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Tips for a Successful School Year
Back to school can be a big transition for students. The start of the school day can be hectic. However, a calm, structured morning can make a world of difference in how children approach their school day. A great way to ensure a positive start is creating and maintaining a structured morning routine. Consistent morning routines create a sense of security for children, which reduces their stress and sets them up for a positive start to the day. A family morning routine can be a time of connection between parents and children.
Here’s a list of five great steps for a positive morning routine.
1. Begin the Night Before | Preparing the night before will save you time and prevent mishaps such as lost shoes or PE clothes. Encourage your child to participate in the routine and work towards independence such as filling water bottles and planning lunch and snacks.
2. Keep Track of Belongings | Designate a spot for backpacks, lunch boxes, permission slips, school shoes, and school uniforms. Make sure instruments and sports uniforms are packed and placed next to backpacks. Encourage your children to write reminders, which can be a great way for them to learn to be self-sufficient.
3. Sleep is Key | We all feel ready to take on the day when we have had a good night's sleep. A good bedtime routine is a great way to help your child get quality rest and prevent the morning grumps. Turn off screens at night and encourage quiet time or a designated reading time.
4. Routines for the Win | Routines help children feel secure because they know what to expect. A picture schedule or check list can be a great tool for children to help them stay on track with the steps of their morning routine. Routines are great, but there are times when we do need to be flexible and go with the flow - especially when mishaps take place or teen emotions are in play.
5. Stay Positive | Mornings are a great time to check in with your child and set a positive tone for the day - even in the quick-paced start of the day. Encourage your child with a growth mindset and model positive self-talk. When mornings get frenzied or emotions run high, parents’ calm presence can do wonders for course correction.
Gina Smith is PreK-8th Grade Counselor at Pinecrest Academy. Mrs. Smith earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Mercer University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in child development from Berry College. She also holds a certificate in school counseling and elementary education. Prior to school counseling, she was a classroom teacher for over 11 years, including seven years at Pinecrest. In addition to school counseling, Mrs. Smith has experience as a Licensed Associate Counselor. She has been married for twenty-eight years and is the mother of four grown children (ages 27, 25, 22, and 18).
Pinecrest Academy is a private PreK-12 Catholic school located in Cumming, South Forsyth, just minutes from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton and Suwanee. We serve families of all faiths seeking a Christian education for their children. To learn more about our unique educational philosophy, visit our Welcome page.
SEMPER ALTIUS = ALWAYS HIGHER
The mission of Pinecrest Academy is reflected in the word Integer, which is Latin for “whole,” or “entire,” and reflects our goal of forming the whole child as an authentic “Person in Christ.” The school motto Semper Altius, means “Always Higher,” and challenges our students, parents, staff and faculty to strive for excellence in all areas of Integral Formation® - intellectual, spiritual, human and apostolic.
The mission of Pinecrest Academy is reflected in the word Integer, which is Latin for “whole,” or “entire,” and reflects our goal of forming the whole child as an authentic “Person in Christ.” The school motto Semper Altius, means “Always Higher,” and challenges our students, parents, staff and faculty to strive for excellence in all areas of Integral Formation® - intellectual, spiritual, human and apostolic.
