5 Tips to a Strong Fourth Quarter Finish

​With the fourth quarter beginning and spring getting into full swing, many students and families begin to think about the end of the school year. High school seniors aren't the only ones who experience "senioritis".  Elementary school students can also begin to shut down and dial back their efforts towards the end of the school year.  Here are a few tips to help your student finish the school year strong.
 
Get Organized
It’s time to take stock of end-of-the year assignments and to see what is due and when. Help your student make a schedule to stay on top of term papers, tests and reading assignments.  At this time of year, binders can become full and cumbersome. Desks and lockers can be cluttered with old projects and notes, creating an organizational nightmare. Help your student go through his or her workspace, binders, and notebooks, clearing out information that is no longer needed. Organize current files and projects and then create an end-of-the-year timetable and set milestones for class work and commitments. This de-cluttering effort will help your child stay focused and more productive.
 
Continue Reinforcing Routines
This is an important time of year to hold strong with family routines including time for studying, recreation, family meals and sleep. Children thrive on consistency and definitive boundaries and they find comfort in knowing the expectations and routines of the family.
 
Incorporate Play into Your Day
Even as adults, sunny days make it tempting to take a little longer lunch break or cut out of work just a little early.  However, as a kid, staring out the window or daydreaming about recess won’t get them anywhere.  Make sure your students get the outdoor time they need after the bell rings.  Ensuring they get their daily dose of fun in the sun after school means that they won't feel like they're missing out as much between 9 to 3.
 
Keep a Family Calendar
Springtime can be a very busy time of year with testing, sports and extracurricular activities, not to mention the distractions of the warmer weather.  Kids, as well as adults, have a hard time remembering everything that they have to do.  A family calendar can be a great way to keep everyone on the same page with schedules, practices and upcoming assignments.
 
Find Excitement in Every Day
Rather than viewing this phase as the "final countdown," continue to encourage enthusiasm in each and every day. Whether it's anticipation over a field trip, a surprise note in their lunchbox, or a classmate's birthday, make sure that they have something to look forward to every day as they head off to school.