How to Run a Mid-Term Review With Your Teen

The middle of the term is more than a milestone — it’s a turning point.

By this stage, most teens have settled into routines (good or bad), and you can usually tell whether their confidence is growing or fading. That’s why a mid-term review is so valuable. It’s a structured check-in that helps your teen reflect, reset, and refocus — before small struggles become big setbacks.

Step 1: Set the Right Tone

Avoid making the review feel like a report card. This isn’t about judging; it’s about understanding. Sit somewhere neutral — not at their desk or your workspace. A calm setting encourages honest conversation.

Step 2: Start with Wins

Begin by asking what’s gone well. Teens are quick to criticise themselves; start with success to build confidence and openness.

Step 3: Identify Key Challenges

Once the tone is positive, ask:

• Which subject feels most challenging right now?
• What topics keep coming up as “hard”?
• What do you think is getting in your way?

Keep it conversational — not a checklist.

Step 4: Co-Create an Action Plan

Encourage your teen to come up with their own next steps. For example:

• “I’ll revise Chemistry equations for 15 minutes each night.”
• “I’ll ask for feedback after my next Biology test.”

Ownership matters. When students feel in control, motivation naturally increases.

Step 5: Follow Up

Schedule a quick check-in two weeks later to see what’s improved. Small, consistent reviews create lasting change.

At EmpoweredSTEM, we use structured reflection systems just like this to help students take ownership of their learning. With the right framework, your teen can turn mid-term stress into mid-term progress.