Back to School

 

The holidays are over and it is time to go back to school. Not many children across Australia will be too happy with this, but in no time at all, the holidays will be far behind them and they will be deep into their studies. As carers, we need to ensure that we are giving them the best chance of success in these first few weeks. Here are some handy tips to consider in the lead up to school starting once more, and in the first few days and weeks of Term Three.

1. Get them the gear

One way to assist our children is to ensure that they have all the materials they may need to get underway. Stationery such as pens and pencils, glue, scissors and a ruler are a great place to start. They will probably have most of these materials already at school – but double check. Glue, pencils and the like may need replenishing this far into the year. Check with your child in the first few days of school – what is it they need in order to be ready to learn. And make sure all of their equipment is labelled.

2. Make mornings manageable

Be sure that you are walking out that door to take youer child to school well within the time needed to get there. While this can be a stressful time, particularly with teenagers, those first few moments of the school day are pivotal to setting up the day and if your child is late, they miss their chance. A morning routine that works is the key to starting the day happy, prepared and ready to leave the house with a smile, and make the entire family accountable for this.

3. Keep Time

Whether you’re trying to speed your kids up or slow them down, clocks become a useful device and your children should be learning to use them meaningfully. Explaining time, routines and showing the children how to read the time for themselves (if they don’t know how) will give your kids the power to keep themselves organised without unnecessary nagging from you). This is particularly relevant at this time of year, as they have just had a significant period of time to wind down and relax and forget all about time.

4. Breakfast

A healthy nutritious breakfast not only puts your children in the right mood for learning, but it gives them the energy needed to start the school day. Kids as young as four or five can get a bowl of cold cereal for themselves, and as they get older they can learn to safely use the toaster or microwave. Make breakfast time a significant time in the morning routine – Semester One is over and Semester Two is without a doubt going to be far more strenuous on your children – make sure they have the energy to go the distance.

5. Focus on the effort, not the result

As mentioned in a previous newsletter, the most important thing for parents and carers to remember is to reward and acknowledge the effort your children put into their learning. By guiding your students towards a growth mindset, you are helping them become even more capable learners.