How To Start Out Having A Great School Year – Do’s and Don’ts

Starting a new school year is always exciting. Students look forward to seeing friends and meeting their new teachers. Teachers look forward to seeing what the year holds for the students. It’s a fresh, new start for everyone. However, what you do and don’t do as a parent can determine if your child’s school year will be a great one.

Here’s a list of back-to-school dos and don’ts you can put into practice to help the school year get off to a great start, and your child looking forward to being back in the classroom!

The Do’s

• Attend Back to School Night or any meetings prior to the beginning of school. This not only gives you an opportunity to meet the teacher, it also gives you an idea of what the expectations are in the classroom as well as important information you’ll need to know throughout the year.
• Communicate with the teacher regarding any concerns you have about your child. Being up-front and honest about things you’re worried about regarding your child is vitally important for him to succeed and puts you both on the same page.
• Volunteer in the classroom or school for whatever your time might allow you.
• Respect your child’s teacher knowing that she wants what’s best for your child just as you do.
• Assume positive intent. This basically means that instead of thinking the negative of any given situation, assume there is actually an intent to make it a positive situation and then move forward from there.
• Admit any mistakes or clear up any misunderstandings. Being honest keeps everyone at the same level.
• Prepare for the next day of school the night before by getting backpacks, lunches, notes, papers, books, and outfits ready to go in the morning.
• Establish before and after school routines for your child so he knows exactly what’s expected when he leaves for school and returns from school.

The Don’ts

• Blame or point fingers if something doesn’t go the way you’d expect. Work with the school staff to solve any problems in a positive manner.
• Overwhelm your child with a lot of extracurricular activities. There is a lot expected out of kids today, so they already feel the pressure without having anything added.
• Talk negatively about the school or teacher to others. Keep your opinions just between you and your significant other. Your child doesn’t even need to know your feelings.
• Pull your child out of school for appointments or family vacations unless absolutely necessary. Attendance equals success, so you’ll want your child to be at school as much as possible.
• Make appointments with the teacher and then not show up without communicating that you won’t be able to make it. Reschedule right away and do your best to keep that appointment.

Remember that what you do or don’t do will make an impact on your child’s learning either in a positive or negative way. Keeping things open, honest, positive, and helpful will all increase your child’s chance for success in school and make it a great school year for everyone.