5 Essential Back to School Routines

It's August and many schools have started! As a former classroom teacher, full-time tutor and a parent of a school-aged child, I know how important it is to establish school routines. Whether your child is homeschooled or goes to a school building, these top 5 routines will ensure a smooth school year.

1. Breakfast

   
   

   Before a morning session or school day starts, I check in with my students. If they present with low energy or focus issues, I ask them if they've had breakfast. The answer is usually "no". Breakfast starts a child's metabolism and gives them the energy and focus to start the day. Whether your child receives breakfast at school or home, make sure breakfast is a priority. Low-prep breakfasts that get the job done? Whole grain cereal and a banana; yogurt with granola; microwaved eggs with cheese.

2. Sleep

School aged kids should be getting 9-12 hours of sleep a night. Create a low stimulation environment by turning down lights prior to bedtime. Screens should be put away and stay away at least an hour before lights out. Establishing a regular bedtime and wake-up time will promote emotional regulation and stamina for the school day.

3. Materials Organized

Does your child need their laptop charged before a day of virtual school? Charge it overnight and return the laptop/charger to the same location each day. Does your child have a backpack? Have your student empty it after school each day and pack it the night before. Set all materials by the door so you'd have to trip over it!

4. Visual Schedule

Kids love to see what's coming next. Whether you provide them with their own calendar to mark up or this free, printable daily school routine checklist, students feel safe when they know the expectations. You can slide the checklist into a plastic dry erase sleeve (link below!), slip in a whiteboard marker, and sticky tack it to a prominent place in your house. Set a visual timer to show your child just how much time they have to complete each step before moving on to the next one.

Download the checklist and take a peek at TimeTimer and dry erase sleeves below!

5. Gather Your Team

Teachers can have between 25-30 students in their class, making it impossible to meet your student's individual needs each day. Intervention or enrichment is necessary to prevent your child from getting lost at school. Consider hiring a tutor! Click below to schedule a free discovery call to see what I will do for your child.