Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Build New Learning Habits

Change can be hard sometimes. When we find a routine or a habit we like, we tend to hold on to those habits, those ways that make us feel comfortable whether they are beneficial for us or not. When change comes along and threatens to change our ways and routines, we can get very anxious. However, fall is a wonderful season to help our kids to establish good study and reading routines.

Fall is a reminder that change can be beautiful.

The seasons are a great reminder that change is beautiful. The fall season in Long Island,  New York is a beautiful season of change. The leaves change colors and the foliage can be breathtaking. The weather also changes as the temperature begins to drop. The school year starts around the same time, so families resume or begin more structured routines than the ones they had during the summer. I personally love summer. Every year I wait for those hot summer days. I dream of going to the beach and the pool, enjoying unending watermelon treats and staying up late watching good movies with my family. However, when I realize that fall is approaching, I start feeling a bit anxious because I know that summer is ending. However, once I begin to notice the leaves changing hues, and when I feel that breeze that whispers sweet melodies of wind, I remind myself that change is a beautiful thing. 

In the same way, our kids can get used to their summer schedules. So during the school year, they may not be too excited to get back to their school routines. I am especially thinking about those learners who have a harder time retaining information, or processing what they learn. I am thinking about the learners who hate reading because they are in third grade but they cannot read fluently yet. The beginning of the school year can be challenging for students. These are the reasons why fall is ideal to come up with a study and reading routine for you kids. 

1. A Season of Fresh Starts

Even though the school year has already started, fall still feels like a new beginning. The weather getting cooler, and forcing us to bring our warmer clothes out from storage will help to give the season that sense of a new beginning. 

Since the academic year has just started (or even if it didn't), this “new start” gives us a great opportunity to reinforce good habits in our kids. During the summer, your  kids were probably free to watch more television and spend time with their friends. When the fall comes, you can introduce a new routine of reading together for 20 minutes. You could select a good novel or the type of book your kids will enjoy listening to and you can read to them after dinner for twenty minutes. Your kids will ask questions, you can explain and teach new vocabulary to them (you can even learn the new words with them if English is not your first language.) This time will allow a sweet connection to happen between you and your kids. If your child is not a fluent reader yet, this will ensure that your child develops his/her comprehension skills. 

2. Structure and Routine Return

As mentioned before, summer equals flexibility and spontaneity. However, our kids need a consistent schedule once the school year starts. Predictability helps kids to build consistency. 

Having that transition into fall can also help us to bring that consistency our kids need. If we are hoping to cultivate good study habits, we can create slots of time  in the schedule for our kids to review their notes from school, or maybe they can practice the math skills they are learning by using a platform such as IXL or I-ready. This will teach your kids that learning and practice also can happen outside of school. If they know that every day at 5:30 pm they will do IXL for 15 minutes, after a couple of weeks, that will become a new study routine that will help your child to stay on top of his academics. 

3. Avoiding the Mid-Year Slump

Many students tend to start strong but then they lose momentum by the time winter comes around. After all, winter also comes with the holidays and those months can become overwhelming and routines can get lost in the midst of the activities that take place during the holidays. 

This is why building habits in the fall will help prevent that dip in motivation. When our kids know what is expected of them and they take ownership and responsibility, it will be easier to continue to do it throughout the year, even during the hectic months. 

4. Practical Ways to Build Habits This Fall

So how can you ensure that  your child builds new learning habits this fall?

Give these a try:

• 1. Set a consistent 15-minute reading time each evening.

  
  

• 2. Create a quiet, dedicated homework space.

  
  

• 3. Use weekends for fun, low-pressure learning activities (cooking = fractions, nature walks = observation skills).

  
  

• 4. Celebrate small wins to keep momentum. Give your child feedback and encourage them to keep going. 

Let’s Embrace the Season of Growth!

As this fall begins, take advantage of the beautiful reminder that change can be beautiful. Talk to your kids about having routines that will help them to be more independent. At Accelerate Tutoring, we love helping families establish strong learning habits. 

Schedule a free assessment today and let’s build those habits together.