Episode 2: Seeing a New Semester as a New Beginning
welcome to Season 2!
Engaging, challenging, and empowering parents in raising well-rounded children through combining educational research to everyday life.
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on today’s episode…
Parents should motivate their learners to take advantage of every “new” moment in their academic career by being engaged through asking specific questions. In this episode, learn 3 questions to help your child see a “new” semester as a brand new opportunity to improve!
insights
Outline
Academic calendar… new year means a new semester.
Parents should motivate their learners to take advantage of every “new” moment in their academic career by being engaged through asking specific questions.
General questions, like, “how was school?” “Did you have a good day?” are good questions, but they’re overused (I’m guilty too) when parents are too tired to be creative to come up with better targeted questions or don’t know how to come up with more intentional questions.
Quick quiz for you. Which question do you think will get more out of your kids?
A. “How was your day?” or B. “How was math class today?”
I ask my kids these questions all the time to compare their responses. Of course, question B gets more details and a much richer conversation going.
3 QUESTIONS: Modify as needed for the age groups in your household
What is your favorite subject? Why? What is your least favorite subject? Why?
Some answers may be, “because I don’t like the teacher.” Others can help you (and them) find their strengths.What are teacher traits you like? Dislike? How can you overcome those to continue to learn the content?
Coach them with personal examples of how you overcome dealing with individuals you dislike in your life.Let’s come up with a measurable goal for this second semester.
Examples: grade improvement, read a certain # of books, write a # of songs, create a habit of finishing projects 3 days before the due date to make final adjustments, etc.
My main encouragement is that screens are off– no phones, no TVs. Make eye contact with one another and prioritize this time of togetherness, where you get to know them a little better as well as disciple them.
Outro
Don’t let this be just another episode you listened to. Practice the conversation you just learned about in the car, around the dinner table, on a walk, or on the couch! Remember to turn screens off and prioritize these moments of discipleship. 2 things will happen when you do that:
Your kids will witness you practice a new skill and most importantly,
When kids are given the opportunity to digest new information with you, their #1 teacher, in their safe space, they begin welcoming new challenges, as their curiosity, competence, and confidence flourishes… making them lifelong learners.
