Back to School Tips
The most important thing to do before starting a new school year that I did myself and with my students is to make goals.
What is a (good) Goal?
Everyone’s definition is different, talk to your kids about what they think goals are and goals they have had in the past, that have worked or not. Explain that ‘good’ goals are:
-Quantifiable (You can measure their success or not)
-Reasonable (They can be reached and are attainable)
-Specific (They deal with a certain area…big goals can be broken down into smaller ones)
-Exciting (Remember these are your kid’s goals, not yours, make sure they are motivated to achieve them or you are setting them up for failure)
Make Goals
I think making goals and teaching kids how to make goals is one of the most important things parents can do before school. First, talk to them about their goals in the following areas:
-What are your goals for your grades this year?
-What are your goals for your teachers this year?
-What are your goals for organization this year? (backpack, locker, desk)
-What are your goals for extra-curricular activities?
-What are your goals for amount of sleep?
-Make some of your own!
Goal Checkpoints
Now that you have goals for the year, make a note in your calendar that once a month you will go over each goal’s progress. I also like to make year-long goals with my clients as well as monthly smaller goals.
Goal Celebrations
If you achieve a goal do not just check it off the list—celebrate your child’s accomplishment and tell your student while you are making the goals that you will be celebrating each and every A, each and ever gold star or each and every club joined!
Goals help keep your kids organized, focused and motivated for the school year and this is a great exercise for you and your kids to do together.
Also check out some great educational sites:
