Tips from Teachers: How to Have a Great First Week of School

Updated: Oct 25

As the new school year begins, we reached out to teachers from St. Matthew's and the surrounding community to gather their insights on how parents can support their children during the back-to-school transition. Here’s what they had to say:

Tailoring Support to Age

"I think it (support) depends on the level—there will be different answers for different ages."

Elementary School: Set up routines early.
- For younger children, it's essential to practice schoolday procedures at home. Ensure your child can manage their clothing and open and close their lunch and snack items independently. Set up a routine for checking their backpack to make sure they have everything they need for the day, including any items for afterschool activities. Additionally, practicing what to do if the bus is late or if they need to be picked up by someone else can help ease their anxiety and build confidence.
Middle School: Establish strong organizational habits.
- Help your child develop a routine for checking their assignments and packing their backpack the night before school. Encourage them to be responsible for charging their devices and ensuring they have all necessary materials for each class. Discuss the importance of managing their time and staying on top of their homework and projects. Also, review school rules and procedures, including what to do in case of unexpected changes to their schedule.
High School: Start discussing technology use at home.
- Make your child aware of your understanding of personal devices and set clear expectations about their usage. Teachers often notice which parents are proactive in monitoring technology use from day one.

Establishing Routines

"Routines! Routines! Routines!"

Sleep/Wake Routines: Start adjusting sleep and wake-up times before school starts. A consistent schedule helps ease the transition.
Daily Tasks: Remind children of expectations such as packing lunch, filling water bottles, and completing homework. Building these routines in advance can set a positive tone for the school year.

Organization Skills

"Make sure you help teach your child to check their backpack for everything they need during the day: lunch, Chromebook, snacks, etc."

Encourage children to be self-sufficient in organizing their school items to avoid unnecessary stress and blame.

Bedtime and Nutrition

"Start bedtime routines early. Get the kids back on a normal sleep schedule before the first week of school; it makes a huge difference!"

Ensure children are well-rested and have a regular bedtime routine.

"Make sure the kids eat breakfast. Sometimes they're nervous for the first day and might skip breakfast, leading to hunger before snack time."

A good breakfast can help with focus and energy throughout the day.

Additional Tips from Teachers

Reading: Read to or with your child every day to enhance imagination, emotional growth, verbal skills, and critical thinking.
Communication: Keep open lines of communication with teachers to stay informed about school activities and topics covered. Share any concerns you have about your child’s progress.
Study Skills: Teach your child effective study skills to help them handle academic challenges more confidently.
Organizational Skills: Help your child develop organizational skills to stay focused and complete tasks effectively.
School Rules and Routines: Review school rules and routines to ensure your child starts the year with a clear understanding of expectations.

Prayers For A Great Start To The School Year

For a Positive Start: Dear Lord, as we embark on this new school year, we ask for Your guidance and blessing. Help our children to approach each day with confidence and curiosity. Give them strength and perseverance to tackle any challenges they may face. May Your wisdom be their guide and Your love be their comfort. Amen.
For Organization and Routine: Heavenly Father, we pray for the strength to establish good routines and organization for our children. Grant us patience as we help them learn these important skills. May their days be filled with structure, and may they find peace in the routines we set together. Bless our efforts and guide us in nurturing their growth. Amen.
For School Success: Lord, we lift up our children as they start a new school year. Surround them with Your protection and favor. May they excel in their studies, build strong relationships, and develop a love for learning. Give them the courage to face new challenges and the wisdom to make good choices. We trust in Your plans for their future. Amen.

Scripture Quotes To Memorize

For Strength and Confidence: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
For Guidance and Wisdom: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6
For Peace and Assurance: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
For a Positive Attitude: “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
For a Fresh Start: “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.” — Exodus 15:2