Tips for helping Students going back to School

The summer break is coming to an end and that means it is ‘back to school’ time. Words that often mean structure for parents but dread for students. It can feel like a rude awakening from a relaxing dream with a new teacher/s and a timetable to adapt to again. Meeting with friends they haven’t seen in six weeks and taking in how they have all changed in addition to the school environment can be quite overwhelming for many. If your child, like many children, finds the new school year daunting, here are some tips to make the transition smoother

They are not alone

There can often be a sense of embarrassment associated with nervousness about starting a new academic year but it is perfectly natural. Whether it is starting a new school with new subjects or a new class in their existing school, most children find this a little scary. Even children who look confident and carefree are usually internally quite nervous. It is easy to think you have to have it all worked out the first day but focusing on seeing friends and soaking in the atmosphere again is all that the first day needs to be about, the first day is the hardest and once that is over they will often feel much more confident. Reassuring your child they are not alone and validating their feelings will allow them to communicate openly with you and put their minds at ease.

Take baby steps into a new school year

If your child usually goes to school alone or catches public transport see if you can arrange a carpooling system with one of their friend’s parents the first week of school. This is not always possible, I know, but it will allow them to ease into the new school year without as much responsibility. By carpooling not only does it mean not all the pressure is on you, but they are able to catch up and arrive at school with their friend. This can be an instant confidence boost.

Get into the routine ahead of time

When you are on holiday the discipline of bedtimes is often not as strict. This is great for the holidays but not healthy during school terms. Your child may be too young to understand that or their body clocks may take a while to adjust. That is why it is a good idea to get them started on their new sleep routines about ten days before the new school year. They will settle into their beds and routines much easier.

Don’t expect that they will remember everything from last year

This may come as a shock to some but your children forget things almost as much as parents do. They will have retained quite a bit from their previous academic year but they will be rusty or have forgotten some things. This doesn’t mean they weren’t paying attention, but their short-term memory hadn’t converted into long-term memory. This is something that can cause the most anxiety, feeling like they are already behind. This feeling can be helped, with a little extra support. Tutoring not only can help them with what they may have forgotten but with their new schoolwork as well, helping them to get ahead and feel confident.