#BACKTOSCHOOL: New school year, challenges and learning experiences

Can you believe that the holidays are almost over and the new school year is fast approaching? After a warm summer filled with informal activities and quality time spent with loved ones, children are slowly, gently preparing to go back to school, and with them, parents and teachers are preparing for the same

Many children become emotional on the first day of the new school year, and this is perfectly natural and can happen at any age. If little ones seem agitated about seeing teachers, classmates and friends, parents can facilitate discussions with them and help them manage their emotions.

Each school year comes with its own challenges, but also with many new and beautiful learning experiences. Here's what adults and children should keep in mind as a new school year begins:

Early to bed, early to rise

Getting back to a sleep schedule that fits the school schedule won't happen overnight! A few weeks before school starts, parents should support the process of forming a balanced and healthy rest routine for the little ones. The child should go to bed earlier; therefore it is essential to eliminate any bright light distractions, to replace dynamic activities with relaxation activities such as bedtime reading or meditation.

Daily routine maintains a balance

Establishing a consistent routine is important for children. This should be created together with the little ones and should include times for homework, playtime, brushing teeth, baths, meals, reading and phone time.

The first day of school: marker of the process of supporting children's independence

Children who play an active role in back-to-school preparation—such as choosing and organizing school supplies and new clothes—are more likely to be excited and relaxed about returning to school. It is essential that responsibilities are age-appropriate. 

Safety first!

It's essential that parents review outdoor safety rules – such as having little ones look both ways before crossing the street, pay attention to what's going on around them, and wash their hands properly when coming back inside from outside.

Healthy habits for a sharp mind and a harmonious body!

Brushing your teeth and body, eating healthy and exercising are essential for harmonious development! To understand and practice healthy habits, children must be directly involved in choosing and preparing healthy lunches and snacks, choosing physical activities they enjoy, and keeping clear times for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. 

Expectations for the new school year must be set together

It is important for parents to encourage their little ones to try something new. A new sport, a new dish, new extracurricular activities or a certain book. When children embrace new experiences, their thinking becomes more flexible. 

Focus on learning and development

Inevitably, throughout the new year, children will encounter new challenges. When little ones understand that failure is part of the learning process, they will react in a healthy and balanced way when they fail to complete a task. What could be the things I can improve if I had to do the process again? 

It is important for parents and teachers to help children train their flexible mindset and make friends with the emotions that can arise in the event of failure. 

We wish the little ones to enthusiastically embrace the new active learning experiences that await them this year and work hard to achieve their goals! We wish you a successful new school year, see you again at the KEN Academy classes!

*Article written by Veronica Dunga, KEN Academy trainer.

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