Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” This advice is particularly useful as we transition out of the summer and back into school. While the transition is major for some families, and routine for others, we all need to adjust to some degree. Fortunately, it’s the small things that matter most in making that adjustment. In this blog, we draw upon the experiences of several PA Virtual parents to provide tips that will help families ease back into the school year.
- Planning: “Keep your passwords and contacts in one location so that when you need them most you know exactly where they are located. Designate a time each week to prepare for the upcoming week. Print out your daily plans and make sure you have everything you need.”
– Nikki Hinkle, PA Virtual Parent since 2004 - Organization: “Being organized really helps you stay on track with assignments.”
– Angela Mandak, PA Virtual Parent since 2007
Though it sounds simple, for many it is not. Getting organized begins with organizing your thoughts, putting the steps that work for you down on paper (or on your computer or favorite device), and sticking to a routine. Once you establish a system of organization, you are free to focus on learning, learning, and more learning! - Lesson Plans: “Each student has a spiral notebook of weekly lesson plans. Together, we write down the classes and their assignments daily. When they complete the class and classwork, there is check placed beside it. That way we can see all the lesson plans for the week and make sure everything is done.”
– Peyton Lauffer, PA Virtual Parent since 2002 - Supplies: “Unpack and organize all your curriculum supplies before the first day of school so that items are easier to find when needed.” – Zoe Hatcher, PA Virtual Parent since 2004
This is fantastic advice, as unpacking items as needed can be quite distracting. Being ready makes it far easier to focus and remain calm. - Snacks: “My boys tend to make many trips back and forth to the kitchen during classes so this year I will be placing a bowl of packaged snacks in their work area so that they don't feel the need to get up so often.”
– Kim Hines, PA Virtual Parent since 2015 - Learn from the Past to Grow: “Review last school year as to what worked for your family and what did not. Make it a goal to work on your family's weaknesses to turn them into strengths.”
– Lynnette Ballinger, PA Virtual Parent since 2010 - Blackboard Tip & More: “Install the Blackboard app on your phone. Always have something for your child to do, like a book, sketch pad, or even blocks, or something along those lines. Give them plenty of breaks. But always try to make learning as fun as possible. –Jennifer Weaver, PA Virtual Parent since 2016
Very useful first-hand advice from those who have worked on making the transition from summer to school a smooth and fun event! Here are some more helpful back-to-school tips for students and families.
