Okay, so this blog post isn’t targeting school administrators, my typical target audience. However, I thought the topic was so interesting that maybe schools could find ways to incorporate this kind of information into their websites.
For example, it might make an excellent website news article for back-to-school or even repurpose this information as an Inbound Marketing article to attract preschool parents.
Because all parents (we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt) want their kids to succeed in school and life, you’d hope parents would prepare their children for each new school year. However, what teachers find critical back-to-school preps don’t always match what parents prepare them for. So, let’s help them help their students (and our teachers).
When teachers are asked, “What do you wish parents would do to help their students prepare for the beginning of each school year,” here are some of their favorites:
Begin by reestablishing daily routines
- Help students begin the school year on a solid footing by getting them back to a school-day routine by waking up and going to bed at an optimal hour. Whatever parents can do to get their children on a school schedule will help alleviate stress and ensure they are well-rested for the school day.
- These daily routines apply to the beginning of the school year and those weekend and holiday breaks! Help them establish consistent daily routines, including regular sleep schedules, morning preparations (that allow time for a healthy breakfast), and designated study times.
Start the year with a positive attitude.
- Set the example by being a role model of positivity. Students (and children) will learn by example from the adults around them, especially those they love or respect. So, show them a positive attitude when handling problems and setbacks. Show them how to frame the events in their lives, the mundane and the unusual, by moving forward with a positive approach to solutions.
Praise their efforts
- Let children know that you see their hard work and that you see them doing their best. These positive acknowledgments will encourage them to repeat their efforts and feel your appreciation for them. There is not much better than having our efforts recognized by those we love and respect.
Practice gratitude
- Help children recognize and express gratitude for something in their lives each day. Consider picking a time of day (possibly dinnertime, when you are all together as a family) to express gratitude and encourage your children to do the same. This habit of attitude will help them focus on the positive each day and be happy with what they have.
Read together
- Encourage regular reading and practice of basic math skills over the summer to prevent the “summer slide” and keep their minds sharp. Spend a bit of time each day reading with younger children. Teachers say they can tell the difference between the students who have spent quality time reading and those who have only spent a lot of time on screens.
- For older children, have them read aloud to you or themselves and make books available with regular trips to the library. You can also designate a time each day when they turn off those screens and read!
Encourage independence
- Encourage independence by having students take responsibility for their own learning and schoolwork, including packing their bags, completing assignments on time, and managing their time effectively.
- Younger students should be sure they can manage the bathroom independently because teachers are often not allowed to assist them. Also, be sure those kindergarten students know how to open the packaging in the lunches you pack for them.
Expect responsibility
- Provide them with chores at home so they will understand how to accomplish assigned classroom responsibilities, like line leaders and other tasks. Create age-specific opportunities for your child at home. For example, a third grader can select and lay out their clothes for the next day, and a second grader can learn to prepare their own lunch.
- Let your students understand that you expect them to be responsible for their homework and don’t make excuses for them. If you accept an excuse like, “I had baseball practice,” or “I was sleepy,” you’re letting them know there will always be an excuse. So, set appropriate expectations and help them succeed in the real world. Remind your children that they don’t “get” grades from their teachers, but they earn them. Accepting personal responsibility is a life skill that will put them ahead and provide them with true personal satisfaction.
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Avoid negative talk, keep it out of earshot from the kids
- If you have negative feelings about teachers, administrators, or students, please don’t share these in front of your child. Your opinion strongly influences your children; you don’t want to predispose them to dislike or animosity right out of the gate.
- In front of your children, speak positively about school, regardless of your own personal school experiences. When you speak with them about school, especially in the weeks leading up to their return, help them remember the positive aspects. Find out which friends they are excited about seeing again or help them think about what skills they are anxious to work on this year. Help them recognize the strengths they already have that will help them succeed in their education experiences.
Create supportive communication channels
- Stay informed about what is happening at your child’s school, including newsletters, emails, parent meetings, and website articles. Keep an open dialogue with your child about their feelings, day, and concerns.
- Maintain a good relationship with your child’s teachers and school staff to stay informed about their progress and be aware of any areas where you can provide extra support.
Focusing on these areas will help parents in preparing students to be confident and ready to succeed in the school year. By partnering with our children’s teachers, our students benefit. And this is what we all want, right?