Motivation in classrooms takes a big hit after winter break. Many students are less motivated from January through May than from August through December.
Students feel motivated when they start the school year because it's a new school year. They have new teachers and new opportunities. Students may start the year by going to bed early and waking up earlier or doing their homework right when they get it, but these habits may fade as the year progresses.
These good habits from the beginning of the year may turn into bad habits near the end of the year. Students may start staying up late and sleeping in or waiting to do homework until the last minute or until the homework is overdue.
Many students may also stop caring about their grades and class assignments. This can pile up and leave students with a non-stop list of work to do. This also leaves teachers behind when grading because they have so much missing work to grade for students.
This can make for a tough year and leave students feeling worn out and exhausted trying to catch up in their classes, but this feeling of exhaustion can be changed by taking a break to recharge and refocus. Some parents may not let their child miss a school day, but clearing your schedule for a weekend and resting can help you feel better.
The Times talked to Isabella Almeter, a freshman at Lafayette, who said, “It depends on the class as to if I feel less motivated or not.” The Times also talked to Graci Presley, a junior at Lafayette, who said, “I feel more motivated during semester 2 because it is closer to summer and I am focused on keeping my grades up.”
You can pick any day to improve when trying to restart your good habits from the beginning of the year. You can start by cleaning out your backpack and completing all of your missing and late work to start fresh.
Many teachers may also feel less motivated at the start of the second semester and can see their students' motivation decrease. Teachers and students are exhausted after winter break and feel decreased motivation.
The Times talked to Riley Murray, a social studies teacher at Lafayette, and she stated, “I would say especially during the period of February or March, leading up to spring break, motivation definitely nosedives and it's definitely a lot more with the juniors and seniors than the freshman.” She also said, “The push to spring break is pretty hard, and in March and May there are lots of things that mess up the schedule of the school day and that I think messes with my motivation.”
There are many benefits to getting back on track and refocusing. If you can refocus, your grades will increase and students will feel better if they start going to bed earlier and finish their homework early in the evening.
There is a huge difference between students during the first semester versus students in the second semester. Students may feel prepared and motivated near the beginning of the year but as winter break and semester two get closer some students lose all motivation.
