It’s Back To School Time

Opposite Paradigm

It’s that time of year, when students are not ready to go back to school because they are enjoying their time at home with no definite schedule. They are able to go to sleep late and sleep in the next day. On the other hand, parents are ready for their kids to go back to school. They have seen how challenging it has been for some weeks now to keep their kids engaged at home. Parents around this time have a deep appreciation for teachers- who are not babysitters as some had thought during last school year. It’s that time of year, when parents and kids are on opposite paradigms of going back to school.

Meeting Point

However, in a few weeks or even days for some, the opposite paradigms will have to meet. School will be back in session. Students will be back in school to continue their learning experiences. And parents will be back to the reality of schedule, schedule, schedule as it pertains to their children. It doesn’t matter if their children are in elementary school, middle school, high school or college. Each level comes with its own demands of schedule.

One Season

We can only imagine if we had just one season. Texans would not make it. Our summer this year is one for the books. However, Texans know cooler temperatures are forthcoming, with the fall season. It’s similar to the school year. It comes and it goes. The in-between time before another school year, allows for appreciation from students for their teachers. From parents for their children’s teachers. From teachers for their students. And from administrators for their team.

Practice Routine

Parents, here are some things to think about as schools reopen for a new year. At least two weeks before the first day of the new school year, get your children back on school schedule. This means, no more late nights and no more sleeping in. Get them back to school schedule. And have them work on school related subjects during the day; such as arithmetic, reading, writing, science or social studies. Let them take their lunch during the same time as school lunch time. This practice routine, will make it much easier for them to adjust to the new school year.

Parent Engagement

In a 2022 indicator study conducted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, researchers pointed to one key success factor that transcends nearly all others for student achievement, that one significant factor is parental involvement and engagement. This involvement is not just by joining the school Parent-Teacher-Association (PTA), rather it’s a mindset of partnership with the school that shows up both at home and at school. At home, parents ensure they are reading with their children, they are helping with homework (not by doing it for them, but providing guidance and insights as they do their homework), and  discussing important aspects of school. At school, parents ensure, they are showing up for school events and meetings and helping out in their children’s classrooms. So parents, as you prepare for a new school year, prepare for all the ways you will be involved and engaged with your child (ren) in the new school year. Prayers of best wishes for you, your child (ren), and school in the upcoming new year! Much love and blessings!