Whether you have returned from a summer holiday, or are anticipating the start of a new semester for your child, getting them ready for school is definitely a process. Preparing your child for a smooth transition back to school after a vacation or break can be tricky. Depending on the duration of the break, your child might be excited and looking forward to the routine, or might be anxious with the changes that may have occurred during the break. We have compiled different aspects to help them prepare and in turn ease your mind about getting back into the morning school run. From refreshing academic skills to staying connected with teachers, we have comprehensively covered everything you need to know to make sure your child has a great new beginning.
Preparing for school after vacation
It’s the end of vacation and time to get back to our regular routine, especially for little ones who are returning back to school. The transition can be tough, but there are a few things we can do to help our children ease back into the school routine. At DPS Warangal, the orientation to back to school begins with recapping your holidays.
Tips for getting reoriented for your kids:
The first aspect of a kid’s schedule that gets affected with holidays is their sleep cycle. With freer days, parents also tend to relax into late nights, more screen time, or generally relaxed rules. Therefore, resetting their sleep schedule is of utmost importance and getting them used to the idea of waking up early is crucial. Start by gradually adjusting bedtimes earlier a few days before school starts.
Refresh academic skills. Spend time with your kids going over basic math and reading skills to help them during class time. Avoid coming back from a holiday too close to school reopening to allow your child to adjust to the idea of waking up early and sticking to the sleep schedule. In addition, some schools also tend to have holiday homework. Ensure this is completed well in advance to avoid last minute cramming and tears. If there are essays due, which is usually designed to help bring kids back into schedule, get them out of the way a few days earlier. This can be done even while you’re traveling or on holiday. Typically, many schools also ask students to write about their holiday experiences to help them recap their time, and keep them accustomed to the idea of homework. For older students such as teens, etc most of the learning is in the form of prep work for exams or boards. Therefore, their schedule should ideally stay rigorous throughout.
Lastly, establish school routines before classes begin. Set specific times for homework, after-school activities, and free time to help your child transition from the relaxed summer or holiday schedule where they were perhaps sleeping later, or getting more screen time than usual.
1. Organize and prep the night before –
We all know how hectic mornings can get, especially when school is back in session. The key to a stress-free morning is to prepare the night before. Make sure to lay out your child’s clothes the night before. This will save you time in the morning. Depending on your child’s age, it might also help to involve them in planning their meals –whether it’s lunchboxes, or breakfast, discussing what to expect will help them gain a sense of preparedness and control over their disrupted schedule. This alone will help them feel a lot calmer when they have some degree of familiarity to work with.
Check and ensure all backpacks and lunchboxes are packed and ready to go. This will prevent any last-minute scrambling to find homework or pack snacks.
Lastly, check schedules for any after-school activities or events so you can plan ahead accordingly. This will save you time and alleviate stress when trying to figure out logistics on the day of the event. Sometimes, it may also help you to do some practice runs a few days beforehand so that they can experience the sights and sounds, and delays firsthand. It’s almost like re-acclimatizing them to their routine.
2. Encourage a positive mindset –
If your child is returning to school after a holiday, or break –typically, they will be excited by the idea of meeting their friends again. However, if they’re dealing with friends moving away, changing schools, or classes, it is possible that they might feel anxious or unhappy about facing the school year. This is where as a parent you need to help them see the positive side of things.
First things first, parents: be a positive role model for your child. Kids learn from what they see, so make sure you’re modeling the kind of attitude you want them to have. If you’re stressing about the new school year, your child will pick up on that. Instead, try to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude towards this new chapter. Help your child develop a growth mindset. Encourage them to see challenges as opportunities for growth, instead of as roadblocks. Teach them that failure isn’t something to be afraid of, but a chance to learn and improve.
Lastly, encourage your child to be kind to others. This can be tough when cliques and mean-girl drama start to rear their ugly heads, but it’s important to remind your child that kindness counts. Encourage them to be inclusive, to stand up for others, and to be a friend to those who need it most.
3. Healthy Habits for Success –
We all want our children to be successful in school. It starts with their overall well-being. If you want your child to succeed academically, you’ve got to make sure they’re taking care of their body and mind. A healthy diet is crucial for a child’s physical and mental development. Aim to have a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Of course, limit the junk food!
Encouraging physical activity: Exercise is not only good for the body, but it’s also good for the brain. Encourage your child to be active every day – whether it’s playing outside, taking a walk, or joining a sports team. Make it fun!
Getting enough sleep: Sleep is essential for our bodies to recharge and for our brains to process all the information we take in during the day. Start by establishing a bedtime routine a week or two before school starts to help them get back into the swing of things.
Managing screen time: Let’s face it, screens are a huge part of our lives. While they can be entertaining and educational, they can also be a distraction. It’s inevitable that your child will want to spend time on videos, games, or just shows. Limit this habit to specific timings. Encourage them to read a book or play a board game instead. This should be followed even during holidays so that they know that screen time shouldn’t be taken for granted.
4. Staying Connected with Teachers –
As a parent, staying connected with your child’s teacher is essential for your child’s academic success. Attending parent-teacher conferences allows you to discuss your child’s academic progress with the teacher and devise ways to address any issues together. Communicating regularly with your child’s teacher through emails, notes or calls is another excellent way to stay updated on your child’s progress.
Volunteering in the classroom or school events is also a great way to build a good relationship with teachers. Offering to help with events or class projects shows that you are invested in your child’s education and willing to support the teachers. Additionally, schools often have newsletters, websites, and social media pages that provide important updates and information about the school. Staying up-to-date with these sources can also help you stay connected with the school and your child’s education. Remember, building a good relationship with your child’s teacher is a collaborative effort. It’s essential to communicate frequently and be proactive in addressing any concerns in a positive and respectful manner.
We hope these back-to-school tips will help to make your child’s return to school smooth after vacation: adjusting sleep schedules, establishing routines, organizing the night before, developing positive attitudes, healthy habits for success, and staying connected with teachers. By following these simple tactics, your child can transition back to school life with ease. Remember to prioritize your child’s well-being and remember that learning can be fun while encouraging them to succeed!