Back to school can be an exciting but overwhelming time for both students and parents. To ease the transition from summer fun to academic focus, it’s beneficial to gather insights from those who know the process best – teachers. With that in mind, here are 35 back-to-school tips directly from educators who are truly in the know.
1. Set up a routine before school starts to adjust to earlier bedtimes and wake-up times.
2. Create a designated homework area that is quiet and free from distractions.
3. Encourage reading for pleasure to develop literacy skills and a love for books.
4. Establish clear communication with your child’s teacher from the beginning of the year.
5. Organize school supplies and label them with your child’s name.
6. Discuss with your child about setting realistic academic goals for the year.
7. Ensure a balanced diet, including a hearty breakfast to fuel the school day.
8. Teach your child time management skills using planners or digital calendars.
9. Review safety rules regarding travel to and from school.
10. Reinforce proper handwashing and hygiene habits, especially in younger children.
11. Attend back-to-school nights or parent-teacher meetings whenever possible.
12. Foster independence by letting children pack their own lunch or pick out their clothes.
13. Practice stress-relief techniques as a family, such as deep breathing or yoga.
14. Encourage participation in extracurricular activities to build social skills and interests.
15. Monitor screen time and ensure it doesn’t interfere with sleep or homework.
16. Discuss expectations about grades and effort, focusing on growth rather than perfection.
17. Teach respect for teachers and classmates to create a positive learning environment.
18. Set up systems for staying organized, like color-coded binders or folders for different subjects.
19. Prepare for sick days in advance by knowing school policies and having a plan for childcare if needed.
20. Invest in a sturdy backpack with proper support to prevent back problems.
21. Introduce yourself to other parents and form supportive community ties.
22. Celebrate learning milestones and successes, no matter how small they may seem.
23. Embrace educational technology but set guidelines for appropriate use.
24. Establish rules about homework – consistency is key to building good study habits.
25. Remind your child of the importance of regular attendance and punctuality at school.
26. Encourage questions and curiosity both in and out of the classroom setting.
27. Learn about your child’s curriculum so you can engage with what they’re learning about at home
28. Familiarize yourself with the resources available at your child’s school, such as tutoring or counseling services
29. Maintain an open dialogue about friendship dynamics, peer pressure, and bullying
30. Encourage active ways of getting to school if possible, like walking or biking
31. Advocate for your child if you feel their needs aren’t being met in school
32. Remember that all children learn at different paces – patience is crucial
33. Keep an eye out for signs of overwhelm or burnout, as both can affect academic performance
34. Empower your child by offering choices within limits – this fosters decision-making skills
35. Reflect on each week together, celebrating achievements and discussing any challenges faced
With these tips from experienced teachers, parents can help set their children up for success as they embark on another academic year loaded with new challenges and opportunities for growth!
