Helping your Child Ease Back into Learning Mode after Summer

With school almost back in session, it can be a difficult for a child to transition back into the early morning groove and structured learning environment after a long summer filled with staying up late and waking up even later.

It’s fair to say that no transition is without some speed bumps or setbacks, but if your child has a little time to ease back into the rhythm of their back-to-school routine, they’ll be more prepared to kick back into learning mode when the first day of school rolls around.

Here are some tips and tricks Lausanne Collegiate School has shared to get that process started:

Reintroduce their routine:

Kids need time to adjust, so providing a head start on their school routine will make managing their back-to-school schedule easier. The week before school starts, try to make bedtime a little earlier and dust off the alarm clock to wake them up around the time they will on a school day. Aim to serve meals around the same time your child eats throughout the school year.

Come up with a game plan-together:

Have an open conversation with your child about his goals for the upcoming school year, triumphs from the previous year, and some challenges they would like to overcome. Goals might include:

1. Pursuing an interest or extra-curricular activity they’ve wanted to try.
2. Meeting new friends or making an effort to help a new student adjust and feel included.
3. Participating in a spelling bee
4. Making the honor roll

Establish Morning Expectations:

Tension can run high in the mornings, but clear expectations and a consistent routine can help. Try using a dry erase board or other visual cues with tasks your child needs to complete on their own before school each morning. For younger ones, you can use drawings like a toothbrush or lunchbox to remind them what they need to do. Giving specific praise when children complete tasks lets them know you’re paying attention to their independence and hard work.

Organize school supplies and necessities:

To avoid feeling rushed on the first day, make sure your child has their backpack and any paper, pencils, art supplies, or other essentials organized and packed beforehand, so everything is easily accessible and ready to go as you head out the door that morning. As an additional time saver, try making lunches and letting your child pick out an outfit the night before.

Stay positive about going back to school:

A parent’s mindset has a strong influence on how kids view the beginning of school. Children pick up on their parents’ feelings, react to them, and sometimes magnify them. You have to have confidence that they’ll be able to get through the possible challenges presented during their transition back into a school routine. Although parents don’t want to dismiss their child’s feelings, it’s helpful to normalize feeling a little nervous or resistant about going back at first by reassuring them of all the positives that take place at school.

The unique learning environment at Lausanne Collegiate School includes small class sizes as well as inspiring and supportive faculty. Lausanne is located at 1381 W. Massey Rd, 38120. Learn more about what sets academics at Lausanne apart or call (901) 474-1000 to schedule a tour.