With the holidays approaching, parents may be concerned that about keeping their child focused on school. Even classrooms buzz with excitement as it gets closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas which can lead to distractions. Just as adults look forward to time with family, festive activities and breaks in the routine, children do as well, and this can be a challenge when it comes to academics. There are some easy strategies to use to keep children engaged and productive right up until the last bell rings for the holiday.
Instead of competing with the season, use the excitement to your advantage. Tie schoolwork into the season with holiday-themed reading, cooking and baking to incorporate math or even fun science experiments at home that feel festive. By connecting what the child is excited about to learning, they are more likely to stay engaged.
Break work into smaller tasks as children can feel overwhelming when a child’s mind is on upcoming celebrations. Celebrate mini milestones like finishing one math worksheet or reading for 10 minutes. Small winds build motivation and keep children from feeling discouraged.
Try to keep your family routine as close to normal as possible. Keep bedtime consistent, make sure homework schedules remain the same and limit screentime. To make the routine feel as festive as the season, ad a special study snack or family night during the holiday season.
Try setting a timer to teach smaller children how long they need to work before they take a break. Set a five-minute timer at first and increase it slowly until you are up to 15 to 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, the child can have some play time, take a walk or stretch for a half an hour or so before returning to their work if they have not finished.
Give your children choices but be sure not to offer too many. Let them choose the order they do their homework, choose where to complete schoolwork or choose their own book. Encourage your child to reflect on what they learned that day by talking at dinner or writing a note in a journal.
Keep in touch with teachers so you are aware of tests, projects or assignments that may be due before or right after the holiday season. This can help you support the child and keep them prepared. Understand that teachers are also dealing with excited, distracted children and they may appreciate your efforts to keep your child focused.
Parents also need to take care of themselves during this busy season. Remain calm and centered when your children are near you rather than letting them see that you are frazzled, tired and stressed. Keep your own tasks manageable and allow children to help you when things seem overwhelming. Even small children can clear the table after dinner, pick up their toys and help you with baking chores during the holidays.
It is important to remember that helping your child focus is not about eliminating their excitement but guiding them through it. By balancing celebration with consistency, families set children up to thrive both academically and emotionally.
