Back To School Tips For Parents

        A new school year is at hand.  Many school children feel somewhat anxious about returning to school.  Their nervousness is usually more noticeable when the student is entering a new school or making the transition from elementary to middle or from middle to high school.  While returning students usually anticipate the new school term with eagerness and excitement, the first few days can be stressful for some.

        To help reduce this back-to-school stress, parents can especially help by manifesting an encouraging and calming spirit and by establishing clear expectations for the child.  Take a very worried child to school ahead of time to walk around the halls; go into the classroom and meet the teacher.  Becoming more familiar with his/her surroundings will help the child feel more confident and know what to expect on that first busy day.

        Consider enforcing earlier bed times and wake-up times as the start of the school year approaches.  Children should always have adequate rest and diet in order to be at their best in school.  They should rise early enough to eat a good breakfast and avoid rushing to get to school on time.

        Be sure you know ahead of time the opening and closing hours for school as well as its lunch and snack schedules and availabilities.

        Much written information is usually distributed to students during the first few days of school.  These hand-outs usually include information on school policies, emergency weather related school closings, student supplies and activities.  Especially encourage your child to bring these informational items to you as the parent.  Many schools now have school web sites where information for parents and students are regularly posted and updated.  Some teachers post homework assignments and classroom information at web sites so that parents can keep adequately informed about the day-to-day classroom activities.

        Other suggestions to help assure a successful school year:

• Provide a study environment conducive to learning at home.  Establish a regular homework time and have a quiet place for the child to study;

• Talk every day about the progress he/she is making in each class.  When your child knows that you think school is important, he or she will take it more seriously;

• Discuss with your child how learning in school helps in everyday life;

• Be a good example yourself that learning is a lifelong process;

• Reinforce learning at home, in the community and on vacations;

• Notice when your child completes homework and provide encouragement;

• Help your child stay calm and confident on test days;

• Teach your child to set goals;

• Have a dictionary available for your child to look up new or unfamiliar words;

• Read together at least once a week;

• Be realistic in your expectations;

• Encourage your child to talk to teachers if he/she does not understand an assignment;

• Make every effort to be actively involved in the child’s education and school;

• Recognize the teacher as an important partner in your child’s education and future;

• Contact the child’s teacher(s) and visit the school and classroom regularly; and,

• Remember that each parent and teacher should share the same goal -- to help children love learning and to be successful.

Provided by:

NC Division of Non-Public Education
1309 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC  27699-1309
(919) 733-4276
www.ncdnpe.org