A Guide to Starting Off the School Year Right!
We can all feel it—the rapid acceleration of the school year. The end to what was probably a welcome break from the stress and challenge of academia. Hopefully, your brain has had time to rest from all that constant exercise! But how do you get it ready to get back in the groove of things and take on even harder challenges?
Getting back into the correct mindset for school can be a tricky adjustment. However, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s article “Start Now, to Start the School Year Right,” you can set yourself or your child up for success using a few of these tactful tips!
1. Warm up your skills with a puzzle or subject practice book.
By the end of summer, the formulas, theories, and facts of the past year can seem so out of reach for an out-of-practice brain. Grasp those skills again by picking up a math practice book, crosswords, or even Sudoku. It doesn’t have to be super intense—just enough to get that brain warmed up again and ready to excel!
2. Come up with a few new study methods!
Let’s face it: studying can get old fast. Too many flashcards or re-writing of notes might really take the excitement out of learning something new. Re-energize yourself and your mind by brainstorming some new ways to learn material! Maybe it’s a game with physical components or a silly song. Maybe it’s a drawn-out diagram or a model out of clay! There are no rules; don’t be afraid to get creative!
3. Curate your space and materials to fit you.
It’s so much more fun to take notes with your favorite pens, to make assignment lists in a notebook that’s your favorite color, to sit and study in a room decorated just how you like it! Find joy in the little things and make it easy to want to sit down and start your work.
4. Get used to your routine again.
A great way to set your whole day off-kilter is to sleep through your alarm. Make sure that doesn’t happen on the first day of school; start getting into the proper sleep schedule a few days in advance. Your body will thank you for it!
5. Practice patience with yourself and your feelings.
School can be overwhelming, and that’s okay. However you’re feeling about the start of the next academic year is totally natural! Do yourself a favor and try to be aware and understanding of the way you’re feeling. Write about it, talk about it, or if that doesn’t feel right, express it through your favorite hobby. You’ve totally got this!
This next year will be filled with endless new challenges and maybe some friendly old ones. Remember that preparation goes a long way in ensuring a wonderful year of learning and growth! We wish you the best of luck. Don’t let struggles with reading, math, or attention get you down. There are many resources available to help!
