JessicaAre you feeling overwhelmed at getting ready to return to school? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! This article will share three easy steps to help you plan for back to school. Whether you’re already started, in the middle, or have no idea where to start, these practical tips will ensure a smooth transition and relieve some of the stress that comes with this time of year.
Let’s dive into the steps to get you back to school planning with ease
Step 1: Get organized.
The first step in back-to-school planning is getting organized. Start by creating a checklist of everything you need for the upcoming school year – from school supplies to organizing the cabinets to prepping your lessons for the first few days or weeks. This will help you stay on track and avoid any last-minute rushes to the store or time crunches that take away from your final days of summer.
Take inventory of your classroom supplies and note what needs to be replaced or replenished.
Ask for help from family or colleagues when needed.
Set up your calendar or planner to keep track of important dates such as school holidays, parent-teacher conferences, and extracurricular activities. Then add in your first days of school schedule. This will help you stay organized and prevent scheduling conflicts, especially since the first days differ from regularly scheduled class days.
Step 2: Establish routines.
Establishing routines is essential for a successful back-to-school transition. Start with your routines at home by setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times well before the first day of school. Gradually adjust your and your family’s sleep schedule to align with the school routine. This will ensure everyone gets enough rest and wakes up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
In addition to sleep routines, it’s important to establish consistent meal schedules. Plan out nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks that can be prepared in advance so that when you are on the go, you have food to nourish and keep your energy high. This will save you time and ensure you and your family receives the proper nutrition to fuel their day.
Allocate specific time slots for planning, grading, and studying. Create a quiet and distraction-free space to focus on work at school or home. Whether that’s dedicating prep time to ensure you do not have to take work home or specific time allotted outside of school hours that does not interfere with family time. Break tasks into manageable chunks and take short breaks to prevent burnout.
This will help you and your family adjust more easily to the busy school routine and ensure everyone is on time and well-prepared each day.
Step 3: Communicate with your student’s families.
Communication with your student’s families is key to a successful academic year. Contact families to gather information on student likes and dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, and specific requirements.
Make note of the school’s policies on attendance, dress code, and homework expectations, and be prepared to share with families.
Familiarize yourself with a process for regular communication with families using apps like Remind or ClassDojo to share progress and any updates from the school.
Building a relationship with your students and their families is important. At parent-teacher conferences or schedule meetings, discuss students’ strengths, areas for improvement, and any concerns you may have.
Establishing open lines of communication will help you keep a positive relationship with students and families and ensure that when issues arise, the discussions will go smoothly.
The Importance of Back-to-School Planning
Back-to-school planning is crucial for a successful academic year. It sets the foundation for a smooth transition from the carefree days of summer to the structured routine of school life. By planning, you can alleviate stress and ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
For More Great Ideas on Back to School Planning at Home & in the Classroom
Back-to-School Planning Guide (blog)
Ultimate Teachers’ Guide to Back-to-School Planning 2023 (article)
How to Plan the First Week of School as a Teacher in 3 Easy Steps! (video)
Back to School Planning in a Nutshell
Back-to-school planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these three easy steps – getting organized, establishing routines, and communicating with your student’s families – you can ensure a smooth transition to the school year. Remember to prioritize your list in the planning process and consider the most important things required for students to enter the classroom on the first day. With some preparation and support, you can make this back-to-school season a stress-free experience.
So, get ready to kick-start the school year with our hassle-free back-to-school planning tips. Embrace the new opportunities and challenges that come with each academic year. With a well-thought-out plan, your child will be ready to excel and make the most of their educational journey. Good luck!
