can also reduce stress. Invite your child on a bike ride or a hike, or challenge her to an ongoing fitness competition (such as who can walk the most steps each day). As with the above strategy, the key here is to exercise with (and thus support) your student.
7. Share your own experiences
We have all lost interest in school, work, or a similar activity at one time or another. Many of us have even experienced senioritis ourselves. If you sense that your student is struggling, take a moment to share your story with her, as well as how you overcame the situation. You may be surprised by just how effective your words can be!
For more tips and strategies to help your student succeed in school, visit varsitytutors.com.
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