Set your morning alarm and get back on track because the back to school season is here! The excitement of using new bags, uniforms, books, fresh notebooks, pens, umbrellas, lunchboxes, and more is unmatched. Friends reunite with big smiles and hugs, and hallways buzz with chatter about the exciting events that happened over the holidays. Parents wave goodbye to their toddlers, some with tears in their eyes, while teachers stand at the entrances, welcoming students with warm smiles and reassuring hugs. 

It’s a time of new beginnings, endless possibilities, and the joyful chaos of back to school season!

 

The back-to-school transition is a major shift for both children and parents alike. But don’t worry! We’ve put together some handy tips and tricks in this blog to help you prepare for an exciting new academic year.

Tips for students to ace the new school year: 

Come up with a solid study plan.

Identify your strongest and weakest subjects and allocate your study time accordingly. Avoid focusing solely on your favorite subject. Make it a habit to review and revise the topics taught in school on the same day to reinforce learning. Set a specific schedule for studying, and remember to include non-academic activities to prevent draining out. Ensure you balance rest and recreation with studying.

Use your gadgets in a wise way.

Children today face many distractions like TVs, mobiles, tablets, and video games, which can divert their attention. Instead of trying to eliminate these gadgets, find ways to use them productively. You can access study materials, educational videos, and documentaries on platforms like YouTube that explain school concepts. If you’re confused about a topic, look for explanations, where tutors present information in different ways that might connect with you. For visual learners, this approach can be especially beneficial. Instead of wasting time on mindless scrolling or gaming, turn screen time into an opportunity for learning and growth.

Setting goals

Setting goals and being aware of your progress is a great motivation to work harder. Establish both academic and personal goals to keep you motivated throughout the school year. You don’t need to work ahead if you don’t want to, but having an idea of what you’ll be covering next will prepare you for success. This sense of direction can help you stay focused and ready for what’s to come.

Find a study buddy. 

Having a study buddy from your class or group of friends can help you stay motivated. With a study buddy, you can check on each other’s progress, refer to each other’s work, and stay updated on class assignments. This approach offers a different perspective on learning compared to guidance from parents or tutors. You can clear up doubts, dive deeper into topics, and enjoy a more casual and easygoing learning experience with a study buddy.

Fix a sleep schedule.

During summer breaks, parents often allow children to unwind and relax. This can lead to extended screen time and late-night activities, causing children to go to bed and wake up much later than usual. When the school year starts, this sudden shift to an early wake-up routine can be challenging. To ease this transition, start adjusting sleep schedules at least a week before school reopens. Encourage your children to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier, so the change isn’t as abrupt when the school alarm rings.

Organize study material.

Declutter your desk and study environment by clearing out everything from last year that is no longer in use. Remove old books that won’t be needed this year and replace them with your new books and supplies. This fresh start can boost your interest and excitement for going back to school. There’s something about new books, pens, and pencils that always makes kids really happy.

Make it a habit. 

Once you’ve implemented these tips and adjusted your schedule, it’s important to turn these changes into habits. Habits can significantly enhance your overall performance. 

‘It takes just 21 days to establish or break a habit ‘.

If you stick to these new routines for a short period of time, they will become easier to follow throughout the academic year. Developing good habits will make studying and learning much more manageable and less daunting.

 

Tips for parents for a smooth transition: 

Going back to school is a daunting time for students, but it is also an equally hard time for parents. Back-to-school season can be both financially and emotionally taxing for parents.

The hectic morning hours, from ensuring uniforms are ready to packing lunch boxes and sending your child off with a warm smile, require significant involvement. This effort can greatly impact the overall mood of the transition from vacation to school days. Here are some tips for parents trying to give their children a successful academic year: 

Be present at school meetings.

Children tend to perform better when parents are genuinely involved in their educational journey with interest and enthusiasm. Parents should get to know the teachers and school to understand their expectations and teaching styles. Staying informed about their child’s progress and development allows parents to effectively encourage and support them, identifying areas that need improvement. While schools regularly hold parent-teacher meetings, parents can always request additional meetings if specific concerns need to be addressed, and the school will consider these requests.

Communication

As parents, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your child, their school, teachers, and everyone involved in their education. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings, challenges, and any difficulties they face both at school and in their personal life. Encourage them to express their issues and work together on finding solutions. Address their concerns empathetically to ensure they feel validated. Regular contact with teachers can help support your child effectively, especially if there are significant changes at home that might impact their behavior. Alerting the teacher would be great, as they can also help the child accordingly. 

Send your child to school prepared.

Ensure your child starts the day with a nutritious breakfast, as it is crucial to boost concentration and attention span, providing the necessary energy for the day. Additionally, maintaining a solid sleep schedule is essential for keeping your child fresh, alert, and energetic during school hours. To avoid difficulties when school resumes, start practicing a regular sleep schedule well in advance. Pack a lunchbox that is sufficient enough to get your child energetic and refreshed throughout the day. When it comes to food, parents know the best for their child. Make sure the child takes every necessary item they might need. Especially in this monsoon season, never go out without an umbrella or raincoat.  

Develop life skills. 

Parents can start training their children at a very young age to handle general life skills, setting the stage for success in school and beyond.

Personal hygiene: Teach your child the importance of cleanliness and good hygiene. Encourage them to wash their hands, brush their teeth, shower regularly, wear clean clothes, and clean up after themselves.

Time management and decision-making: Through simple acts and small responsibilities, parents can help their children develop these skills. Monitoring how they handle tasks, evaluating the pros and cons, and giving suggestions on improving their decisions will improve their abilities.

Money management: Discuss the importance of saving, spending wisely, and making change. Teach them that money doesn’t come free and help them understand its value.

After-school activities 

Identify a particular skill or talent in your child and enroll them in related activities like sports, literature clubs, dance classes, music lessons, and more. This approach ensures they don’t focus solely on academics, promoting overall growth. Such activities provide a healthy way for children to relax while learning new life skills. Being in a different environment with new people can help them develop socially and build good teamwork. After-school activities also contribute to keeping children physically and mentally healthy.

To sum up, 

As much as it’s exciting, it can also be a pretty stressful time for both parents and children.  But don’t worry, these tips and tricks will help make the transition smoother. 

We at Asoka World School, best CBSE school in Kochi are so excited to open the door and welcome back the sunshine of our school. We wish you a happy and successful new academic year to all the parents and students. We’re looking forward to seeing all the smiling faces and hearing the chatter in the hallways again. Here’s to a happy and successful new academic year for all our amazing parents and students!