What are the Best Ways to Prepare for the New School Year?

Tips for Parents

Establish Routines

• It’s important to establish routines from the start of the academic year. Involve your children in creating routines that work for the entire family.
• Successful Sleep Routines: No digital devices at least one hour before going to sleep. Use this hour for relaxing activities like reading or light exercise.
• Wake-Up Routine: Get up at the same time every day. Encourage them to make their own bed, either independently or with the help of an adult or older sibling.
• Morning Routines: Include breakfast, washing up, and getting ready for school.
• Discuss how they will get to and from school and with whom.

Family Time

• Talk to your child about going back to school. Ask open-ended questions such as: What are you excited about? Is there anything you’re nervous about? What would you like to achieve this year?
• Share your own stories of going to school. Many children don’t realize that their parents and grandparents went to school too! This can start an open dialogue that can be sustained throughout the year.

Supporting with Schoolwork

• Encourage your child to tackle homework independently. Ask them to explain the task to you; this gives them ownership while reassuring them that you are aware of their responsibilities.
• Read with your child or at the same time as them.
• Ask open-ended questions about your child’s day. If you simply ask, “What did you do at school today?” you might get the answer, “Nothing!”
• Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher as soon as possible, either casually or through a meeting. This helps your child know who is part of their learning community and is there to support them.

Tips for Students

• Be as independent as possible.
• Ask for help if needed.
• Pack and carry your own school bag; this builds confidence and ensures you have everything you need for the day.
• Make sure your pencils are sharpened and your pens are working. (This can be part of your evening or morning routine.)
• Check that your school uniform is presentable for the next day.
• Get involved in packing healthy snacks and lunches to sustain you throughout the school day, so there are no surprises when you’re ready to eat.
• Remember to bring your water bottle!
• Try to do your homework as soon as you get home, while the lessons are fresh in your mind, to get it out of the way.
• Include some time for rest and relaxation.
• Make sure to go outside and play.

It is beneficial for students of all ages to follow many of these steps, as independently as possible, to prepare for school, promoting long-term productivity and lifelong learning. With practice, students develop an exemplary attitude toward these daily routines, which later transition into further education and the workplace. This is only possible with patience and positive encouragement from parents, families, and the school community.

I wish everyone great success in the school year ahead.

Miss Francis