It feels like summer just started and the school year is far from mind, but now is the perfect time to start preparing for the 2025/26 school year. The transition from summer to the school year can be tough for both students and parents due to changes in routine, new classmates, and increased responsibilities. However, preparing over the summer can help make the transition into the school year easier. In this article we will explore some practical tips for this transition.
One way to improve the summer to school year transition is to keep routines as consistent as possible. It is a good idea for students to wake up and go to bed at the same times they do during the school year, so they don’t spend the first few weeks of school tired and grumpy. In addition, it’s a good idea to build quiet study time into the day over the summer. This could be a time to complete any summer homework or even just to have quiet reading time with a book of their choosing. If you have screen time limits during the school year, we’d recommend keeping those in place during the summer as well.
Another way to ease the transition into the school year is to spend some time setting up and organizing your child’s learning environment. This can be a fun project to do together on a slow summer day. Start by picking out a designated study space in your home. The space should be quiet, comfortable, and well-lit. Once you have the space picked out, stock up on some school supplies and materials for the space. Who doesn’t love a back to school shopping trip? Your child can help decorate the space to make it their own.
Sitting down with your child to set some goals for the school year not only models good study skills, but can also help your child start thinking about their upcoming school year in a big picture way. The school year is so busy that it’s hard to set goals when you’re in the everyday slog of homework and studying for tests. To start, it can be a good idea to use a calendar or planner to visualize the year and write down some important dates. From there, you can help them think about what they want to accomplish and when. Writing down goals into the calendar can help them stay on track throughout the year. Setting goals helps students to develop a growth mindset, which is helpful for school and for their future career.
Lastly, reconnecting with their school, teachers, friends, and community is a great way to ease the transition into the school year. Many schools will host open houses and orientation events over the summer. This is a great time to meet their new teachers, figure out their class schedule, and tour the school if they are going to be in a new building. Walking around to their new classes can ease some of the first day anxiety about where to go. This can also be a chance to find out if they know anyone in their new classes or establish connections with new friends.
Preparing for the new school year can feel scary or anxiety inducing, but in the end it helps your family and your child have a better experience at school. Even doing one of the steps we’ve outlined in this article can have a positive impact. Starting small and consistently working on these skills can make a big difference over time.