91社区

Supporting Motivation

Motivation for school work can be hard for many students, especially within the context of distance learning. Here are some helpful tips below to support motivation with your student.   

• Work with your child to set goals for what to accomplish that week or day. 
• Have a checklist where your student can see what they have accomplished, and how much is left to do, crossing things off as they go (see Maintaining a Routine below).
• At the end of the work period, have them write down the next day's to-do list so they can hit the ground running and know there is a plan in place. Having a plan can also reduce anxiety (which can impact motivation), and having it written down can get it out of the mind and onto paper.
• Have something they are looking forward to ready and waiting for when the work for that period is finished- a social call with a friend, time outside in the sun, a favorite show. 
• Consider getting the most difficult work completed and out of the way first or at the time of day when your student is most focused.
• Talk with your student after about what they did to get their work completed and what made it hard. You can refer to this in future conversations when motivation becomes a challenge.
   

Maintaining a Routine

Having a regular routine provides order and predictability to our lives and supports our overall well-being.  During school dismissal, having a daily routine will help children and youth feel less anxious and be productive.   

• Make a list of daily activities in your household.  Be sure to include distance learning, work, exercise, meals, play, self-care, chores, and wake up and bedtimes.  
• For each activity determine the amount of time needed and the best time for accomplishing (for example, don't schedule distance learning while you're trying to have self-care time). 
• On a piece of paper, daily calendar, or chart write the activities and times, with wake up at the top and bedtime at the bottom.  At wake up time, get ready for the day as though you’re going to school or work.  Eat breakfast, brush teeth, shower and be ready to learn.  Include classroom ZOOM meetings and specific time for classwork on the schedule.
• Review the household schedule with your family, make adjustments, and post it for all to see.  Checking off activities as family members go through the day may be motivating. 

Managing Distractions

Managing distractions in the home setting can be difficult, but is also an opportunity to develop skills in focus and engagement that students can take with them to use back in the classroom and in life as well.   It can be helpful to engage your student in the process of discovering what works best for them when considering ideas below.

• Try to make sure that the most challenging work is done during times of the day when your student has his/her best focus. 
• Notice noise distractions. If your student is distracted by noises, consider the use of noise-cancelling headphones if you have them or a part of the house with less noise distractions. Use of a white noise machine may also be helpful to block out more distracting sounds and/or conversations.   
• Consider visual distractions as well, and eliminate and/or block them if needed. This can include having your child shift what side of the room his/her desk is on or shifting where they sit at the table where distractions are out of view. A study carrel (check out Google Images for ideas) may also work.  Designate a regular space for school work. 
• Take breaks. It can be hard to focus for long periods of time, particularly on the computer. Alternate work time and break time, either with a schedule or use of a timer.
• Keep a clean work space. This can help students from becoming distracted by items at their desk or work area.
• Use flexible positioning. Sometimes students can focus more if given the opportunity to move (walk back and forth), lay down, or stand to work. Allow this and encourage students to share with you what they found to be most helpful.