As a parent, it is natural to want the best for your child. We want them to have the necessary tools to be successful in life and school is a key factor in that success. As the new school year begins, setting your child up for success is an important step for parents. A successful school year can create a foundation for future success in all areas of life and its an opportunity for your child to meet new friends. This guide will provide parents with tips and strategies on how to start the year off right. Parents will learn about creating positive home environments, setting expectations, encouraging extracurricular activities and more so that their children can have the best school year possible. With these tips, parents can empower their children to reach their full potential while having fun throughout the school year.
Get your child excited about the start of the school year.
One of the best things you can do to help your child transition smoothly into the new school year is to get them excited about it. Talk to them about the new things they’ll learn, the friends they’ll make, and the fun activities they’ll participate in. If your child is starting primary school for the first time, make sure to focus on the positive aspects and reassure them that they’ll be well taken care of.
Some examples of being excited includes:
- Asking them if they are excited for their new teacher,
- Asking them which friend they are hoping to meet first to tell them about their holidays
- Discuss which topics they will talk about with their friends
- Having a conversation on which aspect of school do they miss
- Reiterating the importance of school and to try their best
Some poor examples some parents show excitement:
- Making it obvious that you are glad school holidays are over
- Counting down the days until school starts
- Making fun of getting back to work and homework
- Emphasising NAPLAN before school even begins
- Organising a party with other parents that school has started
Help your child prepare for the first day of school.
The first day of school can be overwhelming for some children, especially if they’re starting primary school for the first time. To help your child feel more comfortable and confident on their first day, make sure to spend some time preparing them beforehand. This can include going over the school’s schedule and routine, helping them pack their school bag, and practicing their morning routine.
Some important things to consider …
- Check which grade your child is currently in
- Labelling all excercise books and stationery with your child’s name
- Covering books with book protectors (optional)
- Double check that you have purchased or have at home all items from the booklist
- Labelling all your child’s uniform items including hat and water bottle
- Ensuring your child has a packed lunch or you can order from the tuckshop
- Discussing the use of technology and screens as school resumes
- Make sure their backpack is ready
Meet your child’s teacher.
If possible, try to meet your child’s teacher before the start of the school year. This can help you get to know them and learn more about their expectations and teaching style. It can also help your child feel more comfortable and familiar with their teacher when they start school.
Some tips when meeting the new teacher for the first time…
- Be friendly and introduce yourself and your child, don’t be offended if they don’t remember your name
- The classroom teacher is already overwhelmed remembering names and establishing routines, don’t provide too much information.
- If you have something very important to tell them on the first day, mention it and ask if you can re-iterate it via email or through the school office (the first day is overwhelming for a teacher as well, they have many new faces to see, remember and learn, the last thing they will remember is your important message, follow it up in written communication).
Set up a designated study space.
Designating a specific area for your child to study and do homework can be helpful in setting them up for success. Make sure the space is well-lit, quiet, and free from distractions. Encourage your child to keep their study materials organized and within reach, and consider setting aside specific times for homework and study.
A good example of a study space to focus depends greatly on your child, do they struggle to sit still? Can they read without issue on hours to end? Are they easily distracted? Consider a flexible studying environment which includes …
- A room with your stand desk and chair
- A yoga ball (for the child who cannot sit still in a chair)
- A chair specifically for reading and a large pillow (choose a unique or comfortable chair)
- A room which has no access to screens, except for the school device (no TV, ipads, computers)
- Decorate the room with inspirational quotes (consult with your child on what this looks, feels, sounds like)
Encourage good study habits.
Good study habits are essential for success in school. Encourage your child to take breaks, review their notes, and practice active listening during class. You can also help them develop good study habits by setting aside specific times for studying, finding a quiet, distraction-free space for them to work, and helping them create a study schedule that works for them.
Some examples of establishing good study habits in the first week of school include…
- Setting up a routine for daily reading, minimum 15 minutes per night
- Setting up routines for the completion of homework (consider before or after school)
- Placing phones or home screen devices (ipads, mobiles) in a central location for all users (that’s right, including mum and dad)
- Establishing boundaries of screen time for family members (maximum 1 hour)
- Consider introducing daily house chores as part of the homework routine
Communicate with your child’s teacher.
Maintaining open communication with your child’s teacher can be a key factor in their success. Attend parent-teacher conferences, and make sure to stay in touch with the teacher throughout the year. This will help you stay informed about your child’s progress and any areas where they may be struggling.
What to do when communicating with your child’s teacher …
- Be courteous and respectful
- Setup an appointment via email or through the school office if you wish to meet with them
- Don’t expect emails to be replied during school time
- Allow the timeframe of 24 hours for the school teacher to get back to you
What NOT to do when communicating with your child’s teacher …
- Arrive unexpectedly to the classroom without setting up an appointment via email or through the school office
- Go straight to the principal or a member of the administrative team instead of talking with the classroom teacher first
- Berate or raise your voice at the classroom teacher, any further meetings will result in more than one person being present
- Sending demanding or very long emails, before you click send, think about setting up a meeting instead to discuss your concerns
- Discuss any concerns or worries about your classroom teacher on social media groups or channels, you might be liable for defamation
- Do not secretly video or audio record any meetings.
Did you know that your classroom teacher has to log and upload all meetings they have with parent/guardian’s regardless of if its in-person, phone call or an email?
Support your child’s physical and mental health.
Physical and mental health are crucial for success in school. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying active. It’s also important to help them manage stress and emotions. Encourage your child to talk to you about their feelings, and provide them with tools and resources to help them cope with stress and manage their emotions.
Some resources for children’s physical and mental health…
Physical Health resources for children
Resources for supporting physical activity, nutrition, play and more
Mental Health resources for children
Child mental health and wellbeing
By following these tips, you can set yourself up your child for success in the new school year. Remember to get excited for the first day, be prepared, meet your child’s teacher, setup a designated study space, encourage good study habits, communicate with your child’s teacher and ensure you support their physical and mental health.
