10 tips for success in a new school year

School almost is in session! Kids are starting to collect devices, buy school supplies and meet their teachers. However, the transition from home to the classroom can be challenging for students and their families. Here are 10 tips to reduce stress and make the most of the new school year!

1. Keep an open mind. 

New experiences are bound to happen with school starting. But new does not necessarily mean bad. School gives you the wonderful opportunity to meet other people and learn from unfamiliar teachers. Staying positive and recognizing you might be stepping out of your comfort zone can help prepare you for whatever comes next. 

2. Come prepared. 

Everyone has experienced going to class only to find their homework has vanished. Trying your best to stay on top of the work will help you feel better about yourself and will make learning easier.

Some good methods are to pack up your things the night before and to keep everything organized. If you spend a lot of time picking out what to wear each day, it might help to lay out outfits the night before. Be sure to check your student email in case teachers give you any alerts before class.

3. Create a routine. 

Going back to school seems so new and exciting that people often forget about the things they can control. Making a schedule can help ease the transition to school. This can include going to bed at a certain time or when to wake up. 

Making a routine isn’t just the responsibility of parents. Students can make their own schedules based on their electives or the amount of homework they have. This can help them feel independent and introduce them to self-reliance. It can encourage academic responsibility, especially once students start to study for tests.

4. Think about the positives. 

The end of summer can be negative for a lot of people, but it doesn’t have to diminish the good things school can provide. It’s an opportunity to see old friends, as well as make new ones. Middle schools and high schools usually provide electives, so students are able to pursue their interests. 

5. Start healthy habits. 

There always are simple, practical ways to get yourself ready for school. Although they might seem small and don’t take up a lot of time, they can have a huge impact. Get enough sleep so you’re able to focus the next day. Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water. With such high temperatures, staying hydrated is really important. Setting up healthy habits can decrease anxiety and will make you feel more accomplished.

6. Remember to be safe. 

A lot of parents lecture their kids on staying safe while at school, but their warnings should not be taken for granted. School drills should be taken seriously. Fire and lockdown drills are used to prepare students for what could happen, and they should not be a time to fool around. Listen to what teachers say and talk to your parents about how to react if something dangerous did happen while in class.

7. Ask for help. 

Returning to a classroom after two months of summer isn’t easy. For many kids, it can be socially and academically overwhelming. It’s important to ask for help if you need it, from friends, parents or teachers. No one will judge you if you need some assistance. It’s braver to get the help you need than to pretend everything is OK. 

8. Make smart decisions. 

Parents aren’t able to watch over you at school, and it can feel great to have increased freedom. But it also requires you to be cautious and responsible. Don’t do things just because other people you know are doing them, such as skipping class, smoking or cheating on tests. You need to be able to say “no” when necessary. Besides, if someone is pushing you to make dangerous choices, they might not be your friend anyway.

9. Express yourself. 

Plenty of people have a hard time making friends at school. Often, students are scared of being judged by their peers. Putting yourself out there is difficult, but being true to yourself and others is one of the best ways to make friends. Pretending to be someone you aren’t is not healthy. People will like you more if you’re honest, and you’ll feel better about yourself, too.

10. Give yourself time.

Adapting to new environments and routines can be difficult, so don’t feel like you have to get it right on the first day. Cut yourself some slack. Adjusting to a new teacher, class and learning material is hard, so give yourself some grace. Remember, mistakes are how you grow. If you don’t get it right the first time, you can try again. And it always is OK to talk to someone if you’re struggling.