Dear Parents, This Is What Teachers Need You To Know Ahead Of Back To School Week

September is upon us, which means one thing: back-to-school week is nigh –and teachers are urging parents to prep their kids now ready for the big return.Whether your child is starting school in Reception, heading into a new year after the holidays, or going into secondary school, there’s a lot we can be doing as parents to not only help our kids, but also make teachers’ lives easier – because let’s face it, back-to-school week will be pretty exhausting for them too.We asked teachers what they want parents to know. Here’s what they said.For children in the early years...In short, the biggest way parents can help their kids (and, as a result, teachers) is to help teach their kids to accomplish some tasks independently. That way, they will “feel less overwhelmed by new challenges at school,” said Sarah Holyoake, Head of Early Years at Stephen Perse Cambridge, a network of schools in Cambridge and Essex for children aged two to 18 years old.This might include tasks like getting themselves dressed at home, taking coats on and off, putting shoes on, and going to the toilet by themselves.“Being able to recognise their name is a crucial skill for any child starting school,” added the teacher. “Much of their daily routine will be dictated by identifying their peg or their drawer or their seat so reading and letter identification are important.”We all know sharing can be a bit tricky for younger children, but Holyoake advises parents to provide kids with “important opportunities to manage their emotions in social settings, such as practicing taking turns with friends”.For children of all agesSteven Britton, a mathematics tutor, advises parents to start establishing routines nice and early so back-to-school (or starting school) week doesn’t come as a complete shock to the system.“Have a consistent bedtime and wake-up time at least a week before school starts,” he suggested. Getting them used to early wake-ups is especially important if they’ve been enjoying lie-ins over the summer. Once your child starts school, the tutor urges parents to communicate clearly and promptly with teachers – this means returning any forms, permission slips and payments on time, as well as communicating any changes in contact information, custody arrangements, or any learning/health needs.Similarly, if your child has particular anxieties, learning needs, or is going through a tricky patch at home, the teacher said it’s useful for parents to give education staff a “heads up” so they can “tailor support”.He also urges parents to help children gain a bit of independence by letting them carry their own bags, pack their own homework and, where appropriate, manage their own timetable.Make sure they have a tidy homework space and support their learning at home (without doing the work), advised the tutor. “Ask open-ended questions (‘How did you figure that out?’) instead of simply checking answers,” he suggested.Other top tips from teachers include celebrating a child’s effort as much as their results over the course of the term, as well as modelling a positive attitude about school. As Britton explained: “If kids hear grown-ups grumble about teachers or school rules, it’s harder for them to respect the learning environment.”For kids starting secondary schoolThe shift from year 6 to year 7 is pretty huge, to say the least. Chris McNab, headteacher at Overton Grange School in Sutton, urged parents to talk about secondary school positively before they start.“The way we talk about secondary school has a big impact on how children feel,” he said. “Try to focus on the positives: new subjects, new friends, clubs to join, more independence. If they pick up on your enthusiasm, they’re more likely to see the move as an exciting opportunity rather than something to fear.”If they’re going to be walking, cycling or taking public transport to school, the headteacher advises practicing the journey together a few times before term starts. “Time it, talk through safety, and plan for what they should do if something goes wrong,” he said. “Familiarity builds confidence – especially on the first day.”Getting organised ahead of the first day is key to keeping stress levels low – for you and your child. “Secondary school often comes with a timetable, homework, subject-specific equipment and more things to remember,” said McNab.“Help your child practise packing their school bag and looking at their timetable, if they already have it. Having everything ready – from uniform to stationery – helps keep the first day calm.”While helping them get prepared, also encourage them to take on more responsibility. This could be something as simple as making their own lunch, setting their alarm or getting their uniform ready the night before. These can all help them build confidence.It’s totally normal for kids to be anxious about starting secondary school. McNab said the most common fear he hears from new pupils is: “What if I get lost?”“It’s a fair question – they’re moving from one classroom with one teacher to a much bigger school with lots of rooms and different subjects,” he said.“Let your child know it’s completely normal to feel this way. Secondary schools are well prepared to support Year 7s as they find their feet. Staff will be there to guide them, and pupils settle in faster than they think.”If you have any concerns, speak to your child’s teacher, form tutor or head of year. Keep an eye on school emails and newsletters too, suggested McNab, as they’re a great way to stay informed and involved. This applies to kids of all ages in school.With the start of secondary school bringing with it a host of new challenges – and lots of benefits, like making new friends and learning new skills – it’s fair to say your child will need you during this time, but it’s also important to give them the space to fly (and occasionally, fall).“Be available to listen and help them talk through challenges like friendship changes or managing homework,” said McNab.But also “try to encourage them to come up with their own solutions rather than fixing everything for them”.He concluded: “It’s a balance – and a big part of growing in confidence.”Related...I'm A Podiatrist – These Are The Best Kids' School Shoes To BuySo What If Gen Z Are Getting Phone Call Lessons In School? Most Adults Could Use ThemHow Do You Spot ADHD In Kids? Expert Shares The Subtle Signs To Look For At Home And School

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