Resuming School After Summer: Tips to Make the Transition Smoother
The start of the school year is a time of transition for students and parents alike. For students, it can be tough getting back into the swing of things after a summer filled with freedom and relaxation. And for parents, it can be difficult juggling the demands of work with helping their kids get back on track academically. In this blog post, we’ll give you top 10 tips on how to make the transition back to online school smoother.
1. Get Organized Early
The first tip to smoother transition to school after summer is organization. Getting yourself and your teen organized early on will help alleviate some of the stress that comes with the start of a new school year.
Start by creating a daily or weekly schedule for your child. This will help them know what to expect each day and help you stay on top of their assignments. Post the schedule in a visible spot in your home, like on the fridge or in their bedroom, and make sure to review it with them regularly.
In addition to a daily or weekly schedule, it’s also important to have a designated space for doing homework. This can be at a desk, table, or even just a spot on the floor, anywhere comfortable and free of distractions.
Make sure your child has all the supplies they need, like pens, paper, and textbooks, in this space so they can hit the ground running when it’s time to do their homework.
2. Get Into a Routine
Another way to make the transition back to school smoother is to get into a routine. This means setting times for waking up, eating breakfast, getting dressed, and starting homework. A routine will help your child know what to expect each day and help them stay on track.
If your child is used to sleeping in late and staying up late during the summer, start transitioning them back to a school-appropriate sleep schedule a week or two before school starts. This will help them (and you!) avoid the dreaded first-day-of-school sleepy slump.
When it comes to homework, establish a set time each day for your child to work on their assignments. This will help them get into the habit of working on their schoolwork regularly.
And if they have trouble getting started, try setting a timer for a specific amount of time and having them work until the timer goes off.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
One of the most important things you can do to help your child transition back to school is to set realistic expectations. This means being understanding if they’re struggling to adjust to a new schedule or getting lower grades than they’re used to.
Keep in mind that it takes time to get back into things after a long break. So be patient and encourage your child to persevere. Remember, the goal is for them to get back on track academically, not to achieve perfection overnight.
In addition to setting realistic expectations for your child, it’s also important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Accept that there may be some bumps in the road as you all adjust to the new school year. But with a little patience and perseverance, you’ll all be back on track quickly.
4. Set Rules and Stick To Them
Setting rules and sticking to them is a significant part of making the transition back to school. This means having consequences for not following the rules, like not being allowed to watch TV or use the computer.
It’s also important to be consistent with enforcing the rules. If you let your teenager break the rules once, they’ll think it’s okay to do it again. So make sure you’re both on the same page about what the rules are and what will happen if they’re broken.
5. Have a Positive Attitude
One of the best things you can do to make transition to school smoother is to have a positive attitude. This means being excited about the new school year and encouraging your child to be positive as well.
It’s also important to be understanding if your child is struggling with the transition. They may feel nervous or anxious about starting a new school year, which is perfectly normal. Just remind them that they’re not alone and you’re there to support them every step.
6. Connect With Other Students Online
Students need to connect with teachers and other students when resuming school after a summer break. There are many ways to do this, but some of the most popular methods include social media and online forums.
Many students find it helpful to connect with classmates before the first day of school. This can help ease any nerves they may have about starting a new school year. It’s also a great way to get information about what to expect from their classes and teachers.
In addition to connecting with classmates, students should also take advantage of online resources such as websites, blogs, and even social media accounts. These resources can provide valuable information about homework assignments, upcoming events, and important deadlines.
7. Create a Study Schedule
Another valuable tip for making your child’s transition back to school smoother is to create a study schedule. This will help them stay on track with their assignments and avoid falling behind.
Your child’s study schedule should be based on their class schedules and include time for homework, studying, and extracurricular activities. It’s also important to include breaks in the schedule so your child can relax and recharge.
If your child is struggling to stick to their study schedule, there are a few things you can do to help. First, try breaking up their assignments into smaller tasks that they can complete over the course of a few days. This will help them avoid feeling overwhelmed by their work.
You can also offer incentives for following the schedule, like allowing them to have extra screen time on the weekends. Just stick to your word and only give rewards if they follow the schedule.
8. Ease Schedule Gradually
After a long summer break, it can be tough to get back into the swing of things. An excellent way to ease your child into their school schedule is to increase the amount of time they spend in school gradually.
Start by having them attend school for a few hours each day. Then, increase the amount of time they spend in school until they’re attending for their usual number of hours.
This gradual approach will help your child adjust to their new schedule and avoid feeling overwhelmed. It’s also a good way to give them time to catch up on any work they may have missed over the summer.
9. Be Supportive
Another crucial tip when resuming school after summer break is to help your child transition back to school is to be supportive. This means understanding if they’re feeling nervous or anxious about starting a new school year. It also means listening to their concerns and offer advice when needed.
You can also show your support by staying involved in their education. This includes attending school functions, helping with homework, and talking to their teachers regularly.
The most important thing you can do is be there for your child. They’ll likely have good and bad days as they adjust to their new routine. Just let them know you’re always available if they need to talk.
10. Don’t Forget About Yourself
It’s important to remember that you’re also going through a transition as your child goes back to school. This can be a difficult time for parents, especially if your child is starting high school or moving to a new school.
Try to take some time for yourself during this transition. This could mean taking a break from work, getting out of the house for a few hours each day, or meeting up with friends for coffee.
It’s also important to stay positive and remember this is just a phase. Transitioning back to school will eventually get easier, and your child will thrive in no time.
The transition back to school can be challenging for both teens and parents. But by following these tips, you can make the process a little easier for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts!
Returning to school after a summer break can be difficult for students and parents. However, the transition can be much smoother with a little preparation and organization.
We hope the tips in this post have been helpful, and we wish all our students the best of luck as they head back into the classroom.
If you’re looking for more help or advice regarding returning to school, don’t hesitate to contact High School of America.
