Tips On Preparing To Go Back To School
You may have already created a game plan over the years from trial and error. As you know your child best, you probably know how they act when it’s time to go back to school and what they struggle with. In case you need help finding ways to help your child reintegrate back into the school year, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider to help them out:
1. Slowly Acclimate To A School Sleep Schedule
It’s amazing how important sleep is and how much the quality of sleep we get greatly affects us throughout the day. A sudden change in sleep routine can be alarming to the body and actually make one more tired, less able to concentrate, and more stressed and irritable.
It’s best to make a slow transition, especially if the sleep schedule has been staying up late and sleeping in all of the breaks, and now your child has to get up at 6:30 a.m. or 7 a.m.
To start, you can gradually move bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every few nights. Similarly, wake them up fifteen minutes earlier each morning until they reach their school wake-up time. This gradual adjustment will help their bodies acclimate without the shock of an abrupt change.
2. Family Field Trip
While going on vacation, visit a historical site, a museum, a science center, or an aquarium, which will be a fun experience but also secretly engage their minds and prepare them for learning.
These excursions can be both educational and enjoyable, providing opportunities for your child to learn new things in a relaxed setting. These trips not only stimulate their intellect but also allow for quality family bonding time.
3. Set Goals
When setting goals, start with your child’s interest first when talking with them. If they are interested in choir, their goals for the semester or year could be making it into the advanced choir or succeeding at a festival/competition. If they are more interested in sports, they may want to hit a personal best record for distance or make the varsity team.
Whatever their interests and passions are, set goals within that. This will give them something to look forward to and will help them keep endurance through the school year as well as “keep their eye on the prize.” Once they get motivated by setting goals and wanting to challenge themselves, they can then set goals for their academics.
Academic goals might include aiming for a specific GPA, improving in a particular subject, or even participating more actively in class discussions. Having clear, achievable goals can give your child a sense of purpose and motivation as they head back to school.
4. Set Expectations
Expectations and commitments are super important to children in their school years, especially middle schoolers who need strong structure. Not only is it important for them to schedule their homework, assignments, and extracurricular activities, but it’s also good to know all expectations and responsibilities upfront.
As things are changing from break to school, be straightforward and clear about screen time limits. Also, be clear about expected chores. If they know what chores need to be accomplished each day, they can accomplish them at their best time or when scheduled, rather than being asked to take out the trash in the middle of schoolwork or relaxation time.
Additionally, creating a weekly calendar can help your child visualize their responsibilities. This calendar can include homework deadlines, test dates, extracurricular activities, and family obligations. Knowing what to expect each week can reduce anxiety and help your child manage their time more effectively.
5. Stay Positive
Children can deal with all kinds of stresses that we don’t fully understand. As they transition to different school years, or from elementary to middle to high school, there can be a lot of nervousness bound up in them.
New things can be scary for anyone, especially if they’re dealing with changes in their bodies and hormones, along with pre-teen and teenage heartbreaks and woes; school changes can be particularly stressful.
As a parent, you get to provide them with a safe environment of affection, love, and understanding. Staying calm and encouraging but not negating their emotions will help them so much. Children often look to adults to know what to do. They are also looking to adults to learn how to feel. They will mirror your attitude and emotions regarding your outlook for the next school semester.
Encourage open communication and let your child express their concerns. Validate their feelings and offer solutions or support where possible. Sometimes, just knowing that their feelings are acknowledged can make a big difference in their stress levels.
6. Establish A Morning Routine
One of the most challenging parts of returning to school can be the morning rush. Establishing a morning routine can help alleviate some of this stress.
Encourage your child to lay out their clothes, pack their backpack, and prepare their lunch the night before. In the morning, a set sequence of activities—like brushing their teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and grabbing their packed bag—can streamline the process and reduce last-minute panic.
7. Practice School-Day Scenarios
If your child is particularly anxious about the first day back, it might be helpful to do a few practice runs. Walk through what a typical school day will look like, from waking up to getting on the bus or being dropped off. This rehearsal can make the actual first day feel more familiar and less intimidating.
8. Review And Organize School Supplies
A new school year often means new supplies. Make a fun activity out of shopping for school supplies together.
Once you have everything, help your child organize their supplies. Label notebooks for each subject, arrange pencils and pens in a pencil case and set up a dedicated study space at home. Being prepared with the right tools can boost your child's confidence as they return to school.
9. Encourage Social Connections
The social aspect of school is crucial for many children. Encourage your child to reconnect with friends before school starts. Arrange playdates or meet-ups with classmates to help re-establish these connections. If your child is entering a new school or grade, consider attending any orientation events or meet-the-teacher nights to help them feel more comfortable.
10. Integrate Learning Into Daily Activities
Keeping the brain active doesn't have to be limited to structured learning time. Look for ways to integrate learning into everyday activities.
This could be as simple as involving your child in cooking (which involves reading and math), discussing interesting facts during a family walk, or playing educational games together. These activities can keep their minds sharp and ready for the academic challenges ahead.
Preparing for the return to school involves more than just buying supplies and getting new clothes. It's about creating a supportive environment where your child feels equipped to face new challenges and excited about the opportunities a new school year brings.
By gradually adjusting their sleep schedule, setting goals, establishing routines, and staying positive, you can help your child transition smoothly from break mode to school mode.
Remember, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay flexible and attentive to your child's needs, and be prepared to adjust your approach as necessary. With your support and encouragement, your child can start the school year with confidence and enthusiasm.
The Crenshaw Academy
As you think about your child returning to school this fall, it may be time to consider finally enrolling in an excellent private school in Orlando, FL.
The Crenshaw Academy is located in Orlando, Florida. We are a K-12 Private School that believes in teaching in creative ways and raising leaders for the next generation. We work with students and their families to find the best path and education methods specifically for the student.
We like to think outside the box and consider different worldviews so that our students don’t only become model citizens for our state and country but for the world as a whole.
Why Choose The Crenshaw Academy?
At The Crenshaw Academy, we are committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Our approach is student-centered, focusing on individualized learning plans that cater to the unique strengths and interests of each student. Here are some reasons why families choose The Crenshaw Academy:
- Innovative Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to be dynamic and engaging, incorporating project-based learning every step of the way.
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- Small Class Sizes: With smaller class sizes, we can offer a more personalized learning experience. This allows for more one-on-one interaction between teachers and students, ensuring that each child receives the attention they need to thrive.
- Leadership Development: We focus on developing leadership skills in our students. Through various programs and initiatives, we encourage students to take on leadership roles, work collaboratively with their peers, and make a positive impact in their communities.
- Global Perspective: At The Crenshaw Academy, we believe in preparing our students to be global citizens. Our curriculum includes a strong emphasis on global awareness and cultural understanding, helping students to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives.
How To Join Crenshaw Academy
Schedule a campus tour today to see firsthand the vibrant learning environment we offer. Meet our passionate educators, explore our facilities, and envision your child's future with us.
Join The Crenshaw Academy family and give your child the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Enroll today and embark on a transformative educational journey. Contact us for more information about our school.