As much as we don’t want summer to end, school is something we should always prioritize to get the education we need.

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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.