The alarm clock sounds…those sweet six weeks of summer break are over and it’s back to school time for you and the kids. Preparing in advance for the school year is essential—getting ready ahead of time can make the transition much smoother for both parents and children. The first day of school is a key moment, and planning can help ease nerves and set a positive tone for that important day. If you are dreading going back to school and have already pressed the snooze button 3 times don’t worry, Impact Teachers is here to help! Read our top 5 tips to get back to schedule and into the school year.
Tip 1: Rest up!
If you are already back and still doing those late nights like the summer holidays, now is the time to stop. Adjust your waking times gradually to help ease back into the school routine and make mornings less stressful. It’s time to get back into schedule and getting up in the morning at 6AM is much harder when you’ve been up till midnight binge watching Netflix. Start going to bed a little earlier each day until you find the point that’s right for you. Limiting screen time in the evenings can help improve sleep quality and make waking up easier. It’s back to school so that means avoiding too much of a busy social schedule on school nights. Remember half term is just around the corner. Re-establishing a consistent school routine will help ensure smoother mornings and reduce anxiety.
Tip 2: Get yourself organized
Having as much ready to go for the academic year as possible will save you a lot of time throughout each term. Creating a timetable can help keep you organized throughout the academic year. This means having your lessons planned, your materials ready and your classroom the way you want it. Although it’ll take a little time at the beginning, you’ll appreciate the time you took to get yourself organized. Create checklists or visual aids to help track your progress and stay on top of tasks. If you don’t get into the habit early of marking and planning now it will be much harder as the year goes on.
Tip 3: Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
When it comes to lunch that is. Having helpful meal prep strategies can save you valuable time during the busy school year. Some must haves for meal prepping include Tupperware, easy recipes, and a reliable lunch bag. Having to buy lunch each day or prepare it every evening is a drain on your limited free time. So be prepared. Get yourself some Tupperware and spend some time on Friday getting prepared for the week, if meal prep isn’t your thing try making big meals for dinner and taking the leftovers for lunch. There are hundreds of make ahead recipes out there so spend a little time on google and save a lot of time each evening. Focus on practical solutions to streamline your weekly routine. You’ll have marking and work to do at home and preparation will save you time and money on takeaways!
Tip 4: Mental Health Matters: Prioritizing Well-being as You Return
As the summer holidays draw to a close and the new school year approaches, it’s completely normal for both children and parents to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. The transition back to school, or even starting at a new school, can bring about school anxiety, worries about the unknown, and stress about new routines. Prioritizing mental health and well-being is a key part of helping your child feel prepared and confident as they step into the classroom.
One of the best ways to support your child’s mental health is by creating a supportive environment at home. Open up conversations about how your child feels about going back to school—whether they’re worried about making friends, nervous about a new class schedule, or simply unsure about what to expect. Let your child know that these feelings are normal, and that you’re there to listen and support them every step of the way.
A consistent bedtime routine is another important factor in helping your child manage school anxiety and stress. Good sleep quality helps young people wake up refreshed and ready to take on the school day. Encourage relaxing activities before bed, like reading together or listening to calming music, to help your child wind down and get the rest they need.
Mornings can be hectic, but a good routine can make all the difference. Help your child prepare for the day by organizing their school bag, pe kits, and homework the night before. A smooth morning routine helps your child feel in control and ready to face the challenges of the school day.
Transitions, such as moving from primary school to secondary school or starting at a new school, can be especially challenging. Talk to your child about what to expect, introduce them to new teachers or classmates if possible, and encourage them to ask questions. Remind them that it’s okay to feel nervous and that teachers and staff are there to help.
Don’t forget to balance schoolwork with fun activities and hobbies outside of school. Encouraging your child to take part in things they enjoy can help reduce stress and boost their confidence as they settle into the new academic year.
If your child’s worries or anxieties feel overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for more advice. Teachers, school counselors, and mental health professionals are there to support both you and your child. By working together and keeping communication open, you can help your child thrive, feel prepared, and make the most of the new school year.
Remember, every child is different, and it’s normal to face ups and downs in the first weeks back to school. With a good routine, open conversations, and plenty of encouragement, you can help your child feel supported and ready for a successful year ahead.
Tip 5: Take the time to talk to your colleagues
You need to take some time to get to know your colleagues if you are new to the school. If you’re just heading back to school for another year and you have new teachers joining, take the time to reach out to them and discuss any challenges or advice you might have. School can be tough and it’s much easier to get through the day, especially if it’s been a hard day, if you have a good bond with your colleagues and people you can talk to for advice. Engaging in team-building activities or conversations can help build rapport and make the work environment more supportive. If you’re new it’s especially important to seek out the veteran teachers – they know the way the school runs and can help you kick start your career. You might also consider seeking advice from the head of your department or the head teacher for additional support.
Tip 6: Plan for your first break
It’s good to have something to look forward too especially if you’re new to your school or even to the country. Make a plan for half term – somewhere to go to for a few days or something fun to do with friends. You could also plan something fun with your family for the break to recharge together. The first half term will be tiring as you get back into the swing of things so having something to look forward to can really help you make it through those tough days.
