Rest & Routines: Tips for the Back-to-School Transition

Transition times are often periods of excitement and challenges. The shift from summer life to school life is especially full of both! Well established routines can be a lifesaver when managing such major transitions. Here are some routines and coaching tips to help you navigate the back-to-school season and maximize student learning.

Routines

1. Sleep: Children who are well-rested are better able to focus, manage frustration, and retain new information. Aim for consistent bedtimes and limit access to tantalizing technology at night. Elementary students generally need 9–11 hours of sleep, while middle schoolers need 8–10 hours.

2. Mornings: Predictable routines for waking, dressing, eating, and retrieving school supplies will help disorganized children learn to navigate this sleepy time of day independently and responsibly. Work toward your child being able to initiate and navigate these routines on their own, rather than depending on frequent prompting.

3. Homework: Help your child to design a quiet, distraction-free area at home to do homework. Work with them to reserve a consistent time in the evening to work, while also identifying time to play or rest. If your child struggles to stay focused and independent during homework, ask their teacher for strategies that are suited to their particular needs.

4. Reading and Literature: Reading at home – independently or together – strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of learning. If your child is reading below grade level, read to them or help them access audiobooks so they benefit from higher vocabulary and intriguing topics.

Coaching Tips

1. Monitor Health and Wellbeing: Encourage physical activity in your child’s out- of-school time, watch for signs of stress, and regularly check in with your child about how they’re feeling at school. Provide reassurance and remind them that struggle is a necessary part of the learning process. Help them distinguish from “good stress” (normal nervousness that enhances our performance) and “toxic stress” (unhelpful and unhealthy anxiety).

2. Promote Self-Advocacy and Independence: Encourage your child to speak up about their needs in a respectful and constructive way. Roleplay situations where they might need to ask for help or explain how they learn best. When challenges arise with their peers or adults, resist the urge to solve the problem for your child, but help them to talk out the issue with you in a problem-solving mindset.

3. Keep Teachers Informed: Your insights are valuable and de Paul teachers want to learn from them. Share concerns and successes, even those not related to school, so teachers can fully support your child.

4. Celebrate Successes: Your acknowledgement of effort and small successes are vital for your child. It strengthens emotional bonds and helps children maintain perspective. It also helps students develop “growth mindset,” an understanding that they are capable of learning and that hard work pays off. Your affirmation of their efforts can motivate your child to keep striving.

Supporting your child through the school year requires planning, patience, and collaboration. With ample rest, strong routines, and regular encouragement, children are better prepared to meet academic and social challenges. Here’s to a great school year for all!

Phil Howell is the Interim Head of School at de Paul.