With the school year getting back into full swing, we asked Lori Katz for tips on how teens and parents can strike a healthy balance between books, extracurriculars, work and more as schools start opening this week. Katz, director of secondary education at Greenfield-Central schools, is a mom of a high school senior and welcomed her first class in 2001. Aside from two years spent at home with her son, Katz has worked in education since 2001 as a teacher and administrator.
Daily Reporter: Now that school is about to start, some teens will be apt to fill up their schedule with sports and extracurriculars. How can families strike a good balance of keeping kids busy and happy, but still have breathing room?
Katz: A new school year brings so many new beginnings — new relationships with teachers, renewed relationships with peers, and the opportunity to join clubs, activities, and sports in and out of school. My advice would be to try to create a weekly schedule. Be sure to include time for dinner, time for studying, and time for activities that bring a sense of joy and accomplishment. When you look at that weekly schedule for everyone in the household, are there certain nights that are more busy than others? How might you plan ahead to minimize the family’s stress on those evenings? Are there times during the week that offer each member of the household an opportunity to engage in something that is rejuvenating for them? How might carpool or food prep opportunities help alleviate the responsibilities for those responsible for transportation and meals in the household?
DR: What advice would you give to parents for ensuring their kids are keeping on top of their homework while also encouraging self-motivation?
Katz: I would first make sure that students are able to have some down time and a snack when they get home from school. School can be mentally and emotionally exhausting for students of all ages, and an opportunity to recharge and refuel is crucial. Some options are to take a short nap, go for a walk, drink some water, or journal about the day. I’ve found that it’s best to tackle homework immediately after the child is able to recharge and refuel. This leaves time in case extra help is needed and minimizes potential late-night studying. It’s important to have a consistent place to study, where the child can focus and have resources close by. I’ve found that setting a timer for studying (say 15-25 minutes) followed by a time for a break (5 minutes or so) maximizes focused time with time to get up and move around. Large-muscle movement (taking a walk, standing and stretching) will help the brain focus and keep the blood flowing through the brain. If a student isn’t motivated to study, start with shorter focus times or longer breaks and make adjustments of a minute or so each week until you strike the right balance.
DR: What resources does G-C schools offer to help families strike a healthy balance with schoolwork, extracurricular activities and home?
Katz: The best resources in G-C schools are our teachers, counselors, social workers, sponsors, and coaches. Communication is key. It’s helpful to assume that everyone involved is doing their best. Approaching an issue with a team mindset and trying to problem solve together often times allows for the best collaborative solutions to occur.
DR: Any other thoughts?
Katz: Through my years of education, I’ve seen that transitions can be difficult for kids, families, and educators. Be kind to yourself and each other as we enter the 2021 school year.
