by: husanthompson.eth Image credit: @spaceartwork02
As we all gear up for the next traditional school year, it's essential to help our students transition smoothly into the first days of school. Here are some strategies as you get your student ready for their next “grade”.
8 Ways to Re-establish Good Habits
My purpose is to empower you with strategies that build positive routines and procedures in your student, before they walk onto campus. Here are eight strategies you can establish during the week before school starts that will set the tone for a successful.
1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
During vacation time, it’s okay to relax sleep routines. Maybe they are traveling to new places; maybe they are spending the summer with grandma; or maybe a few weeks at summer camp. These are all spaces where young people get to stay up late and sleep in. But as the new school year approaches, gradually adjusting their sleep schedule to align with the school routine is wise. According to the CDC: elementary students need 10 - 13 hours, middle schoolers need 9-12 hours, and high schooler students need 9-10 hours per day.
So as the school year approaches, gradually adjust their bedtime and wake time to align with their school schedule.
Strategies:
(1) Consider activities like bath time, morning hygiene, eating breakfast, packing lunch, preparing dinner and travel time when determining their bedtime.
(2) Wind things down slowly and consistently before they go to sleep.
(3) Put their electronic devices on the charger for the night right around dinner time.
(4) Gradually cut off lights to set the mood for sleeping.
(5) Establish a daily sleeping routine which may include bath time, reading, prayers, or whatever consistent routines that will serve as signals that it’s time to prepare for a good night’s sleep.
There may be resistance to this routine change, so be patient and persistent. Give them a full 7 days to adjust. Use this Student Life Scheduler with your student to give them a sense and a structure for their day.
2. Reintroduce Reading Time
The summer slump is a phenomenon that occurs when people experience a decrease in productivity and motivation during the summer months. According to the Review of Educational Research, children can loose skills and knowledge from the previous school year. If your child has not been reading over the summer, it’s time to re-ignite their interest in reading.
But if families and educators encourage kids to stay engaged in learning throughout the summer, students may not only maintain, but improve their knowledge.
Strategies:
(1) Set specific reading times. When your child knows that reading time is every day from 5:30 to 6:00pm, they can adjust to your consistent expectation. Carefully select a time and duration that works.
(2) Make reading a pre-requisite for an activity they really want to do. For example, In order to access Roblox, they must first read 4 pages. Help them appreciate the concept of “earned privileges.”
(3) Carefully decide if the reading expectation should be about time or amount of reading. One child may take reading time and intentionally read slowly in order to do less work in the time frame. Another child may intentionally select a book with huge pictures, in order to get through the page frame. I’ve also seen success with no expectations, but to have the student read as much as they want for however long they want. But I’ve also seen that backfire.
Encourage your child to read regularly during the week leading up to school. Reading helps maintain their academic skills and prepares their minds for learning. Visit the local library together, discuss their favorite books, and create a cozy reading corner at home.
3. Set Up a Homework Station: Designate a quiet and organized space at home for your child to do their homework. Having a dedicated area for studying will foster a positive attitude towards learning and minimize distractions.
4. Review Healthy Eating Habits: Reinforce the importance of a balanced diet. Plan nutritious meals and snacks to keep your child fueled throughout the day. Involve them in meal preparation to instill healthy eating habits and get them excited about nutritious foods.
5. Discuss School Routines and Expectations: Talk to your child about what to expect on the first day and beyond. Discuss the morning routine, drop-off and pick-up procedures, and any after-school activities they might participate in. Knowing what to expect will ease anxiety and make them feel more in control of their new environment.
6. Encourage Independence: Empower your child to take responsibility for their belongings and school supplies. Practice organizing their backpack, packing lunch, and setting out their school clothes the night before. This fosters independence and reduces morning stress.
7. Limit Screen Time: Gradually reduce screen time as the first day approaches. Encourage more physical activities, creative play, and family interactions to ease them away from excessive reliance on screens.
8. Stay Positive and Manage Anxiety: Starting a new school year can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for children. Be there to listen to their feelings and concerns, offering encouragement and reassurance. Share your own positive experiences and memories of going back to school to put their mind at ease.
Remember, as parents and guardians, you play a crucial role in helping your child adapt to the school routine. By establishing these positive habits leading up to the first day, you set your child up for a successful and enjoyable academic journey.
If you have any questions or need support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can make this school year a fantastic and enriching experience for our students.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the new school year!
Best regards,
[Your Name] Parent Advocate, [School Name] Elementary School