Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Whether you are homeschooling, utilizing traditional schooling, or signing your children up for a Charter school, here are some mindset tips for the new school year. These are just as much for little learners as they are for parents because let’s be real, we all have our thoughts about school and learning. These are practical, yet powerful, things to think about as we approach a new year of learning and growing.
Tip #1: Begin the school year with a positive mindset.
This can be easier said than done because most kids want the summertime to last forever. They typically shriek at the thought of having to put down the toys and pick up the school books, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Instead of jumping on that bandwagon, consider highlighting the positive things about a new season beginning and all that comes with it: new teachers, friends, school subjects! It can become a life lesson that will ripple throughout their childhood and into adulthood. There is a season for everything and starting school doesn’t necessarily mean that playtime is over!
Tip #2: Make the start of a new school year exciting.
Sometimes parents are just as reluctant as their kids for a new school year to begin. Depending on where you are on the scale – especially if you are a homeschooling mom/dad – you might actually be a little stressed. Instead of focusing on all the school supplies, all the new clothes, and where your child is academically, shed light on a new beginning. Starting a new school year is like having a fresh start at learning and experiencing new things. While it may be different for traditional schoolers, homeschoolers are able to take this a step further and use a child’s interests as the starting point for learning. It makes so much difference!
Tip #3: Go where the child’s needs lead.
In other words, don’t get so headstrong in there being one way of teaching or one way of learning that you miss the joy and fun in it all. This is where the majority of student’s academic stress comes from. They are subconsciously held to a standard that isn’t always necessary. Perhaps their learning style is different or maybe they need to spend extra time on a concept… when they aren’t allowed to do so, it begins to crush their mindset about education in general. Instead, embrace where your child’s needs lead and be okay if it looks different than what you anticipated at the beginning.
Tip #4: Release the unnecessary pressures. Starting a new school year can come with a lot of pressure. Between remembering what was previously taught to trying to keep up with what lies ahead, it can be stressful for parents, teachers, and especially the students. Try not to set the stage for anything other than taking things one day at a time. Yes, planning ahead has its place but not at the expense of missing valuable lessons that would otherwise be missed.
Tip #5: Cultivate a growth mindset.
This is one aspect of the mind that most children miss out on until they reach adulthood. Then, like most of us adults now, they wonder how come they were not taught things like this at a much younger age. No matter how old your children are, you can begin teaching them valuable principles about having a growth mindset. This is simply teaching them how to always look for ways to become better all while embracing any faults/failures and using them all as stepping stones. There are a number of resources available for a growth mindset for both kids and adults and it’s something I highly recommend doing sooner than later.
Final Thoughts
As you and your children head into a new school year, keep these practical tips in mind. Remember the educational goals you’ve set and if you haven’t done that (or heard of it), check out this post about it. And while you’re there, check out how you can assess your child’s development and help them succeed. After all, you are their greatest teacher and should always be their biggest cheerleader!
I’d love to hear from you. What are some ways you and your children prepare your mindset for a new school year? Let me know in the comments below!