As summer fades and a new school year begins, a little preparation can help you start the year off on the right foot. Whether you’re a student starting a new grade, a parent supporting your child’s success, or an educator preparing a new year of curriculum, now is the time to create functional systems and habits that will help you thrive.
In online courses and in-person learning environments alike, success begins with thoughtful organization. Here are some of our top tips for students, parents, and educators to begin the new school year focused, confident, and ready to succeed.
Back-to-School Tips for Students: Take Ownership of Your Learning
Create a quiet, comfortable area at home where you can focus on coursework. Make sure your learning area has reliable internet connection, a place to charge your devices, and any school supplies you need to study.
If possible, avoid distractions like a nearby TV, busy areas in the home, or an uncomfortable setup. Designating a specific space in your home for learning will make it easy to stay on track with your studies throughout the school year.
Personal devices, digital resources, and mobile apps can support your learning throughout the school year. Before school begins, make sure your devices are all updated with the latest software, and set up any digital tools or apps that help keep you organized, such as calendars and to-do lists.
If you’re taking an online course, it’s important to set up your login information, explore the layout of your online learning platform, and bookmark any important resources you’ll need to revisit throughout the semester. This gives you time to solve any technical problems or ask your instructor questions about the virtual learning experience.
Blocking out time to accomplish your academic, extracurricular and personal tasks will help you stay calm and organized all year long. Everyone organizes their time differently, but creating a consistent routine that works for you is essential for success.
Don’t forget the importance of down time! Finding balance between your school work, after school activities, friendships, and hobbies is key for a great year.
Asking for help can be hard, but it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting the most out of your learning. Especially in online courses, it’s important to reach out to your instructor if you ever feel stuck or confused. You’ll benefit from asking questions early instead of falling behind in your coursework or waiting until there is a bigger issue.
Back-to-School Tips for Parents: Support Your Child From the Start
Start the year with an open conversation about what your child wants to achieve, and come up with ways you can support them. Establish clear expectations from day one of the school year, ensuring your child understands their responsibilities throughout the semester––both at home and in their studies.
It’s important to create a home environment that is conducive to learning. Your child may prefer to set up their own home learning space, but you can support their study time by ensuring they have everything they need, from technology and school supplies to after school snacks.
Have a family meeting to decide what your plan is for mornings, after school activities, homework, and bedtime on school nights. Getting everyone in the household on the same page can reduce stress and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Begin easing into your family routine before the first day of school to make sure the plan works smoothly for everyone before things get busy.
It’s important for parents to check in regularly with their child’s academic progress, but as your learner gets older, it can be beneficial to let them lead the conversation. Not only does this enable students to take ownership of their learning, but it also establishes stronger lines of trust between kids and parents.
Avoid telling your child what to do when it comes to their learning or challenges they encounter at school. Instead, encourage them to problem-solve and ask for help themselves, guiding them to find answers when necessary.
Jumping back in to the hustle and bustle of a new school year can be overwhelming for students. Between online and in-person courses, clubs, sports, and college prep, kids can quickly become stressed. Keep an eye out for signs of burnout, and be prepared to provide your child with the resources and support they need if they begin to experience stress-related mental health challenges.
Back-to-School Tips for Educators: Create a Learning Environment Where All Can Thrive
Before the school year starts, take time to audit your lesson plans and learning materials to make sure everything you plan to use is accessible, up-to-date, and ready to go when you need it. It’s also important to test any tech tools you plan to use throughout the year to make sure they’re fully compatible and will function smoothly when you use them for teaching.
Give students and parents peace of mind by providing a syllabus that details your course structure, deadlines, and communication channels. With a clear and detailed overview, you can help set expectations from the start and answer common questions that learners or their families might have.
Communication is essential to create a learning environment where everyone can thrive. Let students and their families know exactly how they can reach you and how long it might take you to reply. Provide information on resources like tutoring, peer study groups, or additional learning content for students who need help throughout the semester.
For schools with online learners, it’s also important for classroom educators and online instructors to stay connected through the school’s site coordinator. This ensures everyone is aware of their students’ academic progress and support needs as the semester progresses.
You can be perfectly prepared and organized for the school year, but no two semesters are the same. Be flexible and prepared for the unexpected things that occur throughout the school year.
In addition, be prepared to take an alternative approach or adjust your teaching methods as students’ needs evolve. Self-reflection and student feedback can help guide your pedagogy throughout the year.
Getting organized for back-to-school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Building effective habits from day one of the semester can create a smoother, more positive learning experience for everyone.
At VHS Learning, we’re excited to see where the 2025-26 school year takes us. We’re rooting for you as you get ready to head back to school––it’s going to be a great year!