As the new school year is underway, it’s important for parents to be proactive and invest in academic support before a student falls behind.
Here are some tips and academic coaching on how to adjust to the new school year:
- Talk to your child about what they’re looking forward to and dreading in this new school year. This will help you understand their feelings and expectations, making it easier to provide support.
- Make a plan of what needs to be done each day/week for your child to stay on top of their work. This includes homework, assessments, studying, and extracurricular activities.
- Help them get organized by creating a space in your home that’s dedicated to learning. This can be a corner in their bedroom or a spot at the kitchen table.
- Get rid of distractions by setting rules for screen time and social media usage. This will help your child focus on their work and avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Stay upbeat about the new school year. Your child will feed off your energy, so remaining calm and supportive is important.
- Keep communication open with your child’s teacher and provide additional support with online or in-home tutoring. This will help you stay up-to-date on their progress and identify areas where they need the extra support.
- Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities. This is an excellent way for them to make new friends and explore their interests.
- Make sure they’re getting enough sleep and eating healthy meals. A well-rested and nourished child is more likely to do well in school.
- Celebrate your child’s successes, both big and small. This will help them feel motivated to continue doing their best.
- Don’t’ forget to have patience, it takes time to adjust to a new school year, but eventually things will fall into place.
- Finally, don’t forget to give your child lots of love and encouragement. They need to know that you believe in them and are there for them at every step, which will help them in their study skills.
For many students, the start of a new school year is a time of excitement and anticipation. However, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. Establishing a schedule for homework, classes, and extracurricular activities can help you feel more organized and in control. In addition, making time for regular breaks will help to prevent burnout. Taking just a few minutes to relax or walk outside can make a big difference in how you feel. Lastly, don’t forget to give yourself some grace – it’s okay if everything doesn’t go perfectly at first. With a bit of planning and patience, you’ll be settling into the school year in no time.
Making sure your child has the academic support they need is one of the best ways to set them up for success in the school year and beyond. So take some time to talk to your child and make a plan that works for both of you.
“The first few weeks of school can be tough for kids as they adjust to a new routine,” said Dr. Jillian Roberts, associate professor in educational psychology and counseling at the University of Victoria. “But it’s important for parents to be proactive and invest in academic support before the student falls behind.”