One of the most frequently asked questions from parents is how to plan for a successful school year. Here we suggest a few things parents and students can do to get the upper hand on a new school year before it takes on a life of its own.
Set a Rhythm
Parents, start setting the healthy and helpful routines that your child will need to navigate the new school year. These include times for mornings (waking up a regular time, dressing, breakfast), after school (homework, tutoring), evenings (family and fun) and bedtime. These routines become rhythms, necessary for children, adults, and families.
Set Goals
Make them challenging and realistic. An improved grade in science and English? Remembering to turn in all homework assignments? Keeping the notebook organized? Start tests prep a few days in advance than the night before? Making the tennis team?
New to the Neighborhood?
Let tour available school. With your parents, arrange one now, before school starts. Many schools do this automatically for all students, especially first timers, but you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to begin with confidence about where your locker is and first period class is held. What other education resources are available in your new neighorhod? Perhaps there is a tutoring center or your school has a list of local tutors. Perhaps even better is to find out about tutoring on the Internet. There are a number of great websites that specialize in tutor referrals, including www.tutorz.com.
Test Prep
Seniors, how’d you do on your ACTs or SATs? Not happy with the scores? Start thinking now of getting help from a tutor and then taking the test again. See your guidance counselor or check out test prep opportunities.
School Supplies
Check to make sure you’ve got all the school supplies you’ll need. Each school has its own requirements grade by grade – planners, crayons, highlighters, and notebooks – so check with the school.
Reinforce Routines.
Students, you’ve already set the routines at home, now make sure you have school routines, too. Set them by yourself and with your study buddy or your favorite tutor. Go to Back to School Night, take advantage of teachers’ web pages on the school web site, know when special projects will be due so you can bug your kids to get them done, inform teachers of your kids’ special needs and goals. Teachers like to hear from you, especially when you’re being constructive and helpful.
