September can feel a little bit like January with the sense of new beginnings. It’s a great time to reflect on what works well during the school term, and maybe what doesn’t.
Ready to learn
What are the things that are important for your child to arrive in school ready to learn? Most are obvious and we know them but the modern world of technology and constant connection can make this more difficult to achieve than it would seem. Children and teenagers need to be rested, well nourished, and having had down-time from communications with the outside world.
Helpful Routines
Despite what they say, children (and most humans in general) thrive on routine. Look at any successful school and it will have strong routines in place to facilitate learning and the day to day activities of the students there. Minimising stress and rush in the morning may lead to building a routine of packing bags the night before. Ensuring down-time may lead to a no-screens and reading only rule at a certain time before bedtime.
Homework expectations
In addition to checking when examinations and assessments take place, make sure you know what is expected of your child both in school and at home. This is particularly important if your child is starting an assessment year but applies to every school year.
What expectations are there from the school regarding formal homework? Are there expectations about home practice that may not be specified: for example, times tables, reading, revising French or Spanish word lists.
Not all schools will let you know far in advance when examinations and assessments will take place and this may not be enough time for your child to prepare calmly; it’s worth asking the question if you’re not sure.
After-school activities
Before signing up for each and every possible club and enrichment opportunity, look carefully at what is realistically achievable. Not just from the point of view of the children, but everyone in the household. Don’t forget to make time for play, relaxation, and even boredom.
In conclusion, the transition back to school will be eased (for parents and children alike) by preparation, managing expectations and some flexibility as we adjust into the new term. Good luck!
For more information, you may enjoy reading: My child needs a tutor - or do they? Three things to check first. (tutortaylor.com)
Cate is a qualified teacher with more than 20 years of experience teaching in schools and she has most recently dedicated her time to tutoring both online and face to face. Current and past students come from the New Forest, across the UK, Spain, Switzerland, France, Spain and Hong Kong. Cate has a waiting list for all hours outside of the UK school day but can often find space for those in other time zones (such as Hong Kong and Singapore, UAE, Malaysia) or adults who are able to have a lesson during the day.
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