Your middle schooler probably has an ever growing list of things to do. And there seems to be less and less time to do it. Now is the time to develop top study havits, including strong concentration. Concentration allows us to accomplish more. Pick the best time of day.
Some students are ready to buckle down as soon as they get home from school.
Others do better after dinner. Use the same space. Set small, frequent goals. I'll do one page of math in a half hour. Every time your child meets one goal, they'll feel success.