During the 2018-2019 school year, the Apex Leadership Company’s theme has been strong. That doesn’t just apply to physical strength… much strength comes from the mental standpoint. And when the school year is coming to a close, it can be tough for students (as well as teachers and parents!) to stay the course and finish the school year on a strong note. Apex offers the following tips to stay STRONG through the last school bell of the year!
Make a Challenge
It can be tempting to slack a little as the year comes to a close. Students may feel their current grades are “fine,” for end of year report cards. However, that little extra push can mean the difference between a high B and an A — so why not shoot for the stars? Or, in this case, the A’s! Parents and teachers should check in with their kids/students to make sure they are feeling confident with their academic performance and their grades — and even challenge them to see if they can push themselves a little further as the school comes to a close.
Set Some New Goals
It’s never too late to create some new goals and put them into motion as the end of the year looms near. Even if it doesn’t make a difference in the last report card grades, it can set students, teachers and parents up for healthy educational-focused habits over the summer and for the following year. For example, make a goal to set aside 20 or 30 minutes each day for some quiet reading time and to practice handwriting skills or math applications.
Get Outside
For students that have a tough time focusing, a change of scenery can make all the difference. With the beautiful spring weather in full effect, why not take a lesson outdoors or have the kids read or do homework outside once they get home from school? Some deep cleansing breaths of fresh air really can stimulate the brain and even boost students’ mood.
Encourage Students to Find their Own Refocusing Cues
Each student learns in his or her own way. So it’s important that each student finds his or her own cues to refocus when starting to stray from the lesson or task at hand. Breathing techniques are often used to help students re-center their focus. Sometimes getting up from the desk and stretching can also be a much-needed chance for students to move their bodies and get those wiggles out so they can return to the lesson with mental strength in check!
This is it, kids (and parents and teachers!) — it’s the end of the school year. So why not make the most of it? While having fun and celebrating the soon to be close of yet another grade level, now it as good a time as any to really put in that effort to finish the end of the year STRONG!
