With school about to head back after the holiday break it’s a good time to look at your routines and habits to see where you can get things running more smoothly, save time or create more efficiency. Having a good school routine, and helpful before and after school habits can help kids (and parents) stay more organised, reduce stress, be on time and avoid those frustrations and fights that come from being rushed and frazzled.
Here are 8 school routines and before and after school habits that will help your family to be more organised and stay on track.
- Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule:
Developing a consistent sleep schedule involves more than just going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. It’s about creating a bedtime routine that signals to the body that it’s time to wind down. This routine might include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques.
By sticking to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, you can help regulate your child’s internal body clock, leading to better sleep quality and overall well-being. Additionally, ensure the bedroom environment is conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and comfortable. - Plan and Prep Meals:
Meal planning and preparation can be a game-changer when it comes to supporting your child’s health and well-being during the school week. Take time each week to sit down with your family and plan out meals and snacks for the upcoming week.
When prepping meals, involve your child in the process as much as possible, whether it’s chopping vegetables, assembling sandwiches, or packing lunchboxes. This not only teaches valuable cooking skills but also empowers your child to make healthier food choices. Packing, or part packing lunch boxes the night before also helps reduce the load in the morning when things are a bit more rushed. - Create a Homework Routine:
Developing a consistent homework routine helps instill good study habits and reduces stress for both you and your child. Start by designating a specific time and place for homework each day, ideally in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Encourage your child to break down assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks and tackle them one at a time. Consider using a timer or setting specific goals to help your child stay focused and on track. Additionally, be available to provide support and guidance when needed, but also encourage independence and problem-solving skills. Remember this is a skill that will take time and practice.
Every child is different in how independent they are when it comes to learning. Neurodivergent kids will often require more intensive and ongoing support and it may take time for them to find their own individual learning style. - Set Up a Dedicated Study Space:
A well-designed study space can make a world of difference when it comes to your child’s productivity and focus. Choose a quiet area in your home that is free from distractions, such as noise, clutter, or electronic devices. Ensure the space is well-lit and comfortable, with a supportive chair and a sturdy desk or table. Keep essential supplies nearby, such as pens, pencils, paper, and a calculator, to minimize interruptions and maximize efficiency. Encourage your child to personalize their study space with motivational quotes, pictures, or other items that inspire them to learn and succeed. - Review and Organise School Supplies Regularly:
Regularly reviewing and organising school materials helps your child stay on top of their academic responsibilities and reduces the risk of missed assignments or deadlines. Encourage your child to set aside time each week to review class notes, assignments, and upcoming deadlines. Help them establish a system for organising materials, such as using binders, folders, or digital apps to categorize and store documents. Consider creating a weekly or monthly calendar together to track important dates and events, such as tests, projects, and extracurricular activities. By staying organized and proactive, your child can feel more confident and prepared to tackle their academic workload. - Encourage Daily Reading:
Reading is a fundamental skill that not only enhances academic performance but also fosters a lifelong love of learning. Set aside time each day for your child to engage in reading, whether it’s a book, magazine, or online article. Encourage them to choose reading material that interests them and aligns with their hobbies or passions. Consider creating a cozy reading nook in your home where your child can curl up with a good book and escape into the world of imagination.
Additionally, model positive reading habits by reading together as a family and discussing books or articles you’ve enjoyed. By incorporating daily reading into your child’s routine, you can help strengthen their literacy skills, expand their vocabulary, and ignite their curiosity about the world around them. - Practice Time Management Skills:
Time management is a crucial skill that helps your child balance academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments effectively. Teach your child to use tools like planners, calendars, or digital apps to keep track of assignments, appointments, and deadlines. Encourage them to prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency, breaking larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps.
Consider creating a daily or weekly schedule together that allocates time for studying, homework, leisure activities, and downtime. By practicing time management skills regularly, your child can develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility, leading to greater productivity and success in school and beyond. - Promote Physical Activity:
Regular physical activity is essential for your child’s overall health and well-being, as it helps improve mood, concentration, and sleep quality. Encourage your child to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, whether it’s through organized sports, outdoor play, or family walks.
Consider incorporating physical activity into your child’s daily routine by scheduling time for exercise before or after school. Encourage them to try a variety of activities to find ones they enjoy, whether it’s swimming, biking, dancing, or playing team sports. By promoting physical activity, you not only support your child’s physical health but also foster important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and self-confidence.
Remember the more organised you can be in advance, the less there is to remember and do on the day. Mornings are often rushed and chaotic and it isn’t the ideal time to try and find lost shoes and library bags. If you can prep ahead, it really will make your mornings and weeks run more smoothly.