It is a busy week here at Dade Prep Academy and all across Florida as the doors of schools open to welcome new and returning students for another semester of education. This is an exciting time for those of us who work in the education field. It is also a time for parents to get their kids ready for another academic year. Nevertheless, if your children are like most other students, there are anxieties and apprehensions to be overcome in order to make sure your kids thrive in the school of your choice. Here a few to help you and your kids get through the next few weeks and adjust back to a learning environment after a summer of fun.
1. Be prepared
The motto of the Boy and Girl Scouts is also a key tip for parents of students. Large retailers all across the state are having Back to School sales, where you can buy all of the supplies your student needs for the coming year. Many schools actually publish a list of required supplies, including note books, pens and pencils, arts and crafts items, and even computer software. These may be handed to your child on the first day of class, emailed to you by the teachers, or downloaded off of the school website. Take the list, head over to your local Target, Staples or Wal-Mart, and make sure to buy everything on the list. The last thing you want to have happen is for your child to come home with an assignment that you don’t have the proper supplies for, and then having to run out in the hopes of finding something at the last minute. Even if you find what you are looking for, it won’t be available at the current sale price. Keeping an ample amount of school supplies at home will give you and your young student peace of mind.
2. Get to know the teachers and the school
Many schools host Back to School nights. Make it a priority to attend the event, even if it means having to reschedule other things like work. This is an excellent opportunity to find out about the goals of the school, learn about the teaching styles of the teachers, and ask questions that you may have. Most people like having a fact to put together with a name. If you get to know the teachers, the administrators, and other professionals at your child’s school, you will be better able to work with them if an issue arises with your young student. Each school has an educational team designed to work with the students, and each student’s parent is a vital part of that team.
3. Set goals and boundaries for your child
Sometimes, it is really hard to be a parent. Sometimes, it is difficult to say no to the child you love more than life itself. But this is a big part of being a parent. Your young student needs you to be the grownup in the room. This means making sure he or she completes homework and assignments in a timely manner. It means making sure they get a good night’s sleep before every school day. You should consider setting boundaries about how much computer or television time they can have each day. It may also involve helping your child with his or her homework. You may find that you enjoy this time working with your child as much as your child benefits from your involvement.
Being a parent also means providing your child with goals and incentives for success. There is nothing wrong with rewarding your child when he or she comes home with a great grade on a test or paper.
4. Get a morning routine
Getting your child up is never easy. This is especially so on school days. This is why it is crucial to have a morning routine. Set a time for yourself to get out of bed and ready, and then a time to wake your child up to start the school day. Having a regular bedtime and waking time are critical to your body’s circadian rhythm. You may have noticed that when you go to bed late and don’t get enough sleep, you feel a little off. This is because you’ve disrupted your circadian rhythm. The same goes for your child. Getting the right amount of sleep will get him or her ready for a great day of classes.
Once your child is up, make sure to give him or her a nutritious breakfast. This will give them the energy they need for the morning classes until lunchtime. Also, it is a good idea to have their schoolbag packed and an outfit chosen the night before so you aren’t scrambling to help them catch the school bus. Once again, it pays to be prepared.
5. Communication
Communicating with your child is a major part of a successful school year. We all have stresses and anxieties, and students are no different. They may be having trouble with a project or assignment. They could be involved in a dispute with another student. Maybe they aren’t getting along with their teacher. Students can also find it difficult to make the transition from elementary school to middle school. There are so many different things that can cause your child to get upset in school, and it is important for you to be there to listen to their problems.
Keeping up a line of communication with your child is vital to addressing these issues before they create a problem with their education. It is also a great way to bond with your child, letting them know that you are always there for them.
6. Drive safely
With all of these students returning to school, you may have noticed a big increase of buses on the streets of your neighborhood. Every one of those school buses is carrying somebody else’s child, so drive safely. When a school bus pulls over, stop and wait for all the children to get off and the bus driver to turn off the safety lights. Never try to pass a stopped school bus without first looking to make sure its lights are off and that there are no students crossing the street. Also, drive slowly when passing through school zones. Obeying the traffic laws about schools and school buses helps ensure that everyone has a safe school year.
Dade Prep Academy is here for you and your student
Many of you may be new to Dade Prep Academy. Our team is committed to making sure you and your student have an excellent year, and that your child excels in his or her studies. If you need any assistance at the start of school or during the year, feel free to reach out to one of our professionals who can help you and your student with your educational needs.
Sources:
https://childmind.org/article/preparing-for-back-to-school-success/
https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/prepare-for-back-to-school/
