With the holidays in full swing, the countdown to winter break is on. The two-week break is a perfect opportunity for students to relax and enjoy the festive season before the end of the fall semester. Still, continuing to facilitate learning and maintain routines over the time off school is also important.
Even though winter break is relatively short, school administrators say there is still a risk of “academic regression,” the time off from school causing students to lose some progress or skills in their learning. Keeping healthy routines and study habits during the two weeks will help mitigate this, ensuring kids don’t regress while still having fun over break.
A display of new children’s books at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library in Mishawaka.
“Maintaining a routine and keeping up with study skills over break helps prevent learning loss, promotes consistency, boosts long-term retention and keeps students engaged and motivated,” said Shonda Masterson, principal at Penn-Harris-Madison’s Bittersweet Elementary School. “By maintaining a light routine and revisiting key concepts over break, students can keep their minds sharp and reduce the risk of forgetting important information.”
Here are some tips and tricks for how K-12 students can incorporate learning over the break.
Maintain a schedule
Masterson said keeping a somewhat structured routine while on break not only offers students a sense of normalcy, but it will also make the transition back to school easier.
Carving out time earlier in the day to study or read is helpful in keeping up academic skills, she said, even if it’s just for 20-30 minutes per day. Masterson added that breaking up tasks into manageable chunks also keeps kids more focused than a marathon study session.
Stacks of books at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library in Mishawaka.
Caity Stockstell, director of teaching & learning for School City of Mishawaka, likened school to riding a bike, as kids need practice to maintain their skills, and keeping a routine helps this. She said that while a strict timetable isn’t necessary over breaks, providing a “general idea of the day” is beneficial.
And finding a balance with kids’ sleep is important; according to the Sleep Foundation, maintaining their regular sleeping schedules during shorter breaks from school ensures a smooth transition after the break. But if parents want to relax the routine a bit, the Sleep Foundation encourages incrementally adjusting kids’ sleeping schedules leading up to the end of break by waking up and going to bed 15 minutes earlier each day.
Incorporate learning
A Christmas tree stands in the lobby of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library in Mishawaka.
The school administrators encouraged parents to find ways to involve learning throughout the break, making learning fun for their students and preventing what Stockstell referred to as “brain drain.”
Masterson said learning can range from reading together to implementing apps that promote reading or critical thinking. Even activities like following a recipe or playing a board game can help keep up those academic and skills, she said, and inviting others to participate makes it a fun family event.
Caity Stockstell, director of teaching & learning at School City of Mishawaka.
Masterson also encouraged incorporating writing, suggesting kids write a letter to a friend or family member, keep a journal or create a winter break memory book with pictures and descriptions to share with their class after the break. She recommended visiting the Indiana Department of Education website to review the academic standards for a student’s grade level.
Stockstell suggested limiting screen time and finding fun replacements, whether it be playing outside or picking up a book to read with a parent.
“By doing a little bit each day, kids can keep their skills sharp and start the new year feeling confident and ready to learn,” she said.
The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library in Mishawaka.
Officials from the South Bend Community School Corp. (SBCSC) also encouraged parents to read with their student each day, suggesting they contact their child’s school to ask about a free take-home literacy box to use over the break.
SBCSC added that local libraries are another resource for families to get books to read while enjoying quality time together; and with a full schedule of events, libraries are a good way to facilitate learning while having fun.
Get a head start on the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library’s winter reading challenge, starting Jan. 2, or check out some of the many upcoming events for all ages at the St. Joe County Public Library.
A banner advertising the latest event catalogue at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library in Mishawaka.
Parents can also talk with their child about their school year so far, asking about their favorite parts, friendships and classes they enjoy, SBCSC officials said.
“Ask about subjects they’re curious about and celebrate their experiences,” SBCSC said. “Positive discussions about school can foster a love for learning and help reduce truancy.”
Keep up study skills
Masterson and Stockwell suggested using the two weeks off to prepare students for the upcoming spring semester, giving kids a chance to refresh and get ready to hit the books again.
Masterson recommended reviewing students’ previous material, looking at the work that has come home to see how much progress has been made. Then, use the time to set some new goals for the second semester, such as a grade to achieve or a skill to learn.
She also encouraged parents to check and see if their child’s school has provided any recommended apps to practice and review skills over the break. Stockwell said Mishawaka students have access to a fleet of “learning tools,” and the break is a perfect time to show family what they’ve learned.
Shonda Masterson, principal at Bittersweet Elementary School.
And simply cleaning out and organizing kids’ backpacks and study spaces at home can help improve their focus and productivity for the next semester, administrators said.
Tips for high schoolers: College prep
High schoolers in particular can use the weeks off school to get ready for college, no matter their grade level.
According to an article from U.S. News & World Report, 11th graders especially can use the break for college prep, as junior year is usually a rigorous one. But, the article says, in addition to the research and applications, taking some time to rest and focus on students’ wellbeing is also vitally important.
Penn High School students cross Bittersweet Road after school. Tribune file photo.
Masterson said kids just starting out on their college prep journey can start researching colleges, making a list of ones that interest them and looking into their admissions requirements. The two weeks are also a perfect opportunity to make some campus visits and do some resume-boosting like volunteering or internships, she said.
For students a bit further along in the process, it’s a good time to start drafting some application essays and personal statements, Masterson said, recommending they ask for feedback from family members to help strengthen their writing. Stockwell suggested conducting some mock interviews with a family member or friend to hone students’ interview skills.
Students can also study for standardized tests, working through test prep books or online resources and taking some practice tests, Masterson said.
People go in the main entrance of Riley High School. MICHAEL CATERINA/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE
The American College Testing (ACT) website recommends students use winter break to finalize their college applications, apply for scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), talk with family about college decisions and set goals for the new year.
“Even a short break can be a good time to get organized and ready for the next chapter,” Stockwell said. “Spend quality time with family, recharge your batteries, and use this time to reflect on your goals. Consider what you want to achieve in the coming semester, whether it’s mastering a new skill, pursuing a personal passion or simply enjoying the present moment.”
Email South Bend Tribune education reporter Rayleigh Deaton at rdeaton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: How to maintain study skills, routines over winter break