Fort Worth ISD and many other North Texas schools start up again August 13. To help your family get off on the right foot, our educators put together the following list of tips for the first few weeks of school.
Tips for Parents:
Establish a routine. Consistency helps children feel secure and reduces stress. Set regular times for meals, homework and bedtime. Reduce stress in the morning by preparing lunches, outfits and backpacks the night before.
Create a productive environment. Designate a quiet, well-lit area for your child to do their homework. Get in the habit of reducing distractions like TV, video games and mobile devices during homework time.
Stay involved. Make sure you and your child’s teachers are on the same page. Keep open lines of communication with your child’s teachers and school staff. Participate in parent-teacher conferences and school events to stay informed about your child’s progress.
Support learning. Make reading a daily habit. Set aside time for your child to read books that they enjoy so that reading isn’t a chore–it’s fun! Keep an eye on your child’s academic progress by regularly checking their homework and grades, and make sure you praise their successes as well as offer help when they feel challenged.
Promote healthy habits. Kids need healthy brains to learn, and healthy brains are produced by healthy bodies. Ensure your child eats a nutritious breakfast and pack healthy snacks and lunches. Or rely on your child’s school to provide healthy meals. Fort Worth ISD and several other area school districts offer free lunch and breakfast for all children, regardless of their income; others provide lunch for a small fee with free or reduced-cost meals available based on family income. Check with your child’s school for details.
Address concerns. Listen to your child. Some children quickly ease back into the school year, while for others the process may be a challenge. Talk to your kids and pay attention to any anxieties and concerns they might have. If you child is struggling–either academically or emotionally–reach out to your school’s counselors or professionals for help.
Maintain your connection to nature. Long days of school, homework and extracurricular activities make it hard for kids to enjoy unstructured play outdoors–but they need this time. Find ways to get your kids outdoors to play every day. Free admission is available between 3 to 6 pm every school day for children under age 18 with a valid FWISD school ID. (Not valid during summer vacation or school holidays/breaks.)
Tips for children:
Even very young children can be encouraged take responsibility for preparing for the new year. Consider ways you can discuss these tips with your kids in an age-appropriate way:
Get organized. Create a quiet, clutter-free area where you can do your homework. Make sure you have all the supplies you need. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments, tests and activities so you can learn how to manage your time. Make a commitment to eliminating distractions from your phone, TV or games while doing homework. You’ll get your work done faster and learn better!
Establish a routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Give yourself extra time in the mornings so you’re not rushing and stressed.
Get involved. Join clubs and sign up for sports and activities that interest you. It’s one of the best ways to make new friends. And make a point of participating in class discussions and group activities. It will help you feel more engaged and confident.
Set goals. What kind of year do you want to have? Set specific, achievable goals for your grades and schoolwork. Also think about your personal goals. Is this the year you learn to play the guitar, try out for a sports team or school play, or begin volunteering for a cause you believe in?
Stay positive. Understand it’s normal to feel nervous about a new school year. Focus on the opportunities ahead rather than the possible roadblocks. And be kind. Treat your classmates with respect and remember they are likely just as nervous as you are.
Get outside. One of the best ways to recharge after a tough day at school is to spend time outdoors. Find a way to make nature part of every day, whether that’s playing an outdoor sport, reading outside, walking in your neighborhood or simply sitting quietly in a natural space.
