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Getting ready for the new school year I may not be able to recall all my first day of school experiences but I do recall feeling a little bit nervous for meeting new classmates. There’s the fear that the next teacher may not be as kind as that of last time, there’s the excitement to see old faces. And of course there’s definitely sadness for the summer days are over. If you felt the same thing years ago, your kid is definitely going through it too. As much as we don’t want summer to end, school is something we should always prioritize to get the education we need. And it’s almost time to get back

to school for the students and the best way to begin the school year is to be well prepared for it. Below are some tips for parents and students to get the best first day of school as a good start. These tips will definitely help the students have the right attitude and confidence for academics: For the parents

Be informed – you should be aware of all the information about the school, the subjects and the schedule that the establishment has for the students. Make a good time management plan for you and your child as getting your kid to school on time is one of the priorities when starting the day. Do not however forget other fundamental things such as providing a healthy breakfast and packed meals (if necessary) for your kid.

o If it is a new school, it would be great if you introduce it a little bit to your kid before school begins – be sure to answer their questions.

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Make yourself available – one of the things that students need to be confident with what they do is to have their parents support. Make sure to have the time to attend all school activities where parents are required and be always ready to help your child out even with simple questions about certain lessons and up to their complicated homework. Your kid’s schedule will not change for that of yours so be ready to make sacrifices sometimes – mark your calendar for important school events.

o If it is your kid’s first day at a new school, be sure to be there with them to meet up with the teacher, be popular with the school grounds or to get to the classroom to help ease your child’s anxiety.

School supplies should be completed – of course it is best if you are able to complete all supplies necessary before the start of the school year (preferably a couple of weeks before). Connect with the teacher or the school to see if there are any required school tools that will be necessary so your kid will always be equipped for studying.

o This also includes buying of

school uniforms. Some schools already have them ready for the students but some schools do not and you might be required to go to the tailor or to the mall to get it. Be sure to get the right uniform, the right size, and the right quantities (relate it to your laundry schedule too if needed).

Be a good example and leader – of course you are the first and foremost teacher of your child. Be sure to always set a good example for kids will most likely imitate what they see from their parents. You can also help your kid learn more by providing the right environment for them. Having a good study table set for homework is a good start, having a set time for sleeping and waking up is a must,

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and playing puzzles and educational games with them instead of watching the TV is another great activity.

Activities other than studying – you should also support extracurricular activities that your child may like or at least initiate it. Introduce a couple of options such as sports and do remember that if you need a break from work every once in a while, the same goes with your child. Take time to take your family out on a vacation, movie night or dinner every once in a while to help everyone in the family relaxes. Do also remember that your child will have friends from school and they will want to do other things aside from academics together – support, limit and guide them.

Stay on top of health – it’s not just the grades that you should monitor but also their health. Make sure that they get the right nutrition everyday (provide supplement which is necessary – connect with a doctor), guide them when they face pressure, and help them relax every once in a while. Do not miss any appointment with the doctor or the dentist and be sure to be there with them so you can ask the doctor for whatever questions or concerns you have.

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For the students

Talk to your parents – if you have any questions or concerns about the school, you can always ask your parents about it. They will always want the best for you but they will not know everything that’s why you need to talk to them, ask them questions and ask for their help.

Talk to your friends – if you are going back to school, you should look for familiar faces or old classmates and try to go through the first day with them. If it’s your first day in a new school, don’t be shy to make new friends as they are going to be your company for the whole school year.

Attend the orientation – first days are usually for orientations and if you are in a new environment. As much as possible, try to learn more about it as you will have to make use of all resources available such as the library for research, the canteen for snacks and the comfort room for nature call.

Don’t be scared of the teacher – some teachers may not smile a lot and some of them maybe strict but it’s all because they want the class to be disciplined and focus on studying. If however you find teachers that hurt students, that is another thing and you need to report it right away.

Know that studying is not just a responsibility as it is also a privilege. It is your chance to be who you want to be and have a bright future.