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Whether it’s winter break, spring break, or summer break- getting kids focused on school after any break can be a hassle for both parents and teachers alike. If you’re looking for ways to get your children ready to go back to school after the fun of the holidays, check out these tips from teachers on how to make it happen.
5 ways to get your kids refocused for school after the winter break
Give them fun work and a timer
Give your kids a fun craft to do, quietly, at the table and time it. Generally in school they will only have a certain amount of time to complete work, so setting a timer gets them used to doing tasks in an allotted amount of time. The fun work will make them want to do the craft in the time given, which helps to train their brains to work quickly, even while they’re having fun and don’t realize what you’re doing!
Make them write something daily
If your child doesn’t write anything during their entire break, they will start to lose their mental alertness. Have children write letters to friends, write notes to you, or even help with the grocery list. This will keep them writing without making them sit still and practice lines. Even if your child doesn’t like to write, encourage them to write at least 20 words a day, no matter the subject.
Keep them organized
Part of being in school is staying organized and keeping your desk clean. During the break, have kids make their beds daily and help with at least one chore each. It can be something as simple as feeding the dog, taking shoes to the proper bedrooms, or clearing the table, but getting them into the habit of being neat at home keeps them neat at school. Plus, it helps you out, too!
Quiz them through play
Do your kids drive you a bit nuts in the car? Welcome to parenthood! Instead of getting frustrated with the barrage of questions, challenge your kids to a game and see who wins- while you are keeping them educated. For younger kids, ask them to tell you three things in 15 seconds that are red. For older kids, ask them history trivia. It’s fun, keeps you involved, and keeps them learning and sharp, even while on vacation.
Get their attention
This is hard, even when your kids haven’t been on a hiatus from school. There are many ways to get a child’s attention, but to do it positively start by showing them you need their attention. Tell them “Please listen to what I have to say and watch my mouth as I say it so I know you’re paying attention.” What you say can be as simple as “Please pick up all of your toys” to as complicated as what your plans for the week are.
Either way, getting and keeping your child’s attention while you convey information or requests is important and when they go back to school they will be more likely to give their attention to the teacher. Once your child demonstrates they are listening to you, reward them! Praise, stickers, even small treats are a good way to keep them motivated to pay attention always.
What are your favorite ways to get your children motivated and refocuses after winter break?
The Back to school is harder on me than it is on my kids. I just don’t want the winter break to be over. LOL! I really work hard on keeping them focused.
I love your suggestions! A few are similar to what we do – playing games in the car, a small writing task daily, read books daily…I think most important for us is to get them back on their bedtime and early morning schedule a few days before school begins again. This makes it much easier and less stressful come Monday morning.
great suggestions, i find it hard to get refocused after a weekend, i can only imagine how the kids feel after 2 weeks
My youngest absolutely loves school so motivation has never been an issue here.
These are some great tips. I know my nephew does NOT want to go back to Kindergarten. At least he has an extra day off since school was canceled due to the cold.
Great suggestions! It is always hard getting back!
I love the fun quiz idea. Mine loves any kind of challenge just like her mama!
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My son goes back to school tomorrow and we’re both dreading it – I’m going to miss him!! Thanks for the great tips!
My boys went back to school today,they were so ready. I let them have a snack when they get home before they start on homework
Getting back on track after the break has been hard for us. Thanks for the great tips. We are already counting down the days until February break.