7 Tips for Back-to-School Success
The end of August is suddenly upon us, and we are filled with mixed emotions. We will miss those carefree days of summer spent at the Cape or up in the mountains, without rushing the kids to school, activities, and other obligations. But there’s also something comforting about the promise of routine and structure.
The transition back to school is a change for everyone in the family – students, parents, even the pets! Kids who’ve enjoyed slower mornings must now get up early again. Leisurely meals will give way to lunches that require planning and packing. And don’t forget about the homework! It’s time to get back into that groove too.
But going back to school doesn’t have to be difficult for you and the kids if you follow some of our favorite tips from Mom bloggers, teachers, and experts. So, don’t worry, we have you covered!
1. Ease back into a routine.
Summer brings a more relaxed feeling to the daily schedule, with kids staying up late and sleeping later in the morning. Getting back to a routine requires a bit of adjustment. Experts recommend practicing your routine a few days or weeks in advance of school starting. Set the alarm a few minutes earlier each day for a week or two before school starts, go through morning routines, and even get in the car or to the bus stop at the same time you will when school starts. This will help get the entire family “school schedule” ready.
2. Set Appropriate Expectations.
The past 18 months of the COVID pandemic have certainly thrown a few curve balls at today’s kids, requiring lots of flexibility and resilience. From fully remote learning, to hybrid models, to in-person but with a very different look & feel from pre-pandemic days, it has been hard for them to know what to expect. School districts are making decisions on a weekly basis regarding what protocols will be in place for the 2021-2022 school year. It’s imperative that parents and guardians follow the dialogue and impart key details to their students. Will masks be required? Should they expect assigned seats on the bus? Will they be eating lunch in the cafeteria or in their classroom? As answers to these questions become clear, communicate them using age-appropriate language, while gently letting them know that protocols could continue to change.
3. Kick Start the Brain.
Lazy days at the pool, the beach or the backyard are typical summertime activities and can include opportunities for reading or learning. But it is time to prepare their brains for the structured learning and studying that comes with the new school year. Encourage your child to read a book, or tackle a crossword puzzle or word search together. If your child likes math, seek out some math problems to do with them, flash cards, multiplication or children’s Sudoku.
4. Work In Your Weekday evening routine.
As with the mornings, evenings in the summer are often less structured than during the school year. Meal times are less consistent, screen time restrictions are more lax and bedtimes are later. Start to incorporate your school year schedule now. If homework needs to be completed before screen time is allowed, implement a window of time when reading or educational activities should occur place before screens come out. If bedtime needs to be pulled earlier, gradually move it up.
5. Get Your Parent/Guardian Evening Checklist Started.
The slower summer mornings alleviate some of the prep work the adults typically do to ensure everyone is out of the house on time. The bus waits for nobody, so now is the time to start your own checklist that you’ll implement to make the mornings more manageable. It’s also a good time to check that lunchboxes and backpacks are still in good condition unless you already have new ones.
6. Prioritize Self-Awareness and mental health.
There are several different types of learners - some kids thrive in an interactive setting; others need a solo space to work their brain. As a result, the remote and hybrid models of the last school year will have impacted students differently. Remind your children of their strengths and accomplishments…and to ask for help if they feel frustrated, confused or anxious. Getting back into schools and classrooms opens up doors for support and encouragement. As a parent or guardian, remind kids that school counselors and teachers are there to help.
7. Schedule in Family Time.
And not just for the last few days of summer. With all of the togetherness that families have embraced during the pandemic, the disruption of that could cause some anxiety for kids who thrive on routine and family connections. Look at your daily routines and see where family time can fit in. Maybe breakfast or dinner is a time when everyone can share highs & lows, or at least enjoy some consistent face-time. Or maybe the best time for connecting is on the weekends. Every family’s schedule is unique! Embrace the routine that the school year provides by incorporating some dedicated time for connecting as a family too.
We hope these Back-To-School Tips are helpful and that you have a wonderful and successful school year. In the meantime, soak up the last few days of summer before it all begins again!