Resetting Over Spring Break

Spring break is not only an excellent opportunity to take time to reset and refresh, but it is also a great time to reflect and plan ahead for the remainder of the semester. While it is important to actually take this time to take a break, it is equally as important to maintain our routines. Although it’s a time to rest and rejuvenate, there are actions we can take to ensure that this time is well spent to best prepare us for the rest of the semester.  

For many students, maintaining a degree of consistency in an unstructured time is imperative, not only for their mental stability, but also to ensure that the habits they spent building all semester are not lost. Encourage your students to maintain a consistent daily routine, such as their morning or evening routine. Maintaining a degree of consistency through our morning and evening routines will not just provide necessary structure, but also ensure an easier transition back to school and work. It is helpful to create a plan at the beginning of the break. Make a list with your student about what they want to accomplish and set realistic goals around them. This may mean addressing just one thing with your student every day, or spending a couple of days on any school work they may have so that they can have the rest of the week to relax. Either way, creating a plan and laying it out with your student will allow everybody to be on the same page and ensure that this time is being well spent. This plan should include reviewing grades, goals, and academic progress with your student. 

Spring break is an ideal  time to have a conversation with your student about where they stand in the semester and how they are feeling about their progress. With finals around the corner, students need to know where grades stand and what needs to happen to meet their goals. This may entail making a list of missing assignments so that  your student feels more organized going into the spring semester. It may also mean setting small goals, such as raising grades by 3%, or turning in all missing assignments in math by a certain date. 

If your student  needs help in a particular class, this can also be an opportunity to help them draft and send emails to that teacher. Opening a dialogue with teachers will benefit your student greatly as they head into finals, as it shows the teacher that the student cares, and allows the teacher to understand where your student is struggling. Talking with your student about a plan for how they will get extra help will allow for your student to feel prepared and confident that they have a plan for how they can succeed. 

Spring break is an ideal time to reevaluate where your student stands, what their goals are, and to step back and review what went well and make a plan for the upcoming  weeks. Keep in mind that your student may also need positive reinforcement and encouragement during this time, so that they can feel more confident starting the new semester. This is also a great time to assess what the summer will look like!

Does your student need some extra math or writing support to prepare for next year? Do they need to hone in on better study skills? Are you anticipating any credit recovery? Is it time to start talking about college? Untapped’s summer programs can help your student transition to next year, whether they just need to retake a class, brush up on this year’s math, or get ahead with future content!

For More Information: Research-Tested Benefits of Breaks