Tips for an A+ School Year

Incorporate these strategies into your schedule early in the year to help keep your family organized and make the school year successful.

Table of Contents

Create a Master Calendar

Post a calendar with the week’s activities in a place where everyone in the family will see it to keep track of everyone’s schedule. Help your child create a calendar or planner to help them keep up with their assignments.

Prepare Beforehand

Help kids choose clothing the night before. Encourage them to use an alarm clock and make sure they have plenty of time to get ready in the morning.

Make a Place for Homework

Designate space where kids can complete homework without distractions. Make study areas free from video games, television and the games of other siblings who finish their homework early. Stock the area with anything your child might need for assignments.

Plan Your Meals

Take time to plan simple meals for the week and purchase everything you’ll need over the weekend. Stash your freezer with healthy casseroles, soups, sauces and crockpot meals to make dinnertime a no-brainer on busy weeknights. Ask your family for their suggestions, and show your kids how to make their favorites.

Simplify Lunches and Snacks

Pre-pack snacks kids can easily grab like trail mix, pretzels, granola bars or cereal, and keep pre-washed and cut fruits and veggies, cheese and yogurt sticks in the fridge. Help your children make their lunches and pack their snacks the night before.

Organize Backpacks

Backpacks should always be packed the night before. Put a folder in your child’s backpack for important notices and papers that need your signature. Extend the life of the backpack by periodic cleaning.

Weigh Backpacks

Make sure backpacks are an appropriate weight for your child. A heavy backpack and wearing a backpack wrong can put pressure on the neck, shoulders and back. Remind your child to wear her backpack correctly: wear both shoulder straps and adjust them so the backpack sits high on the back.

Set Limits

Create a schedule or a set amount of time he can be on the internet or hand-held devices. Encourage your child to have fun without resorting to media, like playing outside or reading.