Transitions

As the new school year approaches (and for some, it has already arrived), it is time to transition back into school routines. It is important that we realize it may take a couple of weeks before we emotionally and physically do this.

Students and teachers may not get enough rest because they didn’t have a sleep routine during the summer. Having a set bedtime routine and time to go to bed is a good habit to get into. Getting up at the same time each morning is also a good habit to develop. Not having enough rest can make people cranky, anxious, and even hard to get along with.

Setting up a morning routine so that if you are sleepy, you can go through the routine without too much effort. Get clothing set up the night before so you know where everything is and you don’t have to frantically look for what you need. Have work material ready to go so you aren’t looking for it in the morning and place it where you can find it. Set alarms to get up at a certain time and an alarm when you need to leave. This will keep you track of time.

Students and teachers might find themselves hungrier than usual because there were no eating routines during the summer. People ate whenever they want which is not possible during school. This would be a good time to drink plenty of water to help with this hunger.

Having a set time and place for homework is another routine to set up. In this area, have the necessary materials available so you don’t have to keep stopping to look for things. Having a set time helps to develop a routine and makes it easier to get work done in order to meet deadlines.

Set up some kind of organization system. Set up a calendar that shows deadlines and a plan of action. Or keep a journal with a plan that you regularly visit to keep on target. Have a place for papers that need to be completed and another place to keep finished work so it is easy to find.

What other routines help to make the start of the school year easier? Please share.

Photo by Michael Krahn on Unsplash