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How Parents Help Students Make The Most Of Winter Break

How Parents Help Students Make The Most Of Winter Break

Saturday, December 09, 2023

The second semester of a school year can be a stressful challenge for some students. Sometimes it can be really difficult to get back into school when your environment isn’t changing. Take a look at this blog to learn more about how you can help your child prepare for the next semester.

Helping Your Student Make The Most Of Winter Break

1) Avoid Too Much Screen Time During Break

It’s a great idea to encourage your child to avoid screen time over the break. Spending more time away from a computer and a desk will allow your child to really feel like they’re on break. 

Spending time participating in healthy hobbies like reading, playing outside, helping cook dinner, or anything else that doesn’t involve a screen is a great way for your child to have fun while they’re not sitting down in front of a screen.

2) Try To Do Activities Outside The House

One way to prepare for a great second semester is to relax and enjoy the time away from school. Including them in tasks they might not normally participate in, like running errands, visiting relatives, or doing special events during the holidays, is a fun way to enjoy the break. It could be something as small as walking the dog or getting the mail, but getting up and moving is a beneficial way to relax.

3) Try Changing Up Their Setup Before The New Semester

During the break, there will be extra time to clean up around the house, and this can include your child’s school setup. It could be the kitchen table, a desk in their bedroom, or even the couch. Talk with your child and ask them how they feel about their setup and what they would change. A change of setting is a great way for a fresh start!

Practicing organization for your child’s school setup is a great way to clear out distractions and promote responsibility for your child by encouraging them to keep a clean space. Make sure to include them in the decision to change the setup and ask them what’s working for them and what doesn’t.

4) Get Back Into Routine Before The Semester Starts

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the next semester is to practice getting back into routine during the last few days of winter break. Going to bed earlier, waking up earlier, and having a bit more of a structured schedule before school starts. Routine has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, so it’s always a good idea to practice this during the break.

Maybe do some planning for the upcoming weeks. You could go ahead and write down important academic dates, scheduled time for breaks, or anything else that your child will need to be mindful of when the new semester begins. You could even get a planner to help promote a positive routine! 

5) Talk To Your Child About How They’re Feeling

Talk about things they struggled with during the first semester and how they can change it. Talking to your child about how they feel going back to school is a crucial part of making them feel less stressed. Becoming a safe space for your child to vent about their worries, concerns, or positive feelings towards school is important for your child. 

You’ll want to ask them what their worries are about going back. It may be the homework, the due dates, or even a specific subject. Or, if your child doesn’t have any concerns, listen to what they enjoyed about the previous semester. 

You may want to talk with your child and maybe even your child’s teacher to work together to find a plan that will help your child tackle their academic challenges with confidence. 

6) Consider Making The Change To Online Education

If you’re reading this and realizing how beneficial online school could be for your child, Ignite Learning Academy is here to help answer your questions. Ignite Learning Academy is a mastery-based school, which means your child will never find themselves in a circumstance where they move forward in the curriculum without a solid grasp on the preceding skills. 

It is not uncommon for us to welcome new students at the start of the second semester. We would love to talk to you more about what makes our school the perfect solution for many students and families. 

More About Ignite Learning Academy

Ignite Learning Academy is an online private school created to address the unique learning needs of many children and families. Our students are able to structure their day to complete their schoolwork at a time that works for them, and they can accomplish this from any location with an internet connection!

ILA is a great fit for children who are bored in school, have been bullied, suffer from anxiety, have learning disabilities, are gifted, travel frequently, or simply need a new way to receive their K-12 education.

Our mission at Ignite Learning Academy is to:

  • Propel children’s curiosity for learning 
  • Inspire a passion for knowledge
  • Develop independent, inquiring minds and intellects
  • Commit to each child’s personalized learning so they can experience a safe social and emotional environment while gaining skills that prepare them for college and beyond

Contact us today to learn more about our online schooling options!