Preparing for the new school year

Getting a head start in preparing for the new school year can make the transition easier for both you and your child. From acquiring school supplies to establishing a study routine, our handy guide has all the tips you need to ensure a successful start to the new school year.

First of all: checklist!

When preparing for the new school year, having a well-organised checklist is essential. From acquiring school supplies, and checking the uniform and dress code to ensuring your child’s school shoes fit properly, doing all of this early can help the preparation less stressful. 

Ensure successful preparation by learning more about the back to school checklist.

Setting up a study space

A good study environment plays a crucial role in a child’s academic success. Take the time to set up a designated study area at home with some of Explore Learning’s tips:

1. Choose a quiet location – Find a quiet, well-lit area in your home where your child can focus without distraction. This could be a corner of their bedroom or a dedicated study room.

2. Organise supplies – Keep all necessary supplies and materials within easy reach. Consider investing in shelves, drawers or bins to keep things organised.

3. Provide comfort – Make sure the study area is comfortable with a suitable chair and desk. Ensure good lighting to reduce eye strain.

4. Avoid distractions – Remove distractions like TVs and video games from the study area. Encourage your child to turn off their phone or put it on silent when studying.

Establish a good routine

As the new school year approaches, it’s important to establish a daily routine that includes time for homework, study and extracurricular activities. 

Here’s how you can start:

1. Set bedtime and wake-up times – When preparing for the new school year, consider gradually adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up time to align with the school schedule. A consistent sleep routine is important for their wellbeing and performance at school. It can often be helpful to do this in advance to avoid irregular sleep patterns.

2. Plan meals – Prepare healthy and balanced meals that provide the necessary energy for your child’s school day. Good nutrition and learning go hand in hand! Ensuring they have a nutritious breakfast before heading to school can set their day on a productive path.

3. Homework schedule – Create a designated time for homework and studying each day. Having a consistent study schedule helps students maintain and manage their homework effectively.

4. Extracurricular activities – Discuss your child’s extracurricular activities (including any they’re currently participating in and any they may wish to start once the new school year comes). Balance is key, so make sure they have enough time for schoolwork and other personal interests or hobbies.

Mental preparation

Preparing for the new school year isn’t just about physical preparations; mental preparation should also be a big consideration. 

Here are some tips to help your child prepare for the challenges ahead and avoid back to school nerves:

1. Positive mindset – Encourage a positive attitude. Talk to your child about the exciting opportunities and experiences they can look forward to. This can be about specific classes or even extracurricular activities they may be excited about.

2. Open communication – Create an open line of communication with your child. Let them know that they can talk to you about any concerns they may have. Have some special consideration if your child is experiencing back to school separation anxiety. 

3. Set goals – Discuss academic and personal goals for the school year. Setting achievable goals can motivate your child and give them a sense of purpose. If you’re unsure of the best way to set goals, learn how to help your child set goals for the school year. 

4. Time management – Teach your child effective time management skills. Help them create a weekly schedule that includes homework, study and relaxation time. Children need to have some time to relax, so ensuring they have some time to do so can make them feel better and improve their wellbeing.

A strong start for a successful school year

With all of our handy tips listed above you can help your child in preparing for the new school year. Whether they’re transitioning from reception to year 1, preparing for transition from year 2 to year 3 or transitioning from primary to secondary school, the steps you take now can make a significant difference in their experience and success. 

Online tuition could really help your child get off to a strong start in the new school year. It offers flexible and personalised support, helping your child catch up on any missed knowledge and gain a head start in their studies. Tuition truly can help your child not just enhance their knowledge but also build their confidence. 

If you’re keen to give it a go, why not sign up to Explore Learning’s free trial?