4 Tips for a Smooth Winter Break Transition

The holiday season is an exciting time to spend and celebrate with family and friends.  However, with all the busy activities and travel, routines are altered and school may fall on the back burner.   Parents can find it hard to transition their children back into their school routines.

Fortunately we have put together four tips to make the transition from winter break a success:

1) Build on Strong Organization Skills:  Work with your daughter or son to pack their backpack or lunch before school rather than waiting until the first day back.  If your child is older, ensure they have all their materials organized.  If your child struggles with organization skills, the break is a wonderful time to step back and work with them to ensure all their materials and papers are in place.

2) Review Fall Material:  While two weeks away from school feels like a short period of time, students can forget during that period.  Some students are fortunate to have review sessions when they return in January.  However, we would still strongly recommend setting up your own review session at home focusing on the subjects your child is weakest in first.   This also provides an opportunity during the break for parents to better assess their child's strengths and weaknesses in all their subjects.

3) Get Back in Routine: During the break, your child's sleep schedule will likely adjust.   Several days before school starts, focus on getting your child back in their school schedule and in particular, their sleep routine.  Otherwise, students will struggle to adjust and find themselves tired the first week back.  You can also use this as an opportunity to improve their existing school routine with a fresh start.

4) Make a List of Goals:  New Years is a time for resolutions and what better way to motivate your child than with goals for the rest of the school year.  Come up with fun and challenging goals that kids will enjoy.