New quarter, new opportunities: 4 ways to support your child’s growth

The start of a new school year always brings a lot of energy. New teachers, new classes, new activities and new routines fill the first few weeks. Almost before we realize it, the first quarter is over.

The transition into Quarter 2 is a great time for families to slow down for a moment. Instead of immediately focusing on what needs to improve, this can be an opportunity to enjoy some time together, recognize how much students have already accomplished and think about what you want the next few months to look like as a family.

As you look ahead, a new quarter does not mean everything needs to change. Sometimes, a reset is simply about taking time to reconnect as a family, give students the space to recognize how much they have grown and think about where they would like to grow next.

Here are four ways families can use the start of a new quarter to support their child’s growth and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Make time to simply enjoy each other

Sometimes, busy school schedules can make family life feel like one long list of places to be and things to do. Between homework, practices, activities and everyday responsibilities, it can be hard to find time to enjoy being together.

As the first quarter comes to an end, make room for something that has nothing to do with school. Have a family movie night, go for a walk, cook a favorite meal, play a game or spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing.

Time together does not need to be elaborate. The goal is simply to enjoy being together.

Students work hard throughout the school year, and so do their families. Taking time to slow down, recharge and enjoy one another can help everyone feel more connected and ready for the quarter ahead.

Celebrate the growth you saw in Quarter 1

When report cards arrive, it’s easy to focus on the grades. However, before focusing solely on what could improve, take a moment to celebrate what went well and recognize the growth your child has made.

Maybe your child made progress in a challenging subject, became more responsible with assignments or learned to manage a busy schedule. Maybe they tried a new activity, made new friends, stepped outside their comfort zone or became more confident in the classroom. Whatever that growth looks like, remember that some of the most meaningful ways students grow will never appear on a report card.

Before focusing only on the numbers, ask your child what they are most proud of from the first quarter. Their answer might surprise you. Celebrating the little successes can help students see that progress is measured not only by a letter grade, but also by the small, everyday victories that show they are learning, growing and becoming more confident in who they are.

Choose growth over perfection

A new quarter brings new growth opportunities, but students do not need a long list of resolutions to make meaningful progress.

Instead, encourage your child to choose one area where they would like to grow. A student who struggled with missing assignments might focus on checking their online gradebook regularly. A student who felt overwhelmed might work on using a planner, while a student who was hesitant to participate could set a goal of speaking up or asking for help more often.

The goal does not have to be big or dramatic. What matters most is that it is personal, meaningful and focused on growth.

Small, consistent improvements matter because, over time, they can lead to meaningful change. When students learn to recognize their own progress, they begin to see that success is not about being perfect, but about continuing to learn, grow and move forward.

Start Quarter 2 with something to look forward to

School is an important part of a child’s life, but it should not be the only thing they think about.

As Quarter 2 begins, take some time to talk about what your family is looking forward to outside of school in the weeks ahead. Maybe it’s a holiday tradition, a sporting event, a weekend trip, a special activity or simply a family night at home.

Having something to look forward to can bring balance to the busy weeks ahead and give families opportunities to connect, have fun and make memories together. It can also remind students that while school is important, there is so much more to their lives than assignments, tests and grades.

Moving forward

Ultimately, the end of a quarter does not need to feel like a final judgment on how the school year is going. It is simply a checkpoint. Some students will enter Quarter 2 feeling confident, while others may need a little more encouragement. Most will have a combination of successes and challenges from the first few months of school, and that is completely normal.

Use the transition of fall break to enjoy some time together: celebrate how far your child has already come, talk about what they have learned and focus on where they would like to grow. Then, head into the next quarter knowing there is still plenty of time and plenty of opportunities ahead. Growth does not follow a report card schedule. Each new day gives students another chance to learn and improve.

Our kids do not need to have everything figured out after one quarter. They simply need the encouragement, support and space to keep growing. As parents, one of the most important things we can do is give them that space, celebrate their progress and encourage them as they continue to find their way.

What’s one way you might encourage your child as they begin a new quarter? Share your ideas with us on the Arizona PBS Kids Facebook page!

About the author

RikkiLynn Archibeque is in her 12th year of teaching in Arizona and has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in secondary education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in learning sciences from Arizona State University.

She currently teaches high school history and government and is a cross country and track and field coach. She is also the wife of a high school administrator, Jake, and the mom of a gifted third grader, Cruz.