Tips for Making a Smooth Transition “Back to School” This Spring

School districts are reopening campuses! Like many parents, you may be feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation about your children returning to school. Here are practical tips to help families prepare for this transition:

·        Communicate calmly and reassure children it is a difficult time, but it will pass.

·        Use breathing and mindfulness to support your child if they are more anxious than usual (apps can be helpful to support this e.g. Mindful Gnats).

·        Look after your own health and wellbeing expressing emotions, maintaining healthy habits including regular sleep patterns, balanced diet, daily activity.

·        Communicate with teachers to keep open communication channels to support children if they are struggling.

·        Sit and listen to children to understand their concerns and do not be dismissive of their feelings.

·        You know your child best so trust your judgment and if you think they are struggling ask for support.

See more tips at www.mmu.ac.uk/news. 

Steve Eggers, Area Director of ACE Tutoring, receives calls daily from overwhelmed parents. “Ninety-nine percent” of the calls are related to these common concerns about their children:

·        Struggling to focus

·        Missing Assignments

·        Figuring out what is due

·        Receiving poor grades

·        Suffering from lack of confidence

·        Keeping on top of AP & Honors classes

·        Struggling with organization and time management

Some parents share that their children’s schools have reported “low reading comprehension or math results on standardized testing (e.g. iReady),” adds Steve. Other discussions focus on the AP Testing in May and the SAT/ACT test season currently in full swing. The most common topic is the transition back to school. Will students be expected to perform at higher standards compared to those used during distance learning? Steve shares, “While parents are generally excited about schools reopening, many are uncertain about their children’s transition from distance learning to on-campus learning.”

With the right strategy, students can make strong progress during the remainder of this school year. In addition, they can implement the strategy to bridge the gap between distance learning this past year and standard learning on-campus this coming fall.  

Steve would like to reassure all the anxious parents and students out there. “We know it’s been an extraordinarily difficult year. You are not alone, and help is available. Call us any time. We are here for you!”  

If you can relate to any of the topics mentioned above, don’t hesitate to contact ACE Tutoring. Call 760-599-8873 or visit www.acetutoring.com. We are all in this together!

Visit www.acetutoring.com/blogs for more academic tips and updates.