As we move into the remainder of the school year, it's a great time to reflect, re-energize and set goals to help your child finish strong!

Here are 5 tips to ensure that the second half of the school year is more productive, constructive, and full of growth for your student.

Tip # 1 Create Goals Together Winter break is a great time to take a look at the previous half of the school year and reflect. Use this time to sit down with your child and set goals for the remainder of the school year. Those goals should be realistic and based on their previous academic and behavioral performance. Students should also reflect on what went well and what didn’t over the past few months. Set 2-3 academic and behavioral goals (Remember that behavior can be things like time management). Once the school year resumes, check in every other month to see where your student is with their goals.

Tip # 2 Create a Routine Use this time to think about the routines that have already been established. Think about some new routines. What are some activities or that you and your child can start over the break to get prepared for the rest of the school year. Those routines can be anything from waking up at a certain time or reading before bed. Some experts say it takes about three weeks to build a habit. Winter break is 2 weeks, then you’re almost there.

Tip # 3 Get a Head Start on Upcoming Topics If possible,ask your child’s teacher for an overview of what's going to be covered in the first few weeks after winter break. Use that information to get a head start on studying for what’s to come.

Tip # 4 Establish an Interactive Reading Time We’ve all heard it before but it’s still true. The more you read, the better you get. Children can be great readers if they’re encouraged to do so. You can encourage them by creating an interactive story time. Reading together is a great activity that sparks conversation, critical thinking, improves your child's comprehension and fluency. Ask your child questions about the story. Point out different characters and themes that can relate to their experiences. Read stories that you enjoy as well. The more fun you have with story time, the more your child will enjoy it and view reading as an enjoyable experience.

Tip # 5 Cook a Meal Together Whether it’s baking cookies or helping out with dinner, cooking is a great hobby that can also be a great educational learning experience. When we cook new things, we often follow recipes which incorporate different ingredients. Using those ingredients mean understanding proportions and measurements, all of which can be turned into a math lesson that we all can eat.

These 5 tips can help prepare you and your child for the upcoming second quarter. If you try any of them, let us know what your experience was. We love hearing from you.

Happy Holidays

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5 Tips to Help Your Child Get A Head Start After Winter Break!