Now that school is back in full swing, I was just commenting to a teaching colleague this afternoon that most students are starting to feel more comfortable. This can be a good thing and a bad thing depending on how you look at it.
It’s important for students to be happy with their teachers and classes so they will be more productive academically. On the other hand, it’s also crucial for them to maintain the momentum they started the year off with so they will progress in their classes.
As an educator for over fifteen years, I know a little something about how to have a seamless beginning to the school year.
Here are my tips for doing so:
- Maintain open communication with your children by asking them about their school day and engaging them in conversation daily.
- Homework shouldn’t be stressful. It’s okay to stop for a little while and have your child come back to it once they have regrouped.
- Parental involvement is crucial for a productive school year. Attend as many workshops or parent-teacher conferences as you can.
- Reading as a family encourages your children to read and instills in them the importance of reading regularly.
- Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and studies show that children who enjoy a balanced breakfast perform better academically.
- Educational activities can sometimes be enjoyed outdoors and are a great way to get students motivated about learning.
- It’s important that parents maintain open lines of communication with their child’s teachers. It’s a great way to instill expectations and keep abreast of their child’s development.
- Technology is a wonderful tool for promoting learning and investigation, however, it should also be monitored.
- Connect with other parents in your child’s class. This is especially important in middle school and high school where adolescents tend to be less communicative about their comings and goings.
- Instill a sense in students that learning is fun and allow them to enjoy the process.
At Follett, the back to school season is a busy but very exciting time! They are experts in supporting families and students through this transitional academic period. With their #FallBackToSchool campaign, they want to help families and students by providing great resources to guide you along the way, including; tips, guides, advice columns and much more!
It’s nice to know that they are well versed on all things education-related. Share your back to school story with Follett by posting it to social media using the hashtag #FallBackToSchool.
Let’s Discuss: What are some of the ways that you make sure your kids have a seamless start to the school year?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored campaign created in collaboration with Follett Corporation. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
© 2015, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
We started getting into the routine about a week before school actually started. It definitely helped my boys get into the swing of things when the first day came.
I truly miss these back to school routines, now getting a text from my youngest when he needs something sent to Bowie State University is my new routine.
I like your suggestion of giving them a break when they’re doing their homework. Sometimes they really do need a little down time to keep at it!
These are all great tips. I remember how stressful the beginning of the school year could be for the whole family.
It was only during the first week that we struggled. Right after that we had a routine and things are much easier. These are great tips you’ve shared.
Our oldest just started Jr. High and keeping communication open has been an issue. With all the drama of preteen girls, she tries to keep so much of it inside…
Back to school can be such a hard part of the year, getting back into the routine of daily school life.
Great post! I think early preparation is key for having a seamless start to the school year!
This year has been hard. We are use to homeschooling so the 6am alarm clock is hard. Me and my husband work as a team to make sure it all gets done.
Parental involvement is definitely a major key point to maintaining success throughout the year. If they aren’t getting the support they need at home, then will surely fall behind at school.
That is extremely valuable advice to parents on how to help their children succeed and enjoy the school year. I do find that chart interesting on how the various sections of the country view learning!
Great tips! It’s so important to start the school year off right. My kids have had some really rough go’s at schools, bullying and having to be taken out and homeschooled last year… so this year hoping its a much better year.
For my kids I encourage them to be proactive versus reactive. If they have a homework assignment due at the end of the week, they pace themselves each day to complete it on time or finish early.
We are finally back into a routine for school. We have communication books for school. The teacher writes how their day was and if there is anything important. These are great tips.
These are great tips for back to school. We try to stick to a routine with homework. The kids have a study spot set up where there are not a lot of distractions.
My kids have been in school for 6 weeks and we are on a pretty good schedule. I do talk to them about their day and homework when they get home.
Learning in and of itself really can be fun. Adding enthusiasm to it, can really take that up a notch with the kiddos (at any age)!
I love your tips! These are the things I hope to accomplish as my son starts school.