You might be sending your kid off to their first day of preschool, kindergarten, or entering into senior year. Whatever it may be, there are so many factors that affect student performance during the school year, and certainly you would want your child to bring home report cards that boast of A’s and B’s. The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management provides a five-step plan for “back to school” that is sure to help you and your child do well.
Make a weekly schedule that includes healthy meals and early bedtimes. Ample sleep is so crucial to the student, as it allows them to refresh after the day and gets their mind focused. Healthy meals provide energy to keep them going.
Schedule ample time for homework. Establish a rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time. If your parents or grandparents were able to work hard without electronic distractions, so can you. Turn your phone off and put it away so that you can focus on homework.
Set out clothes the night before and make sure your child turns off electronic devices well before bedtime. Stick to a bedtime routine. For your younger children, plan their outfit out the night before to help limit any possible hiccups in the morning. Scrolling on social media is not a good idea before bed. Shut off your phone and let your eyes rest.
Pack your backpack and charge your school electronics the night before. Many schools now provide some sort of electronic for students to take home. Whether it be an i-pad, a computer, or kindle, ensure that it is charged the night before so that you can stick it in the bag and not worry about it the next morning.
Slow down and stop for school buses, children crossing the street, and pedestrians. It makes sense that there are more children out and about during the school year, so keep an eye out for them. You may have fallen out of habit of stopping at certain intersections, but temporary school stop signs are placed out for the school year so focus on the road.