It's that time of year again!

The time where you shift out of holiday mode and start thinking of the year ahead. Not only do you need to prepare yourself but your child too. It is the 'pre-season' of the school year, no matter whether they are going back to primary, secondary or tertiary education. We have curated the following steps to help your child get ahead of the competition and have the smoothest possible transition into the school year.  

1. Get your school supplies. 

Why not start with one of the most exciting parts of going back to school? Supplies. Let your child take the reigns and decide which stores to shop at. Teach the importance of budgeting - give them a small allowance to spend on a non-essential stationary item of their choice. Make it a fun experience for all parties involved. You can use the coloured pencils too!

2. Set up a quiet area in the home.

As homework becomes more demanding and revision becomes more of a necessity, a dedicated study space has become more important. It can be a shared quiet room or one end of the kitchen table. The important thing is that the space will be theirs to use everyday. Bonus points if it is a well lit quiet area that your child has helped set up.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” - Benjamin Franklin

3. Establish a bedtime routine.

We all know sleep is key to helping your child grow as well as retain information. Over the holiday period we tend to get to sleep later which can set us up for a shock on the first day of school. Encourage a good night time ritual - limit electronic devices before bed, avoid sugary drinks / foods, pack for the day ahead, wind down with some light reading etc. This will set you up for success the next morning.

4. Establish a morning routine.

Now that we have a good bedtime routine in place the morning should take care of itself, right? Almost, but not quite. If tastebuds permit, encourage a balanced breakfast full of healthy whole grains, healthy fats and fruit. Make a game out of who can get ready the fastest to avoid dawdling. Just remember, you are all on the same team. Don't make enemies of each other just because you are in a rush! 

5. Get into the habit of regular study.

This doesn't have to be strenuous work. If your child has been given holiday homework now is the time do complete it and self correct. Once this is done, encourage some pre-reading of the first few weeks of content (but don't get too far ahead!). If all of the above is completed turn to books for engagement and to form habits. Enjoy the process and don't rush the homework. We want to encourage regular study habits regardless of the outcome. It will pay off in the end while cramming and bingeing will not. 

6. Read books.

Read with your child. Ask questions about what they're reading. Take regular visits to the library. Show your excitement in your own books and your children will do the same. In building a love of reading you are opening up a world of possibilities for your child and preparing them for the later years of schooling and adulthood. Even better if the book is unrelated to their schooling. It will allow them to have an escape anytime they choose to open the cover.

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” 
- Charles William Eliot

7. Study with friends.

After all, the holidays are a fun time, there to be spent with the people we love most. Why can't education be the same? Studying as a group can be more effective than studying alone. It allows the students to learn skills related to working in groups all the while learning the content at hand. Even better when theres pizza and ice-cream supplied by mum / dad!

8. (Bonus)Take a Self Assessment of your Study Skills

Do you feel like you are doing everything right regarding study habits? Revising your notes, doing assigned homework, maybe even spending extra time with your teacher or tutor? Do you feel like your results aren't showing for it? We have written a set of questions that you can use to assess your study skills.

We hope this post has helped you understand the makings of a successful student. As always, this post was written by an Indigo Education Tutor. If you have any questions or you wanted to make an inquiry please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll get back to you. 

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