Sweet TnT Magazine Trinidad and Tobago Culture
Related Articles
As the sun sets on July and August, the relaxed rhythm of summer vacation gives way to the familiar anticipation of a new school year. For many students, this transition can feel jarring, especially if the last two months were filled with late nights, endless video games, and a complete break from all things academic.
Going from a world of freedom to one of schedules and study can make a student feel rusty, lazy, and disinterested in what school has to offer. The apathetic brain, accustomed to a steady diet of screens and social media, finds it challenging to re-engage with structured learning.
This adjustment period is crucial, as a rough transition can set the tone for the entire school year, potentially impacting academic performance. The good news is that with a little preparation and a few smart strategies, both students and parents can make the shift from vacation mode to back-to-school readiness seamless. By gradually reintroducing healthy habits and academic routines, you can hit the ground running in September, ensuring a successful and productive start.
15 Ways to prepare for school after vacation
1. Re-establish a consistent sleep schedule
For weeks, bedtime may have been a suggestion, not a rule. The first and most critical step in preparing for school is to reset your body clock. Start by moving your bedtime and wake-up time back by 15-minute increments each night. Aim to go to bed early enough to get at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep, which is vital for focus and memory.
Parents, you can assist by creating a peaceful, screen-free environment in the evenings and gently waking your child at the same time each morning. Consistency is key here; a regular sleep schedule will not only make waking up for the first day of school easier but will also improve concentration and cognitive function, making the return to learning far less painful.
2. Gradually reduce screen time
During the summer, video games, television, and social media might have been a staple. It’s time to slowly wean yourself off this constant digital stimulation. Set clear limits on screen time, starting a week or two before school begins. Replace some of this time with offline activities that engage your brain in different ways.
Parents, work with your children to set these boundaries, perhaps designating screen-free hours or using a timer. Encourage them to engage in board games, puzzles, or creative hobbies. This gradual reduction will help your brain adjust to a slower pace, improving focus and attention span, which are essential for sitting through class lectures and completing homework.
3. Reintroduce reading for pleasure
Since school closed, many students haven’t touched a book. To get your brain back into an academic mindset, start reading for pleasure again. Choose books, magazines, or articles on subjects you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s fantasy novels, sports biographies, or science fiction. The goal is to make reading a relaxing habit, not a chore.
Parents, set aside a specific time each day for family reading, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. This simple act re-engages the brain’s language and comprehension centres, making the transition back to textbooks and assignments much smoother and helping your child get back to a regular reading routine.
4. Create a dedicated study space
A quiet, organised area for homework and studying is a crucial part of a successful school year. Find a spot in your home that is free from distractions and equip it with all the necessary supplies: pens, paper, calculators, and a comfortable chair. A dedicated space signals to your brain that it’s time to focus on academic tasks.
Parents, help your child organise this space and keep it tidy. Ensure it’s a place where they feel comfortable and can work without interruption. This simple act of preparation helps build a positive association with schoolwork and creates a sense of routine and readiness for the year ahead.
5. Review last year’s material
To shake off the academic rust, spend some time reviewing key concepts from the previous school year. This can be done by looking over old notes, doing a few practice problems in math, or reading some chapters from old textbooks. This gentle review will jog your memory and help you feel more confident about the upcoming year.
Parents, you can help by making this a collaborative activity. Quiz your children on subjects they found challenging or work through a few problems together. This is not about perfect scores but about reactivating those dormant skills so they are not forgotten entirely.
6. Start the healthy eating habits now
Summer might have been filled with unhealthy snacks, fast food, and soda. Getting back into a routine of eating nutritious, balanced meals will provide your brain with the fuel it needs to function at its best. Start incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your diet a few weeks before school starts.
Parents, lead by example. Stock the fridge with healthy options and involve your children in preparing meals. A well-nourished body and mind are better equipped to handle the demands of a new school year, improving energy levels and concentration.
7. Get back into a physical activity routine
Playing outside with friends is a great summer activity, but the start of school can often lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. To combat this, establish a consistent physical activity routine before school begins. Whether it’s a daily walk, a sport, or a home workout, regular exercise is essential for stress relief and cognitive function.
Parents, encourage your children to continue being active. Sign them up for a sport or plan family activities that get everyone moving. Physical fitness is a key component of overall well-being and helps to improve focus and learning abilities.
8. Organise school supplies and uniforms
There’s nothing more chaotic than a last-minute scramble for school supplies. Take the stress out of the first week by organising everything you need well in advance. Make a list of all your required materials, from notebooks to pens, and ensure your school uniform is clean and ready to go.
Parents, involve your children in this process. Allowing them to choose their own supplies can build a sense of excitement and ownership over their education. This practical step eliminates a major source of stress on the first day and helps everyone feel prepared.
9. Set goals for the new school year
Instead of viewing the after vacation period with dread, get excited about the new year by setting a few personal goals. These can be anything from aiming for a higher grade in a specific subject to trying out for a new club or making new friends. Having something to look forward to can be a powerful motivator.
Parents, sit down with your children and discuss their aspirations. Help them create a plan to achieve these goals and provide encouragement. This proactive approach turns a time of potential anxiety into an opportunity for motivation and growth.
10. Reconnect with classmates and teachers
Reaching out to a few friends from school can help ease the social anxiety that often comes with the first day back. A simple text or phone call to a friend can make a big difference. Similarly, sending a brief email to a teacher to express excitement about their class can help build a positive relationship from the very beginning.
Parents, encourage your children to connect with their peers and to communicate with their teachers. These small steps can make the school environment feel more welcoming and familiar, reducing the feeling of being a stranger in a well-known place.
11. Practise time management skills
Summer’s lack of a schedule can lead to poor time management. A week or two before school starts, begin practicing by setting specific times for activities. For example, assign one hour for reading, one hour for a quick review, and then two hours for a fun activity. This structured practice will train your brain to handle a schedule again.
Parents, help your children by creating a visual schedule or using an app to track time. This will help them understand the importance of balancing responsibilities and fun, a skill that is crucial for academic success.
12. Read the school’s newsletters and updates
Many schools send out newsletters and emails before the new school year begins. Make it a point to read them carefully to stay informed about important dates, supply lists, and any changes in the curriculum. Knowing what to expect reduces stress and uncertainty.
Parents, make sure you are subscribed to your child’s school communications and review them together. Being knowledgeable about the upcoming school year ensures you can provide the best support and guidance to your child, making their transition as smooth as possible.
13. Cook and prepare school lunches together
Summer’s convenience-food diet can be easily replaced by nutritious and well-planned meals for school. In the final days of August, get your kids involved in planning and preparing their lunches for the first week of school. This ensures they have healthy food to fuel their brains and bodies throughout the day.
Parents, use this as a learning opportunity to teach your children about healthy eating and meal preparation. This practical skill will not only save time during the busy school week but will also give your children a sense of responsibility and independence.
14. Visit the school campus
A familiar environment can reduce the anxiety of a new school year. Take a trip to the school campus a few days before classes start. Walk the halls, find your new classrooms, and locate your locker. This simple visit can help you feel more comfortable and prepared for the big day.
Parents, this is a great way to bond with your child and show your support. Walking through the school together can alleviate their fears and help them feel more confident and secure when they return to school.
15. Get a new backpack and supplies
A new backpack or some fresh school supplies can be a great motivator and help to build excitement for the upcoming school year. The simple act of choosing new items can make the thought of returning to class feel more positive.
Parents, take your child shopping and let them choose some of their own supplies. This small act of personalising their school experience can go a long way in making them feel ready and enthusiastic about the after vacation transition.
Conclusion
The period after vacation does not have to be a dreaded time of struggle and stress. By proactively and gradually reintroducing healthy habits and academic routines, both students and parents can ensure a smooth and successful transition. The key is to avoid a sudden shock to the system and instead, ease back into a structured lifestyle. By focussing on sleep, reducing screen time, and re-engaging the mind with a purpose, students can shake off the rustiness and approach the new school year feeling refreshed, prepared, and ready to learn. This proactive approach will not only improve academic performance but will also instill valuable discipline and a sense of responsibility that will serve you throughout your life.
____________________
Every month in 2025 we will be giving away one Amazon eGift Card. To qualify subscribe to our newsletter.
When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn commission and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Recent Articles
- Prostate cancer: 10 warning signs men should never ignore
- Carnival 2026: Your 10-step guide to an unforgettable Trinidad and Tobago experience
- Dynamic pricing: How a silent shift in technology turned everyday shopping into a high-stakes game
- How to score cheap flights to Trinidad and Tobago in time for Christmas
- Gold standard: Why the world abandoned it and why it still matters today
You may also like:
Financial literacy for kids: 10 ways to teach your children about money
Recharging your batteries: How to take a break without derailing your future
Avoid the gap year trap after graduation: 10 tips to stay on track
What to do after graduation: A guide for high-school students
Your future decision after exams: A guide for graduates
What to do after O Levels: A guide to smart next steps
Fuelling the fire: Essential educational resources for aspiring entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship: 9 surprising things you learn the hard way
Accounting for small business owners to know
Successful entrepreneur: Schedule your day right
Is it a real opportunity or just a distraction? A guide for entrepreneurs
Long hours: 10 comfort gadgets you need for work
16 Productivity tricks to help you work smarter
Simple tricks for a better routine
Why tax season is worth celebrating in new campaign by H&R Block
@sweettntmagazine
Discover more from Sweet TnT Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You must be logged in to post a comment.