Written by Tara Johnson, OCT – Academic Director of The Progressive Centre – Top 5 Habits Your Child Should Instill for a Great School Year.
As the summer comes to a close and the new school year begins, both parents and children are filled with excitement and anticipation. While a fresh start brings opportunities for growth and learning, it also comes with the challenge of getting back into a routine. As parents, you want to make sure your child has the tools they need to thrive academically and personally. To help set them up for success, here are the top 5 habits your child should instill this year for a positive and productive school experience.
Establish a Consistent Daily Routine
Consistency is key to reducing stress and creating a sense of structure in your child’s day. A regular routine not only helps with time management but also ensures that your child knows what to expect each day. This includes a set wake-up and bedtime, scheduled homework hours, and time for relaxation.
How to Implement:
- Set a consistent wake-up time to start the day with energy.
- Designate specific times for homework, meals, and relaxation.
- Create a morning and evening checklist to help your child stay on track with daily tasks.
Encourage Active Participation in Class
Engaging in class is one of the best ways for your child to enhance their understanding and retention of the material. Participation fosters confidence and ensures that your child is not just passively absorbing information, but actively engaging with it.
How to Implement:
- Encourage your child to ask questions when they’re uncertain about something.
- Promote active listening and the habit of taking clear, concise notes during lessons.
- Help them prepare for class discussions by reviewing material ahead of time.
Develop Strong Organization and Time Management Skills
Organization and time management are essential skills that will benefit your child not only during the school year but throughout life. Keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and responsibilities can be overwhelming, but these skills can make a significant difference.
How to Implement:
- Provide your child with a planner or digital tool to track homework and important dates.
- Encourage them to organize their study materials and maintain a tidy workspace.
- Teach them to break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to avoid procrastination and stay on top of their workload.
Build Healthy Study Habits
Effective study habits are crucial for academic success. It’s not just about spending hours with books; it’s about studying smarter, not harder. Developing these habits early on will give your child the tools they need to perform their best throughout the school year.
How to Implement:
- Help your child create a quiet, distraction-free study environment at home.
- Encourage shorter, focused study sessions with regular breaks to maintain concentration.
- Experiment with different study techniques, like flashcards, summarization, or group study, to find what works best for them.
Prioritize Physical and Mental Wellness
A healthy body and mind are the foundation for success in school and beyond. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are essential for maintaining your child’s energy levels and focus. Mental wellness is just as important, as managing stress and practicing mindfulness can help your child stay calm and focused throughout the school year.
How to Implement:
- Encourage regular physical activity, whether through sports, walking, or active play.
- Promote a balanced diet with nutritious meals and snacks to fuel their body and brain.
- Teach your child simple mindfulness techniques or relaxation exercises to help them manage stress and stay centred.
Conclusion
By encouraging your child to instill these five habits, you’re setting them up for a successful and fulfilling school year. Consistency, engagement, organization, effective study habits, and overall wellness will help them stay on track and reach their full potential. At The Progressive Centre, we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way. If you need additional resources or personalized tutoring, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a great school year ahead!
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