Back to school is always a busy time for parents and students alike, but how do you get students ready for the school year when they are going to be working at home? Honestly, some of the suggestions for students returning to brick and mortar schools apply.
First, you need to get your student back into a routine. Summer tends to allow some flexibility when it comes to bedtimes, mealtimes, and morning wakeup times. Your student's schedule should be reworked into a more consistent pattern in the weeks before the school year starts. It is also a good idea to create a calendar, so that your student knows when to focus on school work and when he has the time to do his own thing.
Try to set aside some time for reading or back to school projects to help your student get focused. Establishing a consistent schedule and routine early is one of the best back to school tricks in the book.
Another necessity in the back to school checklist is to get your student excited for the upcoming school year. Our online teachers request that students taking courses on the computer still have a notebook for every online class. Hitting the sales and picking up pens, pencils, crayons, and notebooks can help ease your student into school mode. It is also important that you create a learning-friendly environment in your home. Giving your student a quiet space and the tools he will need can help prepare him for the year.
Finally, make sure that your student knows all about his school and teachers. Offer your student the opportunity to contact his teachers by phone, e-mail, or letter to help him make a personal connection with his educators. Also, allow your student to participate in school welcome events, orientations, and online classes, to give him an idea of what his school is like and what the requirements for the year will be.