It seems like you and your child have just gotten used to kindergarten and learned everything, and suddenly it’s time for first grade. Of course there are new things to learn academically, but how do you prepare your child for another successful, happy school year? Then what happens in second grade? In third grade? And all the way to high school?
A new school year brings with it a new set of emotions for parents and students, from excitement to nervousness to fear. Here are a few tips and tricks from the real experts—teachers—to help you and your child succeed.
Kindergarten and primary school: Ellen Cayton, current related arts teacher and former first grade teacher
For academic success:
- Read to your child and/or have them read to you. Every. Single. Evening.
- Encourage and spark your child’s curiosity at every opportunity. Make it fun!
- When you or your child encounters a problem or setback, show them that they have the ability to grow and learn. This attitude is invaluable to their education.
For social success:
- Start by working on your children’s independence and letting them speak up when there is a problem or they have a need.
- As your child learns to use his or her voice, begin teaching good listening skills, emphasizing kindness and respect for differences.
For parents:
- Stay up to date with what’s happening in your child’s classroom and at school.
- Speak positively about school in front of your child and show that you think it is important/valuable. At this age, children generally adopt their parents’ views about school.
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. It may sound simple, but it’s crucial!
Late primary school
Bonnie McClain, fifth grade teacher
For academic success:
- Try to stay organized and plan ahead. Get your child a planner so they can write down their assignments for each class and not forget them the next day.
- Check your child’s schedule daily – at least for the first nine weeks to establish the habit – so you can see what is expected of your child in each class/subject.
For social success:
- Encourage your child to be friendly, seek out new friends, introduce themselves and find common interests!
- The most important thing is that your child learns to be kind to others and treat them the way he or she wants to be treated.
For parents:
- Stay positive and encourage your child throughout the year. If you have a problem with the teacher or school, try not to say anything negative in front of your child. Email or call the teacher to share your concerns.
- When things get difficult, sit down with your child and make a plan. Share your plan with the teacher if necessary (or encourage your child to do so).
Middle School
Hunter Allen, middle school global studies teacher
For academic success:
- Children need more autonomy in middle school, so develop a “trust is good, control is better” attitude. Trust what they tell you, and then check with their teachers. It’s natural to not want to do homework or study for a test, so the earlier and more consistently you start this practice, the faster your child will learn that it’s just easier to do the work they need to do.
For social success:
- Let your child be who he is. Eventually he will find his circle of friends with the same interests/values. Use the help of teachers and guidance counselors to help him find a group if necessary.
- No social media. Period. It’s the cause of so many problems like arguments, fights, anxiety, and depression in middle schoolers. Your child may get teased a little for not being on social media, but that’s much more manageable than the serious problems social media can cause at this age.
For parents:
- Make sure your child feels safe to talk to you about anything. Meaningful communication about everything from friends to feelings is crucial. You may not want to hear it and your child may not want to talk about it, but these conversations will resolve many problems before they become serious.
Secondary school
Jamie Schatz, high school science teacher
For academic success:
- It’s important that your child gets to know their teachers and understands how classes work (grades, grading criteria, marks, etc.). In high school, every teacher does things a little differently, so it’s important to stay up to date.
- Encourage your child to be a well-rounded student. Participating in more than just class can play a big role in academic success. It helps with time management, relationship building, and problem-solving skills.
For social success:
- The easiest way to make friends is to join an organization. This could be a team, a club, etc. Every school offers countless opportunities, so encourage your child to join a club or team, no matter what their interests are.
For parents:
- Give your child opportunities to fight his or her own battles and deal with adversity, but also remember to talk to him or her regularly about what’s going on in his or her life.
- Ask your child questions about their day, even if they seem reluctant to talk. Sometimes children are just waiting to be asked.
Congratulations! You’ve graduated from high school. If only it were that easy for parents and children in real life. Interestingly, the advice from teachers had some themes that run through all ages: communication, engagement, and the willingness of both parent and child to learn and grow. Good luck to all students, teachers, and parents in the new school year!
