As summer days wind down and the new school year approaches, families are shifting gears from vacations and playdates to school routines and homework. The transition from summer fun to classroom focus can be challenging, but with a bit of preparation, it can also be an exciting time of growth and learning.
Whether your child is entering kindergarten or their senior year of high school, a well-thought-out back-to-school checklist can help them start the year strong. At Scholars, we understand that every student’s needs are unique, so we’ve compiled a checklist covering all the bases to make the transition smooth and stress-free. Here are some things to consider when preparing your child for the new school year.
✔ School Supplies
Gathering and organizing school supplies is a key step to back-to-school success. When students have what they need and know where to find it, they are more likely to stay focused and confident in class and their study space at home. A good-quality backpack is a great place to start. Essential items vary depending on the grade level. Elementary students may need a pencil case, crayons, safety scissors, glue sticks, and notebooks. Encouraging young students to decorate and personalize their items can make them feel more connected to their supplies and more likely to take care of them. Middle and high school students may need binders, pens, pencils, calculators, highlighters, and a computer or tablet.
✔ Set Up a Study Space
A well-organized and distraction-free space can go a long way in helping your child stay motivated and productive at home throughout the school year. Choose a location away from high-traffic zones, such as the living room or kitchen, ideally near a window and natural light. A comfortable and supportive chair will encourage good posture and help your child relax while studying. All supplies should be within arm’s reach, and the area should be kept tidy. A clutter-free space helps to promote a clutter-free mind. Also, organizational tools such as wall calendars and planners can be a great way to keep track of assignments, tests, and school activities.
✔ Establish a Routine
Establishing a good routine helps set a foundation for academic success. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for cognitive function, memory retention, and more. Encouraging a calming bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to music, can help your child wind down. A good morning routine, including a healthy breakfast and enough time to get dressed, pack lunch, do some light exercise, and talk about the day’s schedule, can make for a pleasant and energizing start to each day.
✔ Set Goals
Setting goals can empower students to achieve success. Setting short-term and long-term goals enables students to define goals this year, providing direction, motivation, and focus. It also promotes accountability and responsibility. Use the SMART framework to help your child set practical goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, instead of setting a vague goal such as “get better at math,” a SMART goal would be “improve my grade in math from a C+ to a B+ by the end of the semester by studying for 20 minutes every day and going to a tutor once a week.” Don’t forget to recognize when your child achieves a milestone. Celebrating success can reinforce positive behaviour and keep motivation levels high.
✔ Plan Extracurricular Activities
Participating in extracurricular activities can help to develop more well-rounded students. These activities can play a vital role in a child’s development beyond the classroom. They promote a healthy balance between academics and personal interests, encourage skill development, support social development and teamwork, teach commitment and perseverance, and provide a platform for students to make new friends and collaborate. Activities such as sports, debate teams, music or drama clubs, and group volunteer projects help students build social skills and look great on a college or university application.
✔ Tutoring
Tutoring sets students up for success. Tutoring offers personalized support, builds confidence, and helps students catch up, keep up, or get ahead of what is happening in each class. This ongoing support can be invaluable during the school year, providing help for tests and assignments while keeping each student motivated and helping them develop the skills they need for short-term and long-term success.
At Scholars, preparation is the foundation for success. By following this checklist, you can help ensure your child is ready to tackle the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm. And remember, our team is here to support you every step of the way with our personalized tutoring programs for all grade levels and subjects.