How to Help Your Child Stay Focused After Spring Break
“Students leave for Spring Break and don’t come back.”
That’s what a colleague said recently, half joking and half serious. And he’s not wrong. Over the past few years, we’ve noticed a trend: students return from Spring Break already mentally checked out and racing toward summer. But there’s still a lot of learning left, and this part of the school year matters just as much as the first half.
Parents often ask how they can help support their children at school. Here’s one big way: don’t let them slide through spring. Stay engaged and help them stay focused.
Parents, some quick tips:
Ask very specific questions.
Stay away from questions that can be answered in one word, like “How was school?” (“Fine.”) Try instead: “What was your favorite thing you learned this week?” Then follow up with questions about the topic they mention.
Review their grades regularly.
Learn the platform your child’s school uses for posting grades. This is a must. Grades are at your fingertips daily—use that access! If you see blanks or zeros, ask your child about them. (And I’m sorry to say, most of the time it's a student issue, not a teacher issue.) Don’t hesitate to email the teacher with questions.
Help them prepare for testing.
Many students take End-of-Grade or End-of-Course assessments in the spring. Partner with your child to review material and study in a way that works for them—whether that’s flashcards, online tools, study guides, or practice tests. This not only helps with their performance, but teaches valuable study habits that will benefit them long-term.
Make a plan.
If your student is leaving school early for spring sports or other activities, what practices are in place to ensure they’re staying on top of their work? How are they reviewing what they missed? Just asking if they’re doing the work isn’t usually enough. Ask them how and when they made it up.
Finish strong.
Parents of high school students especially, remember that every day in a semester counts. When students return from Spring Break, there’s still a lot of content to learn. Let’s not waste that time.
Let’s work together to keep our students focused, engaged, and moving forward. Spring may bring distractions, but it also offers valuable opportunities for growth and learning. With consistent support at home and at school, we can help our students not just finish the year, but finish it strong. Their future is worth it.
About the Author:
Jessica Fortescue, MSA, is an Educational Collaborator with extensive experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She is passionate about helping students thrive by fostering strong connections between schools and families. Jessica believes that with the right support, every student can finish the year strong and continue building a foundation for lifelong success. To learn more about Jessica and her work, visit Halos Counseling.