As the excitement of the new school year fades and academic challenges increase, many students begin to experience what educators call the “October Slump.” This period, often accompanied by feelings of frustration and disengagement, can be particularly difficult for students with special educational needs (SEN). For parents, supporting their children during this time is crucial to ensuring they don’t fall behind and lose confidence in their abilities. Below are practical strategies to help your child navigate this challenging time.
Stay Engaged Through Online School Platforms
Many schools now use platforms like Schoology, Google Classroom, or Canvas to communicate with students and parents. These tools are essential for keeping track of assignments, grades, and teacher feedback. As a parent, it’s important to have access to these platforms, log in regularly, and familiarize yourself with how they work. Doing so will help you stay on top of deadlines, missing assignments, and upcoming tests, and hold your child accountable for their work.
Proactive Tip: Set aside a few minutes each week to review your child’s submitted homework, grades, and upcoming deadlines. This not only keeps you informed but also provides opportunities to encourage your child and celebrate small wins, reinforcing positive habits.
Advocate for IEP Accommodations
For students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans, accommodations such as extra time on assignments or retesting are often critical to their success. However, it is not uncommon for teachers to overlook or forget to implement these accommodations, particularly during busier times of the year.
Proactive Tip: Regularly check in with your child’s special education liaison or teachers to ensure these accommodations are being honored. If work handed in late due to your child’s disability is being penalized, remind teachers of the IEP or 504 guidelines. This consistent communication ensures your child receives the support they need.
Additionally, many schools allow retesting for low scores, particularly when these students have IEP accommodations. Monitor test grades closely to ensure your child gets the opportunity to retake any tests if necessary.
Encourage Accountability and Set Realistic Goals
As the curriculum becomes more demanding in October, students may begin to feel overwhelmed. For children with SEN, especially those with ADHD or executive functioning challenges, this can be particularly frustrating. Setting small, manageable goals can make tasks feel less daunting and help build their self-confidence.
Break down assignments into smaller steps and celebrate when they complete each one. This keeps them motivated and builds a sense of accomplishment. You can also use a classroom reward system, such as adding to a “Pom-Pom jar” for completed work, giving them something to look forward to.
Revisit Assignments and Retake Tests
The good news is that in most schools, grades aren’t locked in for the semester or trimester yet. This means there is still time for your child to submit missing assignments and retake tests to improve their grades. Staying aware of deadlines and open opportunities for improvement helps prevent grades from slipping beyond repair.
Proactive Tip: Make sure your child knows that there’s still time to turn things around. Set up a schedule to complete any missing work, and communicate with teachers about available retesting options for low test scores. This helps your child stay proactive and prevents the “slump” from having a long-term impact on their grades.
Prioritize Sleep, Nutrition, and Hydration
Children, especially those with special needs, often struggle to meet basic self-care needs when school becomes overwhelming. However, staying well-rested, hydrated, and properly nourished is essential to maintaining focus and managing stress.
• Sleep: Encourage a consistent bedtime routine. Children with ADHD, for instance, benefit greatly from proper sleep, as it helps them regulate their emotions and focus during the school day.
• Nutrition: Make sure your child eats regular, balanced meals and avoids relying on snacks like granola bars as their main source of nutrition. Pre-packaged meals or easy-to-assemble salads can make it easier to ensure they are eating well even when time is limited.
• Hydration: Drinking enough water is essential for cognitive function and mood regulation. Encourage your child to drink water regularly, even if it means using an extra-large water bottle during the school day.
Promote Independence and Self-Advocacy
One of the greatest tools you can provide your child with is the ability to advocate for themselves. As they grow, students need to feel empowered to ask for help when they need it, especially in a classroom environment where accommodations are critical.
Proactive Tip: Role-play scenarios with your child where they might need to ask a teacher for extra time or help understanding a concept. This builds their confidence and ensures they feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
Support from Home: Stay on Top of Assignments and Tests
With the help of online platforms and regular communication with teachers, you can stay on top of your child’s academic responsibilities. For students with SEN, accountability is key. By creating a homework and test calendar at home, you can visually track assignments and tests, ensuring that nothing is forgotten.
Routine Check: At the beginning of each week, review assignments and test dates. Setting up a visual reminder system at home can help both you and your child stay on top of important deadlines and create a structured routine.
Check in with Clinicians if Necessary
If your child shows signs of increased stress or disengagement—such as avoiding school, showing a lack of interest in activities, or making self-harm statements—it’s important to act quickly. Consult with your child’s school counselor or educational advocates if you notice these warning signs. Schools typically have mental health resources available to help students through challenging times.
Final Thoughts
The October Slump can be tough for both students and parents, especially when managing special educational needs. By staying informed, maintaining open communication with teachers, and prioritizing self-care and accountability, you can help your child push through this period and stay on track for a successful school year. With the right support, they can regain their confidence and finish the year strong.