As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, students everywhere prepare for a new school year. Whether your child is entering elementary school, middle school, or high school, starting the school year on the right foot can set the tone for a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Here are some tips to help you kick off the school year with your child to get the most from their classical education.
1. Set Goals
Before classes begin, take some time to talk with your child about what he/she hopes to achieve during the upcoming school year. Set both academic and personal goals that are specific, measurable, and realistic. Whether it's improving grades, getting involved in extracurricular activities, or developing better study habits, having clear goals will provide direction and motivation throughout the year.
2. Get Organized
Organization is key to staying on top of responsibilities and managing time effectively. Establish a routine for your child that helps him/her take ownership in school materials, such as: organizing a backpack, school supplies, and study materials. Setting up a morning routine is another way to get organized. When planning a morning routine, think about the basics: what to wear, breakfast, getting school materials back to school, and departure time to ensure timeliness for school. Staying organized helps to minimize stress and maximize productivity for everyone in the family.
3. Establish a Study Routine
Developing a consistent study routine early in the school year will help your child stay focused and prepared for classes. Discuss the best place and time for a study routine that fits into your family’s lifestyle. If your child has a large assignment, help break it into smaller, manageable chunks to make studying more manageable and less overwhelming.
4. Build Relationships
School is not just about academics—it's also about building relationships with teachers, classmates, and peers. Encourage your child to take the initiative to meet new people, participate in class discussions, and get involved in extracurricular activities or clubs.. Building positive relationships with others can enhance your learning experience and create a supportive network. This is true for both students and families!
5. Stay Engaged
Life gets busy and it is easy to lose track of what is happening at your child’s school. Try to set aside some time each week to read communications from your child’s teacher and from the school. Schools always need a wide variety of help, so make the most of your interests and volunteer. Attend school events, not only will you be supporting the school, it is usually a lot of fun! Staying connected shows your child that school is important and makes for good dinner conversations.
6. Stay Healthy
A healthy body and mind are essential for academic success. Help your child prioritize sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule that allows for 8-10 hours of rest each night. A healthy diet and regular physical activity are shown to reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost overall well-being. And doing this as a family makes it more fun.
7. Stay Positive and Flexible
Start the school year off by discussing how to approach the school year with a positive attitude and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Encourage your child to be open to new experiences, friendships, and learning opportunities that may arise throughout the year.
By implementing these tips and strategies, you can start the school year with confidence, resilience, and a commitment to personal and academic success. Remember that each day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make progress toward your goals. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead filled with achievements, discoveries, and memorable experiences!