Leaving summer vacation for school can be tough for teens. Going back to school means giving up free time and sleeping in, and it can be hard to adjust a laid-back summer attitude to the more academic school mindset. However, getting ready for school before it starts can help ease the transition without taking away any of the fun of summer. There are a few simple things teens can do to get ready for school.
How to Prepare for High School
Academics are a big change from summer, when watching TV all day is the norm instead of a treat. Read a book now and again throughout the summer to keep thinking academically, and to be prepared to read once school starts. Many teens dislike the books they read in English classes; fortunately, there are many books that teens and reluctant readers will enjoy.
Know what classes are required. Whether in junior high, high school or starting college, students should enter school on the first day knowing what their classes will require of them. Look over any posted reading material or get in touch with teachers for classes in problem subjects.
Get Ready for High School Classes
Set up a checklist of necessary supplies for class. Prepare a book bag at least a week before school starts, so that it is ready to go on the first day. Reducing back to school anxiety is important for students of any age.
Make sure the book bag contains pens, pencils and supplies for classes, such as a calculator. Have a separate notebook and folder or binder for each class. Buy any books or textbooks required for class early on in the summer, when they are more likely to be inexpensive, especially for college classes.
Keep the book bag in the student’s study area. Set up an area in an office or give the student her own desk to use for homework. Students who are organized and have a useful study area are likely to get better grades.
How to Wake Up in Time for School
One big issue for teens is their sleep schedule. Many teens prefer to sleep in during the day and stay up late at night. When school starts, however, teens have to adjust their sleep schedule. This transition can make school much more difficult if it’s done suddenly, leading to problems concentrating.
Start by going to sleep earlier and waking up in time for school in the mornings about three weeks before school starts. It takes around three weeks for the body to adjust to a new sleep schedule, and preparing for early mornings helps students be more alert when school does start.
Set Up a School Schedule
Once school has started, get into a routine. Set up a schedule for the morning and after school to ensure that there is enough time to complete homework and participate in extra-curricular activities like sports or a job.
Lay out clothes each night for the following day to reduce morning stress. Pack and refrigerate lunches at night as well, or plan to purchase a healthy lunch at school. Ensure that lunches contain a good balance of fruit, vegetables and protein for better concentration and nutrition. Obesity in teens is a serious health risk, and nutritious school lunches can help combat this issue.
Set up a scheduled time to complete homework. Doing homework right after school can help with information retention and free up more time in the afternoons and evening for other activities. Put all schoolwork and projects in a book bag when they are completed, so that they are not left behind in the morning.
Getting ready for school can feel like a hassle for teens. However, teens who are more prepared for academic writing and schedules are more likely to have a successful and productive school year.
Teens might also be interested in reading about Homework Tips for Students and Back to School Reading Tips.
Parents who want to know How to Encourage Kids to Read should check out Good Books for Reluctant Readers.
Teens, teachers and parents should also learn how to recognize the signs of Bullying in Schools.
Bailey Shoemaker Richards - Bailey is a writer from Ohio. She is pursuing a creative writing degree at Ohio University, where she is currently a senior. Bailey ...
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