Keeping Your Pace In The School Year Sprint

Like sand through an hour glass, so go the days until the end of the school year. On one hand, it seems we were just buying shiny new school supplies and were smitten with the promise of new beginnings. On the other hand, it’s been a marathon of a year and I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. With the end of the year fast approaching, it is, as always, a sprint to the finish line.

Educators and parents face several problems this time of year. For one, finals are approaching and students are expected to buckle down and study as they have never studied before. In addition, projects are due, AP exams need to be taken and all outstanding work needs to be handed in. With no time for do-overs, everything needs to be as close to perfection as possible. Problem is, just when students need to bring their “A game,” there are myriad end-of-year activities to distract them like school trips, award ceremonies, concerts, sports banquets, proms, graduation, shows, field day, and on and on.

This is a good time to have a talk with your child about the importance of striking a balance and planning ahead. They should take part in the fun stuff, but need to get their work done as well. So, if there is an awards night Wednesday night and a paper due Thursday, plan to be done by Tuesday. I realize this is common sense to most of us, but kids’ brains often don’t work this way. When I teach this strategy, many of my students look at me as if to say, “You want me to have this done two days before it’s due? That’s just crazy talk!”

Even if there weren’t a zillion end of year activities, by May, kids are checked out. As the weather warms up, their brains shrivel up. This is when some teachers wrack their brains and search the Internet looking for lessons that might possibly compete with the weather. They will do anything, including donning a top hat and cane and tap dancing to Puttin’ on the Ritz, if they think it will keep kids engaged. It is also the time when some teachers show movies and hide under their desks. Not that I’ve ever done that, although I will say that "Gone With the Wind" is four hours long and does kinda tie into a Civil War unit.

Sue Schaefer is a certified teacher and Academic Coach. Submit your education questions to Sue at susan.schaefer@academiccoachingct.com and visit her website, Academic Coaching Associates.