No matter what age your student is, creating healthy back to school routines is an important part of preparing them for yearlong success.
“Routines teach valuable life skills such as responsibility, time management and self-discipline that extend beyond the classroom,” said Marlon Andrews, assistant superintendent of district and school operations for Columbus Municipal School District.
Morgan Abraham, principal of Sudduth Elementary School in Starkville, said routines help alleviate first day jitters, especially in younger students.
“Lots of times, students’ nervousness and anxiety come from just being unsure,” Abraham said. “If we can help create those routines and consistency, then that can help with opportunities for them to be successful.”
Andrews said a successful back to school morning routine starts with getting enough sleep the night before, which can range from eight to 10 hours, depending on the student’s age.
“Consistency is key. Students should begin waking up at the same time they will need to wake up during the school year at least a week before classes begin,” Andrews said. “Gradually adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times by 15 to 30 minutes each day can make the transition much smoother. ”
Andrews said eating a balanced breakfast consisting of protein, whole grains and fruit can help students stay focused throughout the morning. School breakfast is another great option if you find yourself rushing out the door, Abraham said.
After school, Andrews said students should complete homework before any recreational screen use. He said older students can benefit from using a planner or digital calendar to help keep track of their responsibilities as extracurricular activities ramp up.
Abraham said it’s important to check in with students and look over anything they’re sent home with, like folders, forms or daily activity logs. As bedtime approaches, she said students should opt for reading books instead of looking at screens.
“We really minimize screen time here at school, so that’s one thing that we see when you are transitioning from home to school is that that’s a hard transition,” Abraham said.
Both Abraham and Andrews said certain tasks like packing lunches and snacks, laying out clothes, packing backpacks, charging electronic devices and reviewing the next day’s schedule can save time the following morning.
To help support the habit of waking up at the same time every morning, Andrews said students should go to bed at the same time each night.
Whether your student is starting school for the first time or returning for their final year, routines are a way to show students what is expected of them so they can keep momentum up throughout the year, Abraham said.
“The first day, it’s typically pretty easy because students and parents are excited,” Abraham said. “But as you get through that first week and on into the next weeks, that’s when we see some fatigue and that tiredness sets in.”
This story first appeared in the Back to School special section.
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