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Going Back to School: A Teacher's Best Tips and Tricks to Starting the School Year Off Right

As we navigate settling back into school routines, we asked our teachers for their best advice on starting the school year off right… and they delivered—see below for practical tips on preparing for the upcoming school year.

The Evening Before

  • Try to do as much as you can before bed to get ready for the morning. Pick out clothes, pack backpacks, set out water bottles to be filled, and put snacks in backpacks—every little bit helps! Prepping the night before will reduce stress and help the morning go smoothly.
  • Make sure to get enough rest, as sleep might be one of the most underrated tools we have. Each of us needs a quality night’s sleep, especially as we adapt to new routines. Winding down in the evenings and having consistent (as much as possible) bedtime routines is crucial for learning and processing the next day.

In the Morning

  • Pick an encouraging Bible verse for the year – a verse you can read before bed each night and before school in the morning. For example, if your child tends to worry, they might choose Philippians 4:6 to read each night and day.
  • For younger students, it is important to decide how you will say goodbye in the morning. Perhaps you pray for their day together or say “I Love You” in a sweet way—these moments are so encouraging to children. Even when you find yourself in a rushed morning, or wake up on the wrong side of the bed, affirmations reassure your child that your love is consistent, despite rough mornings.

Set Realistic Expectations

  • Give yourself and your child grace…and exercise a lot of patience. Transitions and setting routines can be hard for everyone! Know that it is normal for your child to be extra tired the first few weeks of school as they adjust to a new teacher, new classroom, and a new routine.

Fuel Your Body

  • Snacks are important! Keeping our brains and bodies well-fed with protein and fresh fruit and vegetables may sound cliche, but it helps our bodies absorb information and process it effectively.
  • Eat dinner as a family. These school years pass quickly, so even if it’s only for a few minutes, try to prioritize time together around a table to reconnect as a family and share in one another’s day.
  • Start the day with a healthy breakfast. It can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day. Taking care of our physical needs supports our emotional, spiritual, and mental health, creating readiness for learning.
  • BONUS TIP for our youngest: Practice opening items in their lunchbox. Teachers at GRACE will always open things for them, but the more they can open themselves, the quicker they get to eat!

Prioritize Communication

  • Teach students how to communicate with their teachers. If a teacher sends an email with a question, have the student reply with an answer. If the student submits work late, have the student email the teacher and let them know you have submitted it (or even communicate ahead of time why the assignment will be late). Never assume you will be bothering a teacher—they would much rather hear from you than wonder where your work is!
  • Your teachers are on your team and want you to succeed! When you talk to us openly or proactively address any concerns, we're happy to problem-solve with you. Please don't struggle in silence.
 

As we kick off the 2022-23 GRACE Christian school year, we encourage our community to embrace the new. Enjoy the newness of unused pencils, new classes, and new friends! We hope you and your students commit to trying lots of new things this year for a fun school year adventure. If you have questions or concerns about the fall semester, please give us a call at (919) 747-2020.

Additional Resources to Start the Year Off Right: