As schools reopen their doors to welcome you for yet another new session, some of you may be excited, while some a bit nervous. And it’s not just the young ones, even parents are equally nervous. But things can be really great for you this year, just follow these simple steps to get you on the right track.

Preparing yourself

Start talking now about the upcoming school year and the first day of classes with your parents and friends. Discuss what to expect on the first day — catching up with old friends and meeting new ones, learning classroom rules and finding out what’s ahead. If you’re new to the area, take time to visit the school before classes begin. Parents can walk or drive and let their children have a trip of the school and help them get familiarised with the school.

Getting organised

As school begins, helping children get organised is probably the most important thing parents can do. Carve out a workspace with them where they will be able to do work at home, uninterrupted in an orderly space. Assemble the supplies they will need and have them arrange everything so it feels like a comfortable place. Encourage them to keep it organised and to go there to do their work.

Set up a routine

Set aside a specific time for studying every night. What time of day would work best for you.

And if you are involved in any after school activities like sports or music or anything else, make sure it does not hamper your studies.

Dealing with homework hassles

Keep an assignment book with a system to record you homework. Check it before leaving the school building, so that you bring home everything that needs to be completed. As you complete assignments, make a habit of putting them in a separate bag or shelf. When everything’s done, put it in your school bag.

Welcoming new ones

Teachers are your guardians, be nice to them don’t form an opinion all of a sudden. If they are new for yo, remember you are new for them too. Befriend all those alien faces around; remember the day you were new and how isolated you felt.

Communicating

Make time to get to know your child’s tea-cher. Let the teacher know you appreciate feedback on your child’s progress — both positive and negative. Alert the teacher to anything out of the ordinary that’s going on with your child or family. Make a point of meeting other school staff members.

Expectations

To learn, children must believe they can learn. As a parent, you are the most important adult in your child’s life. What you say and do about his/her abilities will have a lasting impact on your child’s self-confidence. Be encouraging and praise your child for his/her efforts. Let them know that doing their best is what counts.

Read a lot

Research shows children who are read to in their early years do better in school. Get into the habit of reading. You can even ask your parents to read before you go to bed for 20 minutes.

Having a schedule

Get a calendar that you like. It could be a big wall one or a small one you can carry in your bag, the choice is yours. Don’t spend too much money on a planner or calendar until you’ve tried out a few different kinds and find the one that works for you.

A new you

The crispy new uniform and shiny new boots always feel great. And its you brand

new bags, new books

and a completely new you, so start you new school year feeling fresh and bright. When you look clean and crisp you can do wonders around. It boosts up your moral. You concentrate more

on your studies. Your mood brightens up. Life takes a U-turn. — Agencies