Official Health & Wellness Partner
Getting back into the flow of school after several weeks of summer break can be a challenge. Many students struggle in the first few weeks to find a flow that works for them. This is mostly because life abruptly changes from days of few responsibilities, if any, to days chock full of them, from commutes and classes to extracurricular activities. Here is how you can start off a successful school year:
Ease Back Into School-Year Sleep Schedules
Sleep may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of back-to-school readiness. However, it is one of the most important factors in student success. Getting proper sleep enhances focus, boosts moods and leads to better overall behavior. Start one to two weeks before school begins, adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times gradually. Incorporate nighttime routines, like quiet time for younger children and limiting late-night screens for teens.
Reintroduce Screen-Time Boundaries
During summer break, screen-time boundaries are sure to have loosened. After all, children can sleep in, so what does it matter if they spend long nights playing video games or watching TV? However, the school year will be here soon, so consistent wake-up times and focus during the day will become priorities again. Start setting expectations for device use before the school year starts, connecting screen-time limits to sleep, homework, family time and mental health. Make screen time a priority for everyone so you can get back on track before the school year starts.
Set Up a Homework and Study Space
Over the summer, the area set aside for studying may have been repurposed into a crafting or play area. Start putting that area back together, or find a new one that will be distraction-free so your child can focus on homework, reading and projects. For younger children, this may be a spot at the kitchen table with all the supplies they need. Older children may need a more secluded quiet space that supports comfort and focus during long study and homework sessions.
Use a Family Calendar to Track School Commitments
With the school year around the corner, now would be a good time to invest in a family calendar. Whether you have one child or multiple, a family calendar can help. On this calendar, you can track school events, tests, practices, clubs, appointments and deadlines in one shared place. For younger children, parents will want to manage most of the calendar, while middle and high school students can add and keep track of their own events. Be sure to review the calendar for the week ahead every Sunday evening to see if previously scheduled events have changed or to manage potential conflicts.
Talk About Goals, Expectations, and Feelings
Before the school year begins, find out what your child is excited about, nervous about and hoping to accomplish this year. This can help guide decisions about the school year, such as choosing extracurricular activities or planning days for college research or applications. Knowing what your child wants and how they feel going into the school year can help you set them up for success.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, we know that success in school starts in the home. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a real-world learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.