12 Tips From a Teacher to Prepare Your Child for a Successful School Year

As a new school year approaches, parents naturally want to ensure their children are set up for success. This process involves more than just buying school supplies; it requires thoughtful preparation, both academically and emotionally. Whether your child is entering elementary school, high school, or transitioning between the two, these steps will help them start the year with confidence and a positive mindset.

1. Establish a Routine

A consistent daily routine helps children feel secure and understand expectations. As summer winds down, gradually reintroduce a school-year schedule. This includes setting consistent bedtimes and wake-up times. A good night’s sleep is crucial for academic performance and emotional well-being. Encourage your child to wind down in the evening with calming activities like reading, and avoid screens for 30 minutes before bed.

Benefits of a Routine:

– Reduces Anxiety: Knowing what to expect each day can help reduce anxiety about new experiences or changes.

– Promotes Independence: A routine teaches children time management and responsibility.

– Improves Academic Performance: Well-rested children are more attentive and better able to retain information.

2. Create a Positive Learning Environment

A dedicated, distraction-free space for studying and homework is essential. It doesn’t need to be a separate room; a quiet corner with good lighting and comfortable seating works well. Ensure all necessary supplies—such as pencils, paper, and a computer—are readily available. 

Tips for a Positive Learning Environment:

– Personalize the Space: Let your child decorate their study area. This makes it a more inviting place where they feel comfortable and motivated.

– Minimize Distractions: Limit noise and interruptions. If the study area is in a shared space, establish rules to minimize disruptions during study times.

– Ensure Proper Equipment: If your child needs specific technology or materials, make sure they are in good working order before the school year begins.

– Flexible Seating: As a teacher, I’m a HUGE advocate for flexible seating to help with focus. Whether it’s a standing desk, a beanbag or a cushion on the floor with a low table, it might be the trick to help when they are struggling to focus at a traditional desk. 

3. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

Help your child set realistic academic and personal goals for the year. These can range from improving grades in a specific subject to making new friends. 

Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). 

How to Set SMART Goals:

– Specific: Clearly define the goal. For example, “improve math skills” is vague, while “complete all math assignments on time and practice extra problems weekly” is specific.

– Measurable: Determine how you will measure progress. This could be through grades, completed assignments, or feedback from teachers.

– Achievable: The goal should be challenging yet attainable based on your child’s current abilities.

– Relevant: The goal should be meaningful to your child and align with their interests or needs.

– Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving the goal, such as the end of the semester.

4. Encourage a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and perseverance, is crucial for academic and personal growth. Encourage your child to see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as insurmountable obstacles. Praise their efforts, not just their achievements, and emphasize that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

Ways to Foster a Growth Mindset:

– Use Positive Language: Replace “I can’t do this” with “I can’t do this yet.”

– Encourage Problem-Solving: When your child faces a challenge, guide them through finding a solution rather than solving it for them.

– Celebrate Effort and Progress: Acknowledge hard work and improvements, no matter how small.

5. Build Emotional Resilience

Starting a new school year can be stressful. Help your child build emotional resilience by teaching them coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Encourage open communication about their feelings and experiences.

Strategies for Building Emotional Resilience:

– Teach Stress Management Techniques: Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and physical activities like yoga or sports can help manage stress.

– Encourage Journaling: Writing about their feelings can help children process emotions and gain perspective.

– Model Positive Coping Mechanisms: Show how you manage stress and talk about your experiences to normalize discussions about emotions.

6. Develop Good Study Habits

Effective study habits are essential for academic success. Teach your child how to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and stay organized. Help them develop a study schedule that includes regular breaks and avoids last-minute cramming.

Key Study Habits:

– Time Management: Use planners or digital calendars to keep track of assignments, tests, and other important dates.

– Active Learning: Encourage methods like summarizing information, teaching concepts to someone else, or creating flashcards.

– Regular Review: Frequent review of material helps reinforce learning and reduces the need for intensive studying before exams.

7. Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

A balanced diet and regular physical activity are vital for your child’s physical and mental well-being. Healthy meals provide the energy needed for focus and learning, while exercise helps reduce stress and improve mood.

Healthy Habits:

– Balanced Diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your child’s diet.

– Limit Sugary Foods: Excess sugar can lead to energy crashes and decreased concentration. Instead of your child reaching for a bag of chips before they hit the books, suggest healthier alternatives such as: blueberries, walnuts, dark chocolate or avocado toast. These foods are high in nutrients that help with focus and overall brain health.  

– Regular Exercise: Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, which can include sports, walking, or playing outside. To gamify it, get them a device that tracks their fitness like a FitBit (it keeps me motivated on those lazy days)!

8. Stay Involved and Communicate

Parental involvement is linked to higher academic achievement and better social skills. Stay informed about your child’s school life by regularly communicating with teachers and attending school events. Show interest in their activities and be supportive of their efforts.

Ways to Stay Involved:

– Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences: These meetings are valuable for understanding your child’s progress and any areas needing attention.

– Volunteer at School: If possible, participate in school events or activities, which shows your child that you value their education.

– Check-In Regularly: Ask your child about their day, what they learned, and any challenges they faced. This encourages open communication and helps you stay aware of their experiences. Try phrasing questions that prompt more than a yes or no response. 

9. Teach Responsibility and Independence

As children grow, it’s essential to teach them responsibility and independence. This includes taking responsibility for their homework, managing their time, and preparing for school each day.

Ways to Foster Responsibility:

– Assign Age-Appropriate Chores: Tasks like making their bed, packing their lunch, or setting the table can teach responsibility and time management.

– Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach your child to communicate with teachers and ask for help when needed. If they are on an Individual Education Plan (IEP), encourage them to ask for their accommodations (such as, additional time or a quieter space for tests) if they aren’t being addressed. 

– Set Clear Expectations: Make sure your child understands what is expected of them regarding schoolwork and behavior.

10. Encourage Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities provide opportunities for socialization, skill development, and stress relief. Whether it’s sports, music, art, or clubs, encourage your child to explore interests outside the classroom.

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities:

– Skill Development: Activities can enhance skills like teamwork, leadership, and time management.

– Social Interaction: Meeting peers with similar interests can help build friendships and improve social skills.

– Stress Relief: Engaging in enjoyable activities can reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment.

11. Prepare for the First Day

The first day of school can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Help your child feel prepared by organizing everything they need the night before. This includes packing their backpack, choosing an outfit, and reviewing the schedule.

First Day Tips:

– Practice the Morning Routine: A few days before school starts, practice the morning routine to ensure everything runs smoothly.

– Discuss Expectations: Talk about what to expect on the first day, including new teachers, classmates, and subjects.

– Stay Positive: Express enthusiasm about the new school year and highlight positive aspects, like reuniting with friends or learning new things.

12. Address Any Concerns

Listen to any concerns your child may have about the upcoming school year. Whether they’re worried about academics, social situations, or other aspects, address these concerns openly and offer support.

How to Address Concerns:

– Listen Actively: Let your child express their feelings without interrupting or dismissing their concerns.

– Offer Reassurance: Provide reassurance by discussing how similar concerns were addressed in the past or by planning strategies together.

– Seek Additional Support: If necessary, reach out to teachers, school counselors, or other resources for additional support.

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Preparing for a successful school year involves an approach that addresses academic, emotional, and physical well-being. By establishing routines, creating a positive learning environment, and fostering a growth mindset, parents and guardians can help their children feel confident and ready to tackle the challenges of the new school year. Remember, the goal is not just academic success, but also to nurture well-rounded, resilient individuals. With the right preparation and support,they can have a fulfilling and successful school year.

“Julie Diamond is the founder and CEO of Diamond Teachers Group (DTG), an online tutoring company composed of certified teachers who tutor. She’s been running DTG, formerly called Teachers to Go, since 2011