TLC’s Comprehensive Guide to a Successful School Year

At Total Learning Centers, we often receive questions from families about how to promote school success at home. We’ve put together this guide to summarize the best practices for a happy, stress-free, and successful school year for you and your child!

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all way to go about managing homework, studying, sports, activities, and family time. For questions about your unique situation, or newly discovered school struggles, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation. 

Establish a Healthy Routine (Part 1)

Creating a consistent routine can make a world of difference for your child, helping them feel secure and manage their time effectively. As a parent, you can start by adjusting their sleep schedules a few weeks before school begins to ensure they’re getting enough rest. Establish regular meal times, and carve out dedicated periods for homework, extracurricular activities, and relaxation. Let’s take a look at some key areas to focus on to ensure a smooth transition and a productive year ahead.

The Learning Environment

Just like many adults, a designated study area creates a structured, organized, and distraction-free environment. Creating the same environment for your child helps with their focus, learning, and overall success. It promotes a positive attitude towards education, reduces stress, and helps your child develop important organizational and time-management skills. Set up a designated, distraction-free study area at home to help your child focus. Make a designated, distraction-free study area at home. This area should be quiet, well-lit, and stocked with the necessary supplies.

For example, to motivate your child, keep the area organized with supplies and books, and decorate it with educational posters or inspirational quotes. Make sure the desk is set up in a quiet corner of your home with good lighting and a comfortable chair.

Keep pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, a calculator, and any other materials required for your child's assignments on hand. Having everything within reach reduces the need to get up frequently, which can affect their concentration. Include a small bookshelf or a section of the desk dedicated to textbooks, reference materials, and reading books. This allows your child to explore resources without leaving their study area. Hang posters that reinforce what they're learning at school, such as multiplication tables, the periodic table, or a world map.

Schedule Transition

Another important factor to consider is to slowly transition from a relaxed summer schedule to a more structured school routine. We’re sure this can be as difficult for you as a parent as it is for your children! Making gradual changes makes the transition easier and less stressful for your child, allowing them to adjust more effectively once school starts. The transition from a relaxed summer schedule to a structured school routine ensures a smoother, less stressful transition for both your children and you as a parent. It helps with your child's sleep, academic performance, healthy habits, and a positive outlook for the new school year!

For example, you may want to start with their bedtime routine! Begin by moving bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night for a week until it matches the school year bedtime. If your child has been going to bed at 10:00 PM over the summer but needs to be asleep by 8:30 PM for school, start by shifting bedtime to 9:45 PM, then 9:30 PM, and so on. Another huge factor to start working on before the summer is over is to include a daily study or reading time to help your child refocus on academic activities. Set aside 30 minutes to an hour each afternoon or evening to read, solve puzzles, or review material from the previous school year.

Set Goals and Expectations

Work with your child to establish realistic academic and personal goals for the year. Discuss their goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Clear expectations promote a sense of responsibility and motivation.

When it comes to goals and expectations, work with your child to establish realistic academic and personal goals for the school year. Discuss their desired outcomes by the end of the year and how they intend to achieve them. Setting expectations early on creates a sense of accountability and motivation. Celebrate small milestones along the way to keep your child motivated and focused!

Teach your child how to set SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. A goal should be clear and specific so that we understand what we're working toward. For example, this could be as simple as your child saying, "I want to read one new good-fit-book every month." Use tools such as goal charts, checklists, and journals to help your child track their progress. A visual representation of their progress can be extremely motivating and make it easier to see how far they've come. For some students, a small reward at different benchmarks can make their achievements more tangible, helping them to stay on track!

Supplies and Organization

Earlier, we highlighted that your child should has all of the necessary school supplies before their first day. Help them to organize their materials and create an easy-to-follow system to make it easier for your child. Being prepared and organized reduces stress and fosters a productive learning environment. As a parent, you can make sure they have all of the necessary supplies and an organized system in place to help reduce their stress and anxiety caused by last-minute preparations or missing items. Your child will learn to take ownership of their school materials and understand the importance of being prepared and organized.

Check with the school or your child's teacher for any additional requirements. Create a daily routine checklist for your child that includes steps such as packing their lunch, checking for homework, and organizing their school materials.

Begin by making a comprehensive list of all the school supplies your child will require, including notebooks, pencils, erasers, folders, binders, and a backpack. This list should also include any items specified by the school or teacher, such as calculators, art supplies, or specific types of notebooks. Sort binders and folders by subject. For example, use color-coded folders for each subject—blue for math, green for science, and so on. This helps your child find what they need quickly and keeps their papers organized.

Promote Healthy Habits

Preparing your child for a successful school year is about more than just studying. Encourage young learners to adopt healthy habits such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and limited screen time. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, improving your child's concentration and learning abilities. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and concentration. Overall, healthy habits improve a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being, allowing them to concentrate, learn effectively, and achieve academic success.

Establishing a regular family activity, such as a weekend hike, bike ride, or family yoga session, is a fun way to encourage your child to participate in more physical activities and it gets you parents moving as well! Not only does physical activity help to maintain a healthy balance, but so does eating well. Nutrition is never one-size-fits-all, but a balanced and varied diet can help improve overall health, including cognitive function. Meal planning and prep can make this easier (and more affordable) for the whole family!

Allow your child to decide what physical activities they want to try. Giving them options, whether it's joining a sports team, taking dance classes, or simply playing in the park, increases their likelihood of enjoying and sticking with the activity. In addition, set clear guidelines for how much screen time is permitted per day. Limiting recreational screen time on school nights while allowing more flexibility on weekends can give students something to work towards. Provide alternatives to screen time, such as reading, playing board games, taking up creative hobbies like drawing or crafting, or spending time outside. These activities not only limit your child's screen time, but they also stimulate their mind and creativity!

Use Evidence-Based Study Skills

Introduce your child to effective, research-backed study techniques that can significantly improve their learning experience and academic performance. These techniques are designed to help students understand and retain information more efficiently, making the learning process both enjoyable and productive. To support and enhance these strategies, Total Learning Centers offers a comprehensive range of services, including personalized subject tutoring, evaluations, school coaching, and test preparation, tailored to your child's specific needs. With these resources, your child can build a strong foundation for future academic success.

The Learning Scientists (learningscientists.org) have a host of research supporting study skills such as the ones below, as well as resources for teachers, parents, and students to incorporate stronger learning theories into their routine.

Total Learning Centers offers a variety of school support services, including study skills instruction and school coaching!

Interleaving

Interleaving is the process of combining various subjects or topics within a single study session. This method can improve learning and retention by helping the brain in making connections between pieces of information. 

As an example, if studying both Algebra and Physics, connecting concepts between solving linear equations and formulas for projectile motion can help to reinforce both concepts. However, different classes will not always line up nicely! Helping your child to review their previous learning to connect new concepts will help them to build mental connections that stick for longer in their memory. 

(https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/8/11-1)

Spaced Practice

Are you tired of your child cramming for exams at the last minute and feeling unprepared? It might be time to implement a new study strategy: spaced practice. Instead of attempting to learn everything at once, this technique involves spreading out study sessions over time. Let's take a look at how you can use spaced practice to improve your child's learning and retention.

When students are first notified of an upcoming test (say, two weeks away), help them to come up with a study plan - 15 minutes a day for 10 days is a much more effective schedule than spending three hours the night before! Make sure to include review time as well. In addition, this strategy works great for long-term projects, like science fair!

(https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/7/21-1)

Concrete Examples

Pay close attention and take notes on the examples your teacher mentions in class. These examples are frequently tailored to help you better understand the material and are directly related to the concepts being taught. If you don’t think you have enough information, try to create your own!

If math problems aren’t making sense, turning them into real-life scenarios can help. Making a double batch of a baking recipe is just multiplying fractions! Also, historical events often have real-life analogies that can help them to feel more real - Colonial U.S. History can be played out in the household! Coming up with a list of more and more rules for your child, without their input, can help them feel the frustration of the Founding Fathers!

(https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/8/25-1)

Dual Coding

Dual coding is a powerful learning strategy that combines verbal and visual information to strengthen comprehension. By using both your verbal and visual memory, your child can make stronger connections in their mind, making it easier to recall information later.

Often, textbooks and handouts from class will have visuals accompanying them. Encourage your child to relate the graphics to what they’ve read. For passages that don’t have visuals, creating your own is a strong way to reinforce the concepts!

(https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/9/1-1)

Elaboration

One of the most effective ways to reinforce learning is to have your child explain concepts in their own words. This strategy not only deepens their understanding, but it also allows them to retain information for longer periods.

Especially in preparation for tests, parents will often quiz their children on the material! However, don’t only accept the textbook answer, or a word-for-word repetition of a flashcard. Encourage your child to explain, expand, or rephrase the answer to ensure the concept is understood, not merely memorized. 

(https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/7/7-1)

Retrieval Practice

Self-testing is one of the most effective methods for improving your child’s memory and understanding. This process not only helps to withhold information in their memory, but it also makes it easier to recall and apply in different situations.

Using teacher created practice tests is a great start, but students can benefit from finding a study buddy as well! Each student can create their own practice test, and swap them to test each other. Both creating AND taking the practice test are opportunities to explore the information from a different perspective. 

(https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/6/23-1)

Communication is Key (Part 3)

Maintaining open lines of communication with your child, their teachers, and their peers is a strong way to support their emotional well-being, academic success, and overall development. It strengthens your relationship, helps address issues early, and encourages a positive and supportive educational experience.

Lead by Example

Having a positive attitude and effective organizational skills sets a good example for your child. It has an impact on their learning mindset, problem-solving abilities, and personal development, all of which contribute to their academic success and overall well being. Your child often imitates the behaviors and attitudes of their parents. By showing enthusiasm for learning and effective organization, you set a strong example for your child. 

There are some simple and practical examples of displaying a positive attitude toward learning and effective organizational skills: Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude when attending school events such as parent-teacher conferences, school plays, or sports games. Share your own learning experiences and challenges with your child. For example, describe how you approached a difficult project at work or learned a new skill.

Encourage Open Communication

Create an environment in which your child feels comfortable discussing their school experiences. You can make them feel more supported and understood by actively listening to them and validating their feelings. When talking about your child's schoolwork or achievements, use positive and supportive language. This emotional support is critical to their overall well-being, academic achievement, and personal growth.

Try these things to encourage open communication with your child: Set aside time each day for family discussions, such as at dinner or before bedtime.When your child shares something with you, actively listen by giving them your full attention, maintaining eye contact, and reflecting on what they've said. Understand and empathize with your child's emotions.

Instead of asking yes/no questions like "Did you have a good day at school?" ask "What did you enjoy most about your day?". Alternatively, "What was something challenging you faced today?"

Stay Involved

Getting involved in your child's education demonstrates your commitment to their success, improves your ability to provide effective support, and strengthens the home-school partnership. This active participation contributes to a more supportive and effective learning environment for your child.

Some ways you can stay involved include reviewing their progress and upcoming deadlines with them to help them stay organized and manage their workload more effectively. We recommend scheduling and attending every parent-teacher conference. Prepare a list of questions or topics to discuss, such as your child's strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies to help them learn at home.

Before the meeting, create a list of questions or topics to discuss, such as:

  • How does my child's performance compare to the class average?

  • What specific areas do you believe they should work on?

  • How can we help them learn at home?

  • Are there any behavioral or social issues to be aware of?

This preparation allows you to make the most of your limited time during the meeting and ensures that you leave with useful information.

Address Stress and Anxiety

Acknowledge and address any school-related stress or anxiety your child may be experiencing. Discuss their concerns openly and work on relaxation techniques together, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. Handling school-related stress or anxiety is critical for your child's emotional health, academic success, and overall development. It ensures that they have the resources and support they need to navigate their educational journey with confidence and health.

Taking these steps with your child can help them cope with stress and anxiety; for example, ask open-ended questions such as "What was the best part of your day?" You can also create a quiet, comfortable area in your home for your child to unwind and relax. If your child's anxiety is persistent or appears overwhelming, consider seeking help from a school counselor or a mental health professional.

Teach your child a simple deep breathing exercises to help them relax when they are anxious. One technique is the "4-7-8" method, which involves inhaling deeply for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling slowly for 8. Introduce mindfulness exercises to help your child remain grounded and focused in the present moment. A simple exercise could be to pay attention to their senses—what they can see, hear, feel, taste, and smell at a given moment.

Encourage Social Connections

Encourage your child's participation in group activities to help them develop strong social connections. A supportive social network improves your child's overall well-being and happiness in school. Having friends and a supportive social network can greatly improve your child's emotional health. Participating in group activities and socializing with peers allows your child to develop important social skills like communication, cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution. 

A few ways you can engage your child with social connections include: Setting up weekly playdates with classmates or neighborhood friends. These could be at your house, a nearby park, or a community center. Enroll your child in a local soccer team, basketball league, or another team sport that interests them. Bring your child to community events like local fairs, festivals, library reading programs, or holiday celebrations.

Foster Independence

Encourage independence by teaching your child to be responsible for their schoolwork and personal belongings. Help them plan their homework, pack their school bags, and make decisions. Trusting your child with more independence builds confidence and prepares them for new responsibilities. When your child successfully manages their own victories and difficulties, they gain a newfound sense of accomplishment, and build a growth-based mindset. 

You can begin simply, with a morning and evening routine for your child that includes specific tasks like brushing their teeth, getting dressed, packing their school bag, and laying out their clothes for the next day. Consistent routines help your child understand what is expected of them and facilitate the development of independent habits. Next, you can encourage your child to set personal goals, such as improving their handwriting, completing homework before dinner, or reading a specific number of books per month. Help them track their progress and celebrate their accomplishments!

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