10 Tips for a Happy and Successful School YearPosted on
Starting a fresh school year is an exciting, yet stressful time for many. Whether your child is in kindergarten or high school, here are 10 tips for a successful school-year for students of all ages!
1. Get Organized
Create a “Launch Pad”. What’s a launch pad? It is a single place to put backpacks, jackets, shoes, lunchboxes, and school projects every day. This makes the morning rush much more manageable.
Establishing a designated homework space helps children stay organized and gives them a familiar space to complete their school assignments. Organizing papers, and keeping track of important dates on the academic calendar and extracurricular activities in a planner will also help keep students on track for success. When you are organized and prepared, you not only eliminate stress but are more likely to be successful during the week.
2. Rest Up
This is probably one of the most important tips on the list. A good night’s sleep is crucial to a student’s academic performance the next day. Getting to bed early and waking up at the same time each day not only establishes a routine, but provides students with the energy, alertness, and motivation to start the day and be their best.
3. Fuel Up
Don’t forget breakfast! Breakfast is the most important meal, jump-starting your day and boosting energy in the early morning. Studies illustrate that breakfast consumption is linked to better cognitive function related to memory and test grades, better attendance, and better classroom behavior and vigilance which facilitates learning.
4. Set Goals
What are your aspirations for the school year? Have a game-plan for what you want to accomplish this year, and write a list of goals you want to complete. Studies show that when you write goals, you are more likely to achieve them! Whether it is to achieve straight A’s, to stop procrastinating, or to get the lead in the school play, create goals for yourself.
5. Establish Family Rules
It is always a good idea to have family rules related to TV, computer, and video game usage. There is a place for electronic learning and playing, but every minute in front of a monitor is a minute away from family communication. Home is where those relationships and the life skills surrounding them are born and developed!
6. Read, Read, Read and Read Some More!
The written word is the first step to learning, and the more you read to your child, the better chance he or she has of becoming an eager reader. It is never too late to become a reader!
7. Talk Often – Ask Questions
Ask your child how their day was; what they learned and who they played with? It makes a difference in their attitude towards school. Give your child the opportunity to express themselves.
8. Show Interest
Don’t limit your support to your child; extend it to their teachers. Read your child’s agenda it is filled with information about your child and what is happening in the classroom.
9. Expect Success!
Let your child know you believe in them and you know they will do well. This will give them the confidence to do their best!
10. Have a Positive Attitude
Positivity is contagious; to classmates, teachers, and friends at school. Most importantly, positive thinking and perceptions affect learning in the classroom. Students that adopt positive thinking exhibit higher learning success. When you believe in yourself and your capabilities, you are more likely to achieve your goals!