Summer break is officially coming to an end and now is the time to prepare for back to school shopping and routines. Whether you’re a parent or the student, it is important to begin developing healthy daily habits that will make your transition back to school easy. Here’s the top 8 tips for a smooth back to school transition.
Create Back-to-school Checklist
- Supplies: School supplies are always a top priority for preparing for a successful school year. Some school have lists of supplies needed on their website to ensure you are prepared for school. Check if you already have some items at home to avoid spending money that can be saved.
- Clothing: Going through your wardrobe to see what can be worn during the school year will help save money. By organizing your clothes, there will be a clear vision of what there is a lack of. Declutter and organizing clothes also helps reduce the amount of worn and too small clothes that will allow you to make more room.
- Technology: Grades schools have done a great job enabling students with laptops, tablets, and calculators. Be sure that you have signed up to take advantage of the school resources and if you have already received your devices, check that they are in good working order.
Set up a study area
- Room for Study: Having a specified area for study will be important for studying and completing homework assignments. Ensure the area is a quiet and comfortable place to help you maintain focus during study time.
- Organize Supplies: Place your supplies together where you have easy access during study and homework time. Essentials that should be in your study area are pens, pencils, paper, and other required school supplies. A lamp will also help to have in your study area for better lighting.
- Comfort: Your study area should be comfortable enough for sitting down for a good amount of time. Having a study chair that will help you sit straight without being too comfortable that you fall asleep is important.
establish a routine
- Morning Routine: A good morning routine will be vital to having a productive day. Starting off with waking up early enough to get ready and eat breakfast will aid in having a successful day. To avoid being stressed first thing in the morning, it will be key to build a smooth morning routine for a successful day at school.
- Evening Routine: Not only is a morning routine important, but having a set evening routine will ensure you fit in studying and homework each evening. Setting out time for relaxing will help you prioritize your time to allow both home and school time.
- Sleep Schedule: An important part of creating a routine includes creating a sleep schedule each weeknight. A good nights rest will help you maintain your focus throughout the day while attending school. Gradually adjust your bedtime with the times you plan to wake up each morning to see what works best and produces the best outcome.
Organize school materials
- Backpack: Picking out the right backpack will ensure you stay organized for school. A good backpack with separate pockets for pens and pencils will help you stay prepared for each class.
- Planner: Schools have done well introducing the importance of planners to help keep track of homework assignments that are due. Whether it is a physical or digital planner, having a planner to track due dates for upcoming assignments will help you maintain organization.
prepare for extracurricular activities
- Schedule: School is a mixture of standard courses, such as, Math, English, and Science but there are also extracurricular activies that are important. Planning for extracurriculars activities will help promote a well rounded student. Setting out time to join clubs and/or attend after school activities will help you manage your day and time.
- Balance: Balancing both academics, extracurricular activities, and downtime will take some time to adjust to. Prepare your day with what you have scheduled against what you have due. This will help allow time to enjoy the things that matter most and stay on top of school requirements.
health and wellness
- Medical Forms: Each year, a physical to prepare for back to school will help you enroll in school without any issues. At a certain age, vaccinations are needed. It is important to ensure you are up to date before starting school.
- Healthy Habits: Healthy habits during the school year will help you stay on track throughout your school year. Promote healthy eating, regular exercise, and getting enought sleep to support your academics and physical well-being.
Plan for your first week
- Backpack: What to place in your backpack for class will help you prepare for a successful first week of school. A pencil and notebook will help you write notes of what you may need for the school year and note what you will learn for the year.
- Outfits: Choose and lay out outfits that you plan to wear during the week. Planning ahead of time will reduce stress in the mornings of attempting to figure out what to wear.
- Meals: Back to school lunch ideas will help you stay prepared for giving healthy eating options during school. A healthy snack should be prepared for each day.
Stay positive and supportive
- Encouragement: Setting goals and staying positive throughout your back to school experience will ensure a smooth and successful transition into your routine. Being optimistic will set the tone for the day and most of all for the school year. Encouraging a positive attitude toward school and learning will bring about a positive experience.
- Support: Listen to the concerns that are expressed and provide the support needed. Being available to talk and to listen will help reduce anxienty.
- Celebrate: Enjoy each moment of back to school and celebrate the new milestones you have achieved. Celebrate with an activity or special treat to commemorate the new year.
These tips are a great guide to help you prepare for a successful year back to school. The new school year is a great achievement and milestone that should be celebrated! Enjoy your new year back to school.