As September approaches, it is time to gear up for a new school year! The transition from summer to autumn can elicit various emotions: the excitement of learning, yet the sadness of closing the chapter of summer. The delight in reuniting with your classmates, yet the fear of entering a new grade, or perhaps an entirely new school. Regardless of how long you’ve been in school, these emotions are completely okay to feel. One way to manage your positive and negative emotions surrounding the start of a new school year is to develop a back-to-school routine. This blog post will offer a number of techniques you can implement in your daily routine in hopes of starting the school year more joyful and grounded.
- Slowly ease your way back into your school schedules and routines
Summer is a season without structure—thankfully there aren’t any school bells to indicate that you’re late for class! Leading up to the start of school, it is important to slowly ease your way back into your school schedules and routines. One of the most vital schedules to follow is your sleep schedule. Get your sleep schedule back on track by falling asleep 10 minutes earlier each night until you have reached an appropriate bedtime and by setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier each morning until you have reached your desired wake-up time. Once you wake up, practice your school morning routine in advance: make your bed, brush your teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, pack your lunch, etc. as if you are getting ready to go to school.
- Visualize your schedule for the day
One of the vital parts in following structure for the day is by visualizing your schedule. Clearly write down when and what you will be doing each part of the day. This will help keep you on track following a structured day, such as a day at school. Make sure to include time for breaks throughout the day to rest your body and brain!
Spend quality time together as a family with our FREE DOWNLOAD.
- Set aside reading time each day
As you know, reading is a great activity! For some, it is easy to fall out of the habit of reading during the summer. To get back into the habit of reading, set aside 20 minutes each day and pick up your favorite book. The Cardinal Rule Press titles are great options! In addition to reading, it may help to engage in an adjacent activity. Each of our books have a free reader’s guide which reinforces the topics of the story to keep young readers learning beyond the book itself!
- Be patient with yourself
Transitions are never easy, no matter how old you are! As we move from summer to fall, please be patient with yourself as the weather gets colder and the workload starts piling on. “Fall” back into your hobbies and interests to keep you grounded while the world around you is changing. Taking time for yourself is always important, especially during the back-to-school season!
Don’t forget your FREE DOWNLOAD!
Sara is pursuing a degree in Communication and Media at the University of Michigan, where she is also a member of the Michigan Dance Team. Reading has truly shaped her into the person she is today, which is why she is thrilled to be working with Cardinal Rule Press! In her free time, Sara loves spending time with her family and friends, cooking new meals, and reading.