The first week of back to school has been completed for me. I do enjoy the first week and seeing all the children looking smart and full of enthusiasm. I like giving my classes new books and seeing them take extra care and setting it out correctly. My facebook timeline has been full children smiling in their new uniform standing by the front door. I too took the obligatory back to school photographs. Chloe and Dylan have both had a good few days with Dyl happy with the tables he has been put on. Chloe is happy with her timetable and teachers, she has also moved up sets in both Science and English, which saw her glowing last night.
As a teacher it is important to harness this enthusiastic phase and catch the children’s attention. Parents can help with this and help set the tone for the school year.
Even Erin is aware of the new term. Informing me as we walked to school yesterday to collect Dylan, that it is autumn. She told me the leaves will be changing colour to red and brown and falling off the trees’ Someone was obviously paying attention at nursery!!
As we say goodbye to summer and prepare for autumn term I thought I’d offer up my tips.
1. Children need enough sleep. It varies by child but mine are always early to bed, especially this month when they go from a relaxed to summer to getting back in the learning zone.
2. Healthy eating. Mealtimes get slack in the summer but I make sure that the children are eating better, it keeps the energy levels up, blood sugars stable and keeps them healthy. Dyl has opted for school lunches as he doesn’t really like packed lunches.
3. Offer rewards for the year. Dylan and Chloe both respond to rewards and my children are not yet programmed to the reward of good qualifications. It still seems to far away, too abstract. But both have targets for the term and I personally believe that rewards keep up motivation and effort. Chloe enjoys a shopping trip for her treat. A bit of mum time where we grab a starbucks and carry out a spot of retail shopping for bargains. Dylan on the otherhand chooses football tickets! A trip to Villa park usually!
4. The most important tip is too take time to listen to your children talk. The start of a new term is exhausting and full on. Often they have lots of changes going on and your child may take this with ease to struggle somewhat but they will all have lots of information to share.
5. For older children get into a good homework rountine. Do it in the same place, ensure that you have the equipment they need. I make sure I keep Erin out of the way when Chloe especially is doing homework. Also help them by proof reading and checking it over for them. Getting home learning right is essential if you want them to revise at home when they are doing exams. A good clutter free area is required.
Remember harness this term. If you get September right and instill good routines you should be set for the year.
2 Responses
That’s a great post and really sensible advice. My kids haven’t had homework yet, which is a shame because I could have done with getting them straight into the routine of homework before telly. I think it will be harder to do in the second week.
The first week back can always be tricky, especially if they are starting a new school. Thanks for sharing your tips for getting back into the routine of school with Country Kids.