10 tips for a successful back-to-school transition
This post was written by Varisha Shakeel, a member of ThriveSMH. She shares some of her favourite tips for making the back-to-school transition smooth. There are many ways to prepare for the back to school, and it’s important that you find the strategies that work for you. Hopefully some of these ideas will be helpful for you as you prepare for your own transition back to school.
It’s back-to-school season once again as the summer months come to an end and the days grow shorter. It can be difficult to go from the summer back to a new school year, regardless of what grade you’re in. However, a bit of preparation and a positive mindset can help you feel ready for back-to-school! Here are ten of my favourite tips to help make the most of this time:
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the night before school starts to prepare. Begin the transition process at least a week in advance to give yourself time to prepare. Starting early is always much better!
- Organize Supplies: Organizing school supplies is always my favourite and most exciting part of going back to school! Make a list and gather all the necessary school supplies you need, considering what you might already have. If you need help accessing supplies or figuring out what you need, reach out to your school in the summer, or talk your teacher on the first day.
- Set Goals: Having clear objectives for what you want in the new school year will give you motivation to succeed. Set SMART goals and consider writing down your goals. For prompts and tips to get started, check out Journaling 101.
- Specific – make your goals specific and clear, too vouge and it will be hard to track.
- Measurable – how you will measure your progress and know if you are on track to reach your goals.
- Attainable – make sure that you can realistically achieve your goals.
- Relevant – make sure that your goals align with your values.
- Time-bound – set a realistic timeline to accomplish your goals within (like a school year or a semester).
For example, my goal for this year is to achieve a healthier balance between my school and private life. To do this, I plan to implement the following strategies:
- I will designate specific days in the week, such as Fridays and Saturdays, as ‘relaxation days.’ On these days, I will not engage in any school-related work. Instead, I will use this time to unwind, pursue hobbies, and spend quality time with friends and family.
- I will set a specific time, such as 8 pm, as my work cut off time on weekdays. This means that no matter how much work I have left, I will stop working at 8 pm to ensure I have time for myself and relaxation.
- Create a Study Space: Having a dedicated study area can work wonders for productivity. Set up or choose a clutter-free, well-lit space where you can focus on homework and studying without distractions. Your space may be in your home or in your school or community, such as in a library.
- Establish Routines: During summer, your routines may be more relaxed or set to a different schedule compared to during school. As the school year begins, try to establish regular schedules for waking up, eating, and bedtime aligned with your school’s schedule. Consistent routines can help you to feel more in control and reduce stress.
- Address Anxiety: It’s natural to feel some anxiety about the upcoming school year. Talk openly with a trusted adult about any worries or fears you might have. Addressing concerns can help ease anxieties and make the transition smoother. For tips on reaching out check out Reaching Out Tips for Students.
- Find the Positives: Try to maintain a positive attitude about the new school year. Focus on the things that bring you happiness such as the opportunity to learn, grow, connect with old friends and make new ones. Try a gratitude exercise to remind yourself of the good things in your life and what the new school brings.
- Plan Extracurricular Activities: Getting involved in extracurricular activities can make the back-to-school transition more enjoyable. Whether it’s joining a sports team, a club, or pursuing a hobby, these activities can add excitement and balance to the school routine.
- Communicate with Teachers: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help. It’s better to ask for help early so that you don’t fall behind or let small problems grow bigger. Ask your teachers about the supports available to you at your school. Most schools have mental health supports available for students at the school, depending on your needs and their availability, or your school can help direct you to support in your community.
- Celebrate the Start of School: Make the first day of school a special event. Do things that make you feel good such as starting your day off with your favorite breakfast, take photos, and commemorate the day. Turning the start of school into a positive and memorable occasion will help build enthusiasm for the year ahead.
The back-to-school transition can be smoother with some planning and preparation. Embrace the opportunities that the new school year brings and try to find joy in the small things. I hope it’s a year of growth, learning, and success for us all!