Spring Fever in the Classroom: Helping Kids Stay Focused Through the End of the Year

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As the spring season arrives, your child may find it harder to focus at school. There are many exciting things going on during the warmer months, and children can start to feel restless from being cooped up inside during the winter. As a result, they may be distracted in class and experience “spring fever," which could have an impact on learning and academic performance.

While teachers do amazing work, there are also tactics that parents can try at home to help kids stay alert and attentive in school. We've got some tips and advice to consider if your kids are struggling with spring fever.

Handling Spring Fever

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Experts call this phenomenon spring fever because it’s this unique time after many kids have been indoors so much during the winter, which can make them restless when they’re told to continue to stay seated at school. After all, the days are getting warmer and brighter, and many kids likely want to be a part of the action.

To mitigate the effects of spring fever and help your kids focus at school, talk to them and watch their behavior to determine which remedy may be best. If you had a particularly harsh winter and your kids weren’t able to get out to play, encourage exercise. Allow them to join a sport at school or to run outside after they finish their homework. That way, they'll get the movement they need, and they’ll shake off some of their anxiety.

When you speak to your kids, listen to their needs but also provide clear directives and rules, like the requirement to reach specific letter grades in their classes. Or, if they have homework assignments in multiple classes, another rule could be that they need to finish one assignment before going out to play. Once you make the rules, stick to them so the kids know you’re serious. Just try not to be too strict. You may be able to make small exceptions, like allowing them to do their homework outside or letting them stay up later on special occasions.

Time To Unplug

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Although the weather is warming up, many kids may work out their spring fever by playing video games or watching movies. While some leisure should be allowed, avoid excess screen time.

There are many reasons why your family should unplug and turn off devices throughout the day. The most important in this context is that when they're not glued to a screen, they have an improved chance of getting better grades. That’s because you’ll have the opportunity to spend more time as a family, having fun and engaging in activities that encourage more confidence and a desire for success. They can carry these feelings over into the classroom.

Unplugging also benefits the brain. It encourages you and your kids to talk to one another and exchange ideas. Kids who use the internet as an easy search tool can learn almost anything instantly. By turning off the computer, you’ll help your kids think outside the box by looking things up in books or trying to figure things out themselves. Of course, the final benefit is that when the screen is turned off, it allows kids a chance to get outside and enjoy the spring weather they're so excited about.

Staying Focused After Challenges

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The spring season presents only one of many reasons why kids can’t focus at school. You’ll want to cater your response based on the scenario.

• Still Recovering After Pandemic Lockdowns

Some students may still be trying to readjust after being out of school for a long time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many experts have talked about how being out of school and away from others impacted the behavior and focus of many students.

Work with them on their writing and reading. Since most students spent so much time behind screens during the pandemic, many have regressed when it comes to writing using pencil and paper, so write with them at home so they can improve at school. Many kids may still feel overly comfortable staying at home and feel reluctant to go outside and move their bodies. They can be eased into physical activity by taking short daily walks.

• Absence Due To Sickness

Another reason your child may lack focus or miss school time is if they’re often sick. Now, you should keep your kids home even if their ailment is mild so they don’t get worse or spread the sickness to others. However, you can decrease their chances of getting sick by ensuring that they get enough sleep at night and providing and encouraging a nutritious diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and other positive food groups will give your kids the nutrients they need to stay energized and healthy.

Food for Thought

A solid diet can also help kids focus in school. Certain brain foods, like oranges, contain vitamin C, which helps to improve concentration and focus. Avocados contain vitamin K, which helps prevent blood clots in the brain, resulting in improved cognitive function. Send your kid to school with a healthy diet so their body is better prepared for learning.