Junior year is a catalytic year for students. For parents, this is a year to begin to do something that can be very difficult- Letting Go! Parents, prepare yourself. Your child will grow in leaps and bounds this year! Typically the junior year can be the most challenging academic year for students. Still, you will also notice your student stepping into a new level of maturity, creativity, and social confidence. Juniors should push themselves academically, but it’s also a year to learn ‘work-life balance.’ When it comes to college readiness, this year will pave the way for success as they begin college applications!
Here are a few tips to encourage your student:
- Mindset is so important. For many students, junior year is when they will take the bulk of their most challenging course load. Help them ‘frame the end game.’ Continue to remind them that the strategic scheduling they plan as a junior will open up their schedule for all the senior memories and experiences they hope to enjoy.
- Help lessen the load by encouraging your student to take a few of their advanced classes in summer school. This will free them to focus on that one class and most likely will produce a higher grade.
- Plan to provide academic support for your student. Advanced courses demand attention and extra help from most students. Commit to having your student attend tutorials with their teacher or hire a tutor. AP Classes are fast-paced. Often, students are nervous to ask questions in class or get home wishing they had a lifeline to complete homework.
- Encourage balance. Academics are important, but work experience and extracurricular activities are also significant. Juniors should be working hard on their resume, filling them with leadership experiences, community service, and organizations they are a part of, and working toward professional certifications.
- Begin to encourage another level of autonomy at home. It looks like they are beginning to do their laundry, manage a budget, and clean their room and bathroom. Help them become college ready by preparing them to live in shared spaces. Cheer them on through accountability and a reward system. Framing this as college readiness will give them a holistic perspective of what college is all about.
- Begin to encourage another level of autonomy at school. This looks like self-advocating- communicating with counselors/teachers/coaches, taking responsibility, and asking questions if they need help. All of these are learned skills. Prepare to coach your student with these needed communication skills.
- Look into dual credit classes through your local community college. Students can begin taking dual credit when they turn 16 yrs old. There is usually an application process and a test they will need to take, but for high school students, the classes are usually free. This is a fantastic way to get both high school and college credit while in high school. Taking dual credit also gives students confidence because it takes away some of the ‘fear of the unknown’ and mystique of college.
- Begin to coach your student in the art of managing their schedule. Help them find tools to do so, such as a daily/weekly planner, lists-making chore charts, and utilizing their devices as planning/reminder tools instead of just for social media and games. Help them set alarms and alerts for deadlines.
- Their grades may not show the progress they are making. Stay in contact with their teachers if it looks like they are struggling. Remember that they are in process. It’s their work ethic, along with the academic support provided, that helps produce success.
- Become a cheerleader! Juniors need encouragement, rewards, and celebrations to endure this growth! Remind them of how they are winning, and support them when they want to quit.
