Four Tips to Help Your Youth Finish the School Year Strong
Posted by: Sheldon Freeman | March 12, 2026
Spring break is here. Focus is fleeting. Summer is around the corner. Wanna help your youth finish strong? We’ve got you covered.
- Get Creative with Incentives
Youth lean in when their effort feels seen. Celebrate staying on task, listening well, or finishing work with simple, low-cost rewards—stickers, snacks, extra game time, or choosing the playlist. Small incentives help re‑energize them during the spring slump and spark momentum when motivation is fading. —Benita Hopkins (Oakland-SF Bay Area 2015)
- Ask for Their Input (They Vote with Their Feet)
Ownership builds buy‑in! Let youth help steer part of the session. Ask what activities excite them, what keeps them coming, and what feels helpful. When they see you listening and your willingness to meet their needs, they’re more engaged and more likely to finish strong. Even small choices give them dignity and increase commitment. —Ayeisha Mathis (Boston 2016)
- Recenter on Discipline by Naming the “Meh”
This time of year, everyone feels the slump—so name it: “You’re not lazy. Lots of students hit this wall. What matters is how we move through it.” Normalizing the “Meh” reduces shame and helps them refocus. Then guide them back to the positive habits that kept them steady earlier in the year, using light, fun challenges to reinforce discipline without becoming heavy‑handed. —Will Cumby (Houston 2010)
- Curate a Space They Want to Be In
A welcoming atmosphere keeps attention and energy up. Set the culture intentionally: music playing as they enter a room that feels safe, fun, and alive. Think about the flow of the hour and the vibe you’re setting. When youth actually want to be there, focus and follow‑through rise naturally. —Ayeisha Mathis (Boston 2016)
