Keeping Your Child on Track: Effective Strategies for Parental Support in the Home Stretch of the School Year

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As the end of the school year approaches, many students and families can start feeling burnt out and anxious. The promise of summer vacation is so tantalizing that it can be difficult to focus on finishing the year well. However, it’s essential to remember that the final months of school are just as important as the rest of the year. With a little effort and guidance, students can finish the year strong and set themselves up for success in the future.

Here are five tips for helping students succeed as the school year comes to an end:

1. Help students get (re)organized: Organization is a crucial skill that many students struggle with. Take some time to ensure that your child’s backpack and homework area are still organized and functional. Check that all necessary school supplies are remain in usable condition. (My son’s two pocket folders are destroyed!) If your child is having trouble maintaining an organizational system, teach them how to do it effectively. Remember, this is a skill that’s learned over time, and you’ll likely have to re-teach it frequently before it fully sinks in.
2. Keep open lines of communication with teachers: For younger students, it’s essential to reach out to their teachers early on in the year. Set a meeting for a time when the teacher can sit and focus on your child’s needs with you. For middle school and high school students, encourage them to start conversations with their teachers themselves. Teachers appreciate students taking responsibility for their progress, and they’ll be more likely to help when they see students being proactive about their grades.
3. Engage in learning activities as a family: Learning doesn’t have to be boring. Spend time reading together, pick up books from the library and designate a family reading hour with calming music and cozy beverages. Play games that require math or logic, like card games or board games. Parents’ attitudes towards learning and school are contagious, so make sure to speak positively about education.
4. Ask for help if needed: If your child is struggling, ask at school what supports are available. Many school districts offer free online tutoring, after-school homework help, and extra time with teachers. Take advantage of these options while there is still time for catching up.
5. Engage in conversation about school: Regularly ask your child about what they’re learning at school. Ask about their toughest subject and the most interesting one. Inquire about any upcoming school activities they’re looking forward to or any funny stories they want to share. Actively engaging in their education is one of the most significant determining factors in their future academic success.

Helping students succeed in school requires sustained effort and guidance, which is as much a feat for parents as it is for students! Parenting is a tough job, and supporting your child’s education is no exception. Remember that you are doing a great job by caring enough to support your child’s academic success. It’s not always easy, but your efforts make a significant difference in your child’s future. Keep up the good work!

Author’s Note: As a freelance blogger for FresYes.com, I greatly enjoy providing local folks with articles that highlight awesome places, people, and events in the Fresno area. It’s a joy for me to do this, and have been at it for many years now. In addition to writing for FresYes, I am the founder and CEO of a local non-profit that specializes in Parent Support & Education for families with students in grades PreK through 12th grade. Parenting & Education are my wheelhouse, and I have worked in the field for more than two decades.

Today’s blog touches on a topic that many local families are bringing up in the classes we hold around the Valley. Seeing the frequency at which this question is being asked, I thought it would be valuable to FresYes readers to pass along my best tips as well. I hope you find this helpful! Additionally, if you’d like to check out any of our organization’s free, fun, & relevant parent or family classes, please do join us! Click here for more information. -Natali Carrera, FresYes Featured Blog Writer & CEO of Success Together, Inc.