Back-to-school season ends quickly; Here’s how to maintain energy for the first month of class and beyond!
The beginning of the school year is an exciting yet challenging time for all students, but especially for young students. As children transition from the relaxed days of summer to the structured classroom environment, it’s natural for them to feel a mix of excitement. A lot of focus is placed on the start of a new grade. But what happens after the first week is over and the school year is well underway?
Ensure your student is off to a strong start with these tips for the first six weeks of school.
Common Challenges for Young Learners
It’s common for students to struggle to adjust to a new grade during the first month of school. Here are some areas that students might find challenging:
- Concentration and Attention: It’s common for young students to struggle with concentrating and paying attention during the first few weeks. The new classroom environment can be overwhelming with its many rules and routines.
- Learning Basics: Mastering foundational skills like reading, writing, and math may take time. Some children may struggle to grasp these concepts initially, leading to frustration.
- Organization: Organizing school materials and keeping track of assignments can be a significant hurdle. Young children may need help understanding the importance of staying organized.
School Readiness Tips for the First Month of School
The first three weeks of school are critical for setting the tone for the rest of the school year. Here’s how parents can help their children set the right tone:
Reduce Social Media Time
Learning to pay attention to a teacher in the classroom can be challenging, especially so in the world of social media. Research shows that attention spans are greatly reduced, even for young students. Encourage screen-free activities like reading or crafts, especially during school hours, when students are discouraged from having access to screens.
Introduce Basic Planning Skills
The primary grades focus on teaching fundamental academic skills, such as reading, writing, and math. While formal planning might not be necessary at this stage, it’s a great time to introduce your child to the concept. Give them a planner and encourage them to write down their activities, like soccer games or birthday parties. This low-pressure introduction to planning will build a foundation for future organizational skills.
Focus on Basic Academic Skills
The primary grades are a critical time for learning foundational reading, writing, and math skills. By the end of Third Grade, students should read fluently, write with minimal spelling mistakes, and grasp basic math concepts. Supporting your child in these areas from the start can make a big difference in their academic success.
Check out this Complete Back-to-School Guide.
School Readiness for Success the Whole School Year!
The first six weeks of school are formative. The habits that students develop during these early weeks can set the tone for the entire school year. With the right support, parents can help their children set the right tone for back-to-school and ensure their children are on a path to success that lasts all year!
If returning to class causes your child stress, the experts at GradePower Learning can help! With customized programs ensure students of all ages and grades develop strong learning skills that lead to academic success in every grade.
Contact a location near you today to get started! If there isn’t a location near you, don’t worry! Our online tutors can help—all you need is wifi!
