4 Must-Know Tips for a Productive School Year

As students prepare to go back to school in the coming weeks, it’s crucial to focus on easing them back into the academic mindset. For younger students in particular, transitioning from the relaxed pace of summer vacation to the structured environment of school can be challenging. So it’s a good idea to start back-to-school preparations early.

Help your kids adjust to the new school year with these tips.

Establish a consistent routine

Routines can be challenging during the summer. so re-establishing consistency is essential for a smooth back-to-school transition for young students. To ease the adjustment, parents should start helping their children get back into a routine a few weeks before school starts.

Start by setting regular sleep and wake-up times to help reset your child’s internal clock and ensure they are well-rested and ready for the day. Gradually shifting bed- and wake-up times can make the transition less jarring. Additionally, having your child incorporate to-do lists for home-related tasks will remind them of the importance of organization. For example, have them write any chores, play dates, or other activities in a planner or calendar to encourage staying on top of tasks.

Once school begins, use a hands-on approach and get your child involved in setting themselves up for a successful day. Have them help prepare their backpack, pick out an outfit for the next day, and pack their lunch. This approach not only helps students feel more prepared but also builds excitement and confidence for the new school year.

Encourage math and reading at home

Students lose approximately 2.6 months of grade-level equivalency in math and reading over the summer months, and encouraging them to continue practicing these concepts at home will keep them in an academic state of mind.

Incorporating fun and engaging activities surrounding math and reading over the summer makes a huge difference in retention and will help set your child up for success when they return to school. For math, try a math-related card or board game. Alternatively, involve your child in daily activities that involve math concepts like cooking, counting change, telling time, etc.

For reading, set aside a specific time each day for your child to sit and read a book of their choice. Consider buying books that align with their interests to keep them engaged. You can also read with your child, set up a cozy reading area, or offer a fun reward every time they finish a book. Practicing math and reading in fun ways will increase your child’s retention and help them maintain the skills they gained the year prior.

Create before- and after-school to-do lists

Creating before and after-school to-do lists can help make the transition back to school smoother and more manageable. These lists provide structure and ensure that important tasks are not overlooked, helping students stay organized and focused.

For young students, a before-school to-do list may include tasks such as brushing teeth, eating breakfast, packing a lunch box and backpack, going over any extracurricular activities for that day, and so on. This practice minimizes morning stress and sets a positive tone for the day.

After school, it’s important to create a routine that helps your child focus on schoolwork while also allowing them time to unwind. After school, dedicate 15 to 20 minutes for a quick snack and discussion about the day, and then switch gears to focus on homework. Once all schoolwork is completed, set aside time for your child to watch TV or have playtime to decompress. By integrating before and after-school to-do lists into your child’s routine, you’ll not only help them manage their time better but also foster a sense of responsibility. This structure will set your child up for a successful and organized academic journey.

Set goals for the semester

Setting clear and achievable goals for the school year is a great way to help students stay focused and motivated. As the academic year approaches, encourage your child to set both short-term and long-term goals to give them a sense of direction and purpose. These goals can be anything from improving grades in a specific subject, joining a new extracurricular, making a new friend, etc.

Start by sitting down with your child and discussing what they hope to achieve this school year. Help them break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if the goal is to improve reading, set milestones like reading daily or finishing a chapter of a novel each week.

It’s vital that parents help their children keep track of the goals they set and celebrate small victories along the way. This also provides an opportunity to discuss perseverance and resilience if a goal is not met. Remind your child that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process and that staying focused on their goals will help them overcome challenges.