Summer is the time of the year where students, teachers and parents alike take a much needed break from the stress of the school year. The problem is, it seems like summer goes by faster and faster as the years go on! The beginning of the school year can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time, especially during these unprecedented times. We’ve got a few tips to get your child started on the right foot.
After-School Activities
Learning doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom. After-school activities offer opportunities for kids to learn new skills, make friends and build supportive relationships and explore interests that they may not typically have access to in the classroom. After-school programs also help working parents bridge the gap in the hours where children are out of school but parents are still at work. Research suggests that student participation in extracurricular activities has numerous positive outcomes including increased social skills and heightened emotional intelligence. Be on the lookout for after-school programs offered at your child’s school. You can also check out www.tulsacityoflearning.org to find a comprehensive list of activities in your area.
Creating a Daily Routine
Virtual school offered more freedom to children in their day to day life, but as students transition back into the classroom it’s vital that they establish and stick to a daily routine. Developing a daily routine will help your child stay focused and refreshed as they tackle their school work throughout the day. Here are a few ideas for creating a routine:
- Wake up, get dressed and eat breakfast at the same time everyday
- Set a designated time each night to work on homework
- Older children can utilize their planners to stay on task
- Go to bed at the same time every night to ensure a full night’s sleep.
Communicate With Your Child’s School
It can be stressful working out a new routine when your child starts a new school or child care center. One of the biggest stressors is figuring out the different processes regarding communication with your child’s school. Who do I contact in case of an emergency? What happens if I’m running late to after school pick-up? Do I talk to my child’s teacher or the administration if there is a problem with another student? Should I call, text or send an email?
Every school is different and has their own unique processes for parent-teacher communications. All of these questions can be answered by calling the school or visiting the front desk.
