Back to School Success Tips to Start Off the Year on the Right Foot

As the 2024-25 school year kicks off, many students across the US are feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. I remember the restless summer nights before going back to school, my mind racing with questions: What new things would I learn? What rules would change? How would this year be different? If this sounds familiar, or if your student is facing similar worries, don’t worry—I’ve got some practical tips to help set a positive tone for the new school year.

Set Routines Before Going Back to School

Establishing routines is crucial, especially for younger students. Consistent routines create a sense of stability and support the development of healthy habits. Focus on establishing effective routines for bedtime, morning activities, and study sessions. For instance, my bedtime routine includes a brief yoga session, a warm shower, and some light reading. This combination helps me relax and fall asleep more easily, setting a positive tone for the next day.

Review the Previous Year’s Material

Over the summer, students often experience what educators call the “Summer Slide”—a phenomenon where previously learned material is forgotten. To combat this, revisit key concepts from the past year and focus on any areas that were challenging. Think of it like riding a bike after a break: the knowledge is still there but needs a bit of practice to refresh. A practical approach is to go through the table of contents of last year’s textbook. The main chapters outline key concepts, while each subchapter represents minor concepts that contribute to understanding these key ideas. 

Establish Goals and an Action Plan

Research shows that people who set goals are, on average, 10 times more successful than those who do not. Set specific, meaningful goals for the school year, break them into manageable steps, and create a plan to achieve them. Regularly review your progress and adjust your approach as needed.

Setting goals has profoundly impacted my life. When I write down my goals and visualize them, they seem less daunting. Each small accomplishment boosts my confidence and motivation, driving me to continue progressing.

Create a Study Habit

Consistent study habits are key to academic success. Daily study sessions not only improve grades but also deepen understanding of the material. When you study daily, you’re not just reviewing facts– you’re also ingraining the information into your subconscious mind, which plays a significant role in how we process and retain information. This means that it will be easier to recall the information, and to apply the knowledge in various contexts. While some study techniques can be more useful than others, the main thing here is to just do it. Keep it fun, and keep varied to avoid burnout.

A current goal of mine is to become a better artist, and I spend multiple hours a day working on it. This is the first time I have ever studied anything daily, and it has been remarkable. It’s easier to recall information, get into a flow, and to push my comfort zone. I’ve even noticed how my daily habit of drawing has affected my subconscious by improving my spatial awareness, and my ability to visualize.

Starting the new school year with a solid plan can make a significant difference. By setting routines, reviewing past material, establishing goals, and maintaining consistent study habits, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling year. Remember, these strategies are not just about managing the academic workload but also about fostering a positive and proactive mindset.

Feel free to adapt these suggestions to best fit you and your needs! Email today to learn more about how our personalized tutoring programs is one of the best way to start off the school year!