Combatting the Academic “Springtime Slump”

Spring break is over, and you’re in the final stretch until summer. While the end of the school year can be exciting, it’s quite common for kids to fall into a motivational slump (does the term senioritis ring a bell?). If you’re noticing your child’s grades or effort are slipping, behavior science is on your side! Here are a few ways you can get across the finish line.

Make Summer Excitement Productive

Spring is the time when family rewards systems may fall by the wayside (let’s face it: burn-out is real for EVERYONE!). Or, if you don’t have a rewards system in place, you may be noticing the need for some extra motivation.

With summer plans taking shape, your child might be excited about an upcoming vacation or simply more recreational time. Harness this excitement toward productivity! Can your child earn a special excursion on your vacation? Can they receive a weekly allowance toward a game console they really want? The sky is the limit! Pro-tip: make the earning criteria very clear, and stay consistent!

Reinforce Effort, Not Perfection 

I know – grades and academic achievement are increasingly important. But, hear me out: high achievement is the outcome of effort. And what better way to shape good study habits than to reward the behaviors that get them there? Conversely, what better way to squash good study habits than to leave them unrewarded… simply because they didn’t earn an A?

If your child struggles to maintain good grades, take a look at the habits behind this (talk to your child’s teacher if you’re not sure). Is it procrastination? Off-task behavior? Disorganization? Then, think about the productive behaviors you’d like to see instead, such as planning ahead, completing tasks independently, self-management (checklists, reminders, etc.), and asking for help.

Rewarding behaviors over grades can look like this: “Ryan, you completed the first phase of your project AND asked for help when you didn’t understand. You earned a pizza night!”

Get Involved with Academic Topics 

Now that the weather’s nice, why not plan family field trips around your child’s educational topics? There’s no better time to venture to the space museum, hike a wildlife preserve, or a hit up a historical landmark. A little more limited on time or funds? Schedule a stargazing night in the backyard, or kick back with a documentary night.

Whatever route you take, contextualizing your child’s academic endeavors into real life can help ignite their passion. Moreover, it can help you get a feel for their understanding of the topic, and where they might need more support.

Need extra help? Cielo Behavior is here to help you troubleshoot. Reach out to learn more about private consultation or group coaching.