Tips for Back to School | Lexington County Library

Your Guide to a Successful Start

Make the Most of Back-to-School

By Melissa Hudson
August 5, 2023
back to school, children, education, effective communication, healthy habits, organization, setting goals, time management

The back-to-school season is upon us, bringing with it a blend of excitement, nervousness and anticipation. Whether you’re a student, a parent or a teacher, this time of year marks a fresh beginning and a chance to set the tone for the upcoming academic year. To help you navigate this transitional period with confidence, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to ensure a successful start to the school year.

Set Clear Goals: As the saying goes, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” Start the school year off strong by setting clear goals for yourself or your child. Whether it’s acing a particular subject, improving time management or participating in extracurricular activities, having well-defined objectives will provide a sense of purpose and motivation.
Organize Your Space: Create a dedicated study space that’s free from distractions. A clutter-free environment can boost focus and productivity. Invest in organization tools like shelves, folders and desk organizers to keep everything in order. Make it a habit to declutter and tidy up the space regularly.
Master Time Management: Balancing academics, extracurriculars and personal time requires effective time management. Encourage the use of planners, digital calendars or time management apps to help students stay on top of assignments, projects and appointments. Teach the importance of breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to prevent overwhelming feelings.
Build Healthy Habits: A successful school year starts with a healthy body and mind. Ensure a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Encourage breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout. Practice mindfulness techniques or meditation to manage stress and maintain mental well-being.
Foster Effective Communication: Open lines of communication are essential for success. Students should feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help when needed. Parents and teachers should maintain clear communication channels to stay updated on academic progress and any potential challenges.
Embrace Technology Wisely: Incorporate technology into your academic routine, but do so mindfully. Leverage educational apps, online resources and digital tools to enhance learning. Set screen time limits and encourage responsible online behavior.
Stay Organized with Planners: Planners are a student’s best friend. Teach the art of using planners to jot down assignments, project deadlines and upcoming tests. Visualizing tasks and due dates will help students manage their workload effectively.
Make Learning Enjoyable: Learning doesn’t have to be monotonous. Find creative ways to make studying enjoyable. Use mnemonic devices, interactive games or real-life examples to make complex topics easier to grasp. Incorporate humor and storytelling into lessons to make them memorable.
Encourage Regular Breaks: Studying for hours on end can lead to diminishing returns. Encourage the Pomodoro Technique — working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. This method boosts productivity and prevents mental fatigue.
Set Realistic Expectations: While aiming high is commendable, setting realistic expectations is equally important. Understand that setbacks may occur, and it’s okay to ask for help or adjust goals as needed.