As the end of the holiday approaches and the new school year looms, it’s a valuable moment to reflect on the diverse experiences enjoyed by children across the spectrum of circumstances.
For some, these past three months have been filled with luxurious adventures: jetting off to developed countries, immersing themselves in the fascinating beauty of modern cities, enjoying top-tier recreational facilities, experiencing a change of climate, and creating memories that most can only dream of.
For others, the holiday offered a different, yet equally enriching, experience. Returning to their villages, children reconnected with grandparents and extended family, embraced their cultural heritage through farming, fishing, hunting, and exploration. They breathed the fresh air of home, savored traditional meals, and delighted in the bounty of locally sourced fruits. Evenings spent around the fireplace, roasting fresh corn alongside boiled groundnuts or plums, added a unique spice to their break. Local inter-quarter tournaments in villages and towns kept sports enthusiasts engaged, while student associations organized cultural week activities that provided reasons for a truly fulfilling holiday.
As we transition from these diverse experiences back to the routine of academic life, it’s crucial to ensure our children are well-prepared for success. Here’s some advice for parents:
Preparing Your Children for a Successful Academic Year:
- Re-establish Routine: Gradually reintroduce a structured routine in the week leading up to school. This includes consistent sleep schedules, meal times, and designated study periods.
- Review and Reinforce: Dedicate some time for light review of key concepts from the previous academic year. This can help refresh their memories and build confidence.
- Open Communication: Engage in open and honest conversations with your children about their expectations, anxieties, and goals for the upcoming school year. Listen actively and offer your support.
- Organize and Equip: Ensure they have all the necessary school supplies, including textbooks, notebooks, stationery, and any required uniforms or equipment. Organize their study space to create a conducive learning environment.
- Promote a Positive Mindset: Encourage a positive attitude towards learning, emphasizing the value of education and the joy of discovery. Celebrate their strengths and help them identify strategies for overcoming challenges.
- Engage with the School: Stay connected with your children’s teachers and school administration. Attend parent-teacher conferences, participate in school events, and actively support their academic journey.
- Balance and Well-being: Remind them about the importance of balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Encourage them to participate in sports, arts, or other hobbies to foster their overall well-being.
- Set Realistic Goals: Help your children set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the upcoming school year.
- Prepare a conducive study environment at home: Ensure that your children has a specific study environment where he can study without many distractions from people passing to and fro. A good and comfortable environment will aid the kids to settle down quickly and start reading within time.
- Be a good example: If you are a reading type, you can be rest assured that your child will copy from you. Good attitudes are taught.
By investing in their preparation and providing unwavering support, we can empower our children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in the upcoming school year. Let’s work together to ensure a successful and enriching learning experience for every child.
By Numvi Amstrong
