It’s August and families are thinking about the start of another school year. Whether you home school, public educate, or private educate, we want the beginning of the year to go smoothly, setting the pace for the rest of the learning year. Here are a few tips from the experts to help you plan [1].
Preparation
It’s said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That goes with schooling, also. Prepare ahead. Know what books and supplies are needed. Then, as much as is possible, get them. Hand me down books works, but new supplies like colorful pencils create excitement in the student. Before school begins, have the student choose a study space. Have him clean the area and set it up with necessary school items, erasers and extra paper among others. Plan a back to school bash. This can be a pizza party or weekend camping trip. What suits you and your family will work.
Transition
Change is difficult for all ages. Whether it’s Mom getting the family going early after a summer of sleep ins, or trying to rouse the sleepy teenager before 9:00 a.m., the first few days can get trying. But here are suggestions to soften the process.
Slow Schedules
Begin slowly with partial schedules. Most public schools start in the middle of the week with half days. Home schooling families can follow suit. This makes a couple early days preceding a weekend to gear up for a full week of classes. This helps the entire family to adjust to school hours and chores.
Good Breakfast
Nothing like a healthy breakfast to start the day. Try protein and fruit to give lasting energy throughout the morning. Planning a weekly menu for all of the meals helps transition into the busy school schedule. Try freezing casseroles ahead of time to help dinner go as planned.
Problems
As problems arise, like can’t find a sock or notebook, or electronic device doesn’t work, handle them as quickly as possible. This eliminates further stress on already stressful days.
Above all else, smile. The worst problems can seem small when the adult is relaxed and smiling. While the start of a new school year can be taxing, it doesn’t have to be with a little bit of preparation.
Notes:
- ^https://www.abeka.com/blog/starting-the-new-homeschool-year-strong/?trk_msg=9RF9A4J35F94VF7QG14UPPHN1O&trk_contact=FJGSIF1546QE860I3VV191465G&trk_sid=0R9E7TUK0JSVJ9G70FGM4TBHKG&trk_link=0VHI3PUHV04KH5HBP6K2AITVMK&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=READ+BLOG&utm_campaign=Abeka101&utm_content=StartStrong (go back ↩)
