Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to School

Every fall we ask ourselves, “How did summer go so fast?” And now that school is fast approaching, getting children off to a good start can impact their confidence, performance and attitude, both socially and academically. The transition from summer to school isn’t always easy—for parents and children alike. It can be quite an adjustment as activity levels typically increase, the need for structure enhances, and school-life stress often presents itself.

Each and every child is different. Parents, however, can help children manage life’s increased pace by getting organized, creating routine, and maintaining a positive attitude. Here are five suggestions to help ease the transition and promote a successful school experience.

1. Reduce clutter and get organized. Stacks of workbooks and papers make studying feel daunting. Help your child organize his or her learning materials and store them in a dedicated place such as a filing cabinet or paper folders—one for each subject. Consider pasting a chart on the inside front cover of the folders to track the amount of time spent studying for each subject, and note what chapters and assignments have been completed. Have pens, sharpened pencils, highlighters and erasers readily available to avoid interruptions. And don’t forget to make a note of important dates, especially back-to-school nights.

2. Start to monitor noise levels. Encourage your child to play quiet games, do puzzles, color, or read as morning activities instead of using electronic devices or watching TV. This will help ease your child into the learning process and school routine. Phones, televisions and outside noises distract children and pull them out of their studies—even if it is coming from another room. Once school starts, be aware of study times and encourage family and visitors to avoid unnecessary interruptions, such as loud video games or conversations. Consider turning off or silencing electronic devices that can interfere with concentration.

3. Designate an education space. Designate a room, or even a table, as your student’s learning space. Setting aside a specific area of your home where studying takes place creates an environment conducive to learning, much like a working classroom atmosphere. You and your child will come to associate that space with productive study habits.

4. Create routine. Re-establish bedtime and mealtime routines. Prepare your child for this by talking with them about the benefits of school routines, such as not becoming over tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. As school starts, have a set time each day when learning or homework will occur to create good habits for you and your child. This is also important for other family members so they can avoid creating distractions during study time.

5. Stay positive. Help your child re-establish positive social relationships with peers by trying to arrange get-togethers with some of your child’s classmates before school starts and during the first weeks of school. As school starts, remember not to worry if the first few days are a little rough. Show your child you care and reinforce their ability to cope. Children absorb their parent’s anxiety, so model optimism and confidence. Let them know it’s natural to be a little nervous when starting something new and that as they get acclimated, they’ll feel better.

Robby Erlich lives in Crystal and is a Licensed School Counselor at MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, a state-certified, tuition-free K-12 online public school available to students throughout Minnesota. Information sessions are ongoing. Visit www.connectionsacademy.com for details.