Going back to school is not a mere passing event; it is a stage that requires thorough preparation—not only from the student, but also from the parents who oversee their child’s academic and daily needs, and from the teacher who carries the greatest responsibility in ensuring a successful school year.
In this article, I share some tips drawn from my own experience both as a mother and as a former student.
How can parents prepare?
It begins with adjusting the sleep schedule that children tend to delay during the holidays, and setting a plan to deal with traffic during peak hours.
It is important to prepare children psychologically, especially if it is their first time at school or if they are transitioning to a new stage. Nutrition is also a key factor—parents should prepare a healthy lunchbox and raise awareness about the risks of junk food.
Children should also be reminded of the value of education, the importance of respecting teachers, and of keeping away from bad company.
Parents must warn their children about potential risks such as smoking, drugs, harassment, or bullying, while equipping them with practical ways to handle such situations.
If the student is enrolled in school transportation, it is preferable for the parents to personally accompany them on the first day, as this has a significant psychological impact in easing first-day anxiety.
How can the student prepare?
The student must understand that the time for leisure during the holiday has ended. Trying on school uniforms, supplies, and the backpack before the first day helps build readiness.
It is useful to set a weekly and daily plan for reviewing lessons while balancing schoolwork with life activities.
High school students, in particular, should begin thinking early about their academic interests and developing skills in preparation for university. Time passes quickly, and success is shaped through steady, cumulative steps—not sudden leaps.
How can the teacher prepare?
The teacher is the most important partner in this process. With changing curricula and the evolution of social and technological life, keeping pace with students’ awareness has become a challenge. To truly connect, teachers must speak a language close to the students’ own, beginning with a warm welcome that eases the tension of the first days, helping students feel that their teacher is more of a guide and friend than just a supervisor.
It is also advised that teachers avoid embarrassing their students with routine questions about travel or vacations, since many may not have had such opportunities. Students differ in their circumstances and abilities, and the teacher’s role is to motivate and encourage—not to discourage.
Final thought
Back to school is a shared journey between home and school, between the student, their parents, and their teachers. When efforts are aligned and roles are carried out with awareness, the school year becomes a successful and valuable experience—one that contributes to building a confident generation capable of facing the challenges of the future.
