by Rachele Alpine Mielke
The last months of the school year often can be the longest and the slowest in Northeast Ohio.
First, we’re faced with dark, cold days of winter that would make anyone want to curl up in bed and hibernate. Once the weather starts to shift and students get a few glimpses of warm days, their minds often will then be focused on nothing but summer break.
Staying motivated can be particularly challenging for eighth graders preparing to leave middle school behind and make the jump to high school.
As parents, try to stay as involved as possible in your children’s learning. If you’re interested and invested, they’ll see that you’re committed to helping them succeed — and it should motivate them to stay engaged in the classroom.
Use time traveling to and from school and activities, or dinner conversation, to ask them about their days. Pose specific questions that make them think and give an answer that is more than “yes” or “no.”
For example, ask them about the most interesting fact they learned in school that day or what they wish they could learn more about. Ask them what they find difficult and then find out why and talk about possible ways to help them. You can even ask them what they found boring or repetitive.
By taking an active role in your children’s education, you are showing them what they are doing is important to you and, in turn, will motivate them to want to continue to be involved in the learning process. Several teachers from Perry Local School District weighed in with some strategies.
“Offer engagement in hands-on activities with relevance
to real life.”
— Coleen Moskowitz (media production)
“I think it’s important to help students start to figure out what they want to do after high school. By having a goal, students start to see the importance of doing well in school.”
— Kaitlyn Jonozzo (guidance)
“The best way to motivate students is to engage them in meaningful work that has a connection to the student. The point is that the students invested in the project because they cared about what they were doing and were preparing for an authentic audience. They were motivated.”
— Coni Steverding (learning facilitator)
“By the second semester, especially after Christmas break, school can become a real grind. Take time to talk with them and allow them to vent. Make sure they sleep and take the electronics away at bedtime. Some of these kids are so exhausted during the day and it can really exasperate their stress levels.”
— Kathy Traina (Math)
“I think what is motivating for eighth graders is the increasing level of independence. Not all of the students are ready to soar and still need a lot of guidance, but (they) are outwardly resistant. Keep after them; don’t let them slip away into their sullen place. Subtle supports work better than obvious guidance. I think working toward a reward can have the side effect of personal fulfillment, which comes with growing maturity, as well as the payout in the end that keeps the goal in mind.”
— Ann Rayner (Language Arts)
“I always try to use extracurricular activities as a motivator. I have found that students involved in activities after school usually have better time management in school and at home. Parents can contact the school to get a list of sports, activities and clubs in which students can become involved. Many eighth graders also want to continue these activities in high school, and they need to end their final middle school year with the grades to be eligible to participate in the activities as a high school freshman.“
—Eric Thomas (Math)
“My personal advice is to find a hook, something the student feels they are good at and they enjoy. Self esteem boosts motivation.”
— Lina Kosloski (guidance)
