11 New Year's School Resolutions for Students

As one year ends and a new one begins, it is a time for resolutions and new beginnings, but what about those school goals that you and your child set back in August or September when the new school year began? Now is the perfect time to sit down with your family to evaluate the first half of the school year and set new goals for the New Year.

1. Evaluate progress.

Take a look back at the short-term and long-term goals you and your child set at the beginning of the school year. What has your child accomplished? What still needs work? Once you know where your child stands, you can better set him or her up for success in the New Year.

2. Talk to kids about roadblocks.

Not all kids will be the best in every subject and hitting roadblocks is a part of life. Talk to your children about the obstacles they may have to overcome in order to achieve their goals and ensure that they know it may not always be easy but it will be worth it. 

3. Re-strategize if necessary.

If your child hasn't achieved his or her goals, it may be time to rethink how to approach them. Breaking down goals into smaller, more manageable chunks and setting deadlines can help. How is remote or hybrid learning working for your child? Maybe it's time to reach out to the teacher to find ways to make remote instruction more effective for him or her.

4. Use workbooks and flashcards to reinforce tricky concepts.

Even doing just a few pages a week can help your child with math and reading concepts! Use workbooks and/or flashcards at doctor appointments or in the car to pass time. Take advantage of times when your child is already sitting down and looking for a boredom buster!

5. Create some new goals for the second half of the school year.

By this point in the school year, your child has most likely achieved several of his or her goals. Now is the time to look to the future and see what can be conquered next!

6. Write down goals.

This can help kids take ownership of their goals and makes it personal. If your child is old enough, have him or her personally write down the goals.

7. Post goals where kids can see them.

Having a daily reminder can help keep goals top-of-mind. Try posting goals on the bedroom door, bathroom mirror or even beside the television!

8. Be a good role model.

Show your children that you value education by setting educational goals for yourself. It can be small — say, reading one book per month — but it will show that you're invested in learning new things too.

9. Hold regular check-ins.

Designate a specific day of the week and time to review goals. This can be based on your family's schedule, whether it's taking 5-10 minutes to discuss goals first thing in the morning or right before bed.

10. Praise effort.

Your child will be working hard to achieve his or her goals, so make sure you're complimenting the effort and applauding progress. This will help your child stay on track and motivated!

11. Make it fun!

Try making vision boards with kids to represent their goals. You can also offer small rewards like being able to choose the family movie for the week or a special dinner treat when a goal is reached. 


If your child could use some extra help reaching his or her academic goals, Sylvan is here for support! Our certified tutors are the best at easing frustrations and helping kids reach their goals.