Planning Ahead to the New School Year
The arrival of summer often brings a sense of relaxation and a break from the usual routine for children and parents alike. However, as the new school year arrives quicker than we think it will, it is essential to start planning ahead to ensure a smooth transition back into academic life. Effective preparation can help alleviate stress and set the stage for a successful year. Here are some key areas to focus on when planning for the upcoming school year.
1. Academic Preparation
One of the aspects that most parents think about in preparing for the new school year is academic readiness and yes as an ex-teacher, it is important. Still, I would also encourage you to think about teaching your child age-appropriate life skills, such as crossing a road safely, learning to turn the dishwasher or washing machine on. These skills are still learning that helps to build your child’s brain differently.
There are many great educational workbooks you can purchase or get materials from your child’s school to embed the learning from their current year group. You can find activities to teach them a concept or a skill, hands on learning is a great way to learn. To help keep learning ticking over read with them, so much learning and understanding big life concepts come through getting lost in the pages of a book. Help keep learning fun by playing an educational game or two, there are some great ones out there.
Where you can take learning outside so you can role model to your children that learning is all around you.
If your child is into a particular subject or you want to explore the answer to a question they have asked, search the internet, visit a museum, or go to your local library. Learn together building in time for connection as you go, this will always be a winner with your child.
2. Organising Supplies
Having the right supplies is fundamental to a productive school year. Start by taking stock of what you already have. Check if last year’s uniform, materials and resources can be reused, such as backpacks, lunch boxes, and stationery. Make a list of what is needed and take advantage of back-to-school sales to purchase these items.
Label all belongings to avoid mix-ups, especially for younger children. Investing in a sturdy backpack and comfortable shoes can make a significant difference, as these items are used daily. For older students, consider organisational tools such as planners or apps to help manage their schedules and homework.
3. Establishing Routines
Re-establishing a routine before school starts can ease the transition from summer to school life. Begin adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times a few weeks before school starts. This gradual change can help reset the body clock and make early mornings less challenging when the new school year begins.
Create a morning routine that allows for a smoother start to the day. This might include setting out clothes the night before, packing lunches, and ensuring that school bags are ready to go, these are all things your child can be involved in.
A consistent and predictable after-school routine, including homework time, extracurricular activities, and leisure, can also provide structure and predictability.
The key to a successful routine is to involve your children in the planning of it. What elements are important to them? If your child feels their voice has been heard and their ideas considered, they are more likely to have a go or to go along with the routines that you set.
4. Emotional and Social Preparation
The start of a new school year can bring about various emotions, from excitement to anxiety. Addressing these feelings is crucial for a positive school experience. Talk to your child about their expectations and concerns. Encourage open communication and reassure them that it is normal to feel nervous.
For younger children or those starting at a new school, visiting the school beforehand can help familiarise them with their new environment. Meeting teachers or classmates ahead of time can also ease first-day jitters.
Books are a great way to talk about emotions without it always having to be focused on your child but they get the benefit of navigating the emotions with the characters.
5. Health and Wellbeing
Physical health is just as important as academic readiness. Ensure that any medical check-ups, dentist appointments and vaccinations are up to date before the school year begins.
A balanced diet and regular exercise can boost energy levels and concentration.
Discuss the importance of hygiene, particularly handwashing. You may wish to prepare a small hygiene kit for your child to carry, including hand sanitiser and tissues.
Planning ahead for the new school year involves a blend of academic preparation, organisational skills, routine establishment, emotional readiness, and health considerations. By taking a proactive approach, you can help ensure that your child is not only ready to face the challenges of the new school year but also poised to make the most of the opportunities it brings.
Anisa is an accredited and certified Positive Parenting Coach, mother, and ex-deputy head teacher, with 20+ years of experience working and supporting children and families. Anisa specialises in empowering and positively transforming lives of parents and children, who are facing stress, anxiety, or just day-to-day challenges of parenting – working with them directly, in group environments, and through corporate channels. Anisa is hugely passionate about using her coaching skills, and educational background, to find ways for parents and children to move through the challenges they face in life, together.
Anisa is here to help bring about multi-generational change as she believes we often get stuck in the patterns from the past, following the path we ourselves tread, which isn’t always the right one to support our children and she is here to help families work things out, so they get to know that parenting does not have to be hard.
