Gear up for school.
Help your student prepare for the upcoming school year.
The start of a new school year can be both fun and filled with uncertainty. Help get your student off to a good start by taking steps now to prepare for back to school.
Here are some tips to gear up for school:
- Establish a predictable routine: As the weeks countdown to the first bell, start creating a routine for things you can control. This includes waking up, meal times, down time and bedtime. Having a routine provides a structure around the day and can ease the transition from summer fun to the classroom.
- Prioritize sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential for a healthy and productive school day. The week before school starts is a good time to make certain your student starts reprogramming their sleep schedule to one that supports going to school on a daily basis. Recommended hours of sleep are:
- Preschool students, ages 3-5: 10-13 hours (including naps)
- Elementary students, ages 6-12: 9-12 hours
- Teenage students, ages 13-18: 8-10 hours
- Visit the school: Take advantage of any open house events so your student can visit the school and learn where things are located. Some things to explore include their classroom, the library, the main office, bathrooms, cafeteria and gym.
- Meet the teachers: Check in with your child’s teachers. Let them know you want to be an active partner in your child’s success and that you support the work they are doing to provide your child an education. Understand their expectations for homework and work done in the classroom. Get their recommendation for how you can help your student best prepare for classwork.
- Look at the school calendar: Throughout the year, the school will offer many opportunities to connect with teachers and other parents. Consider which of these events you want to attend, either by yourself or with your student. Also consider joining the PTA or other parent groups that engage with and support the school.
- Visit the doctor: Make sure your student’s immunizations are current. If they need a physical to participate in school activities, have those done as soon as possible. Since doctor’s offices are often busy this time of year, you should schedule those now. If your child wears glasses, consider getting an eye exam, too.
- Rethink the family diet: Fix nutritious meals at home. Children who eat a healthy diet are better prepared to succeed at school. Do you need access to nutritious foods? Nashville General Hospital provides comprehensive care for all of the patients we serve. This includes addressing the food insecurity of our patients and the community through the distribution of no-cost, nutritious foods, including fresh produce and shelf-stable foods. Learn more about our Food Pharmacy and how to apply for this program.
- Designate a study area: Create a special place at the home for school work. It should be free from distractions such as the TV and other electronic devices. This can be a corner of a room, the kitchen table or even a portable table.
- Read: Younger children benefit from at least 20 minutes of reading every day. Whether you are reading to them or with them, your example reinforces the importance of literacy.
- Organize: Keeping yourself and your student organized can be the key to a successful school year. This can include their backpack, after-school snacks, school supplies and daily wardrobe. An organized calendar with upcoming events and a weekly meal plan can help keep you on track if unplanned events occur. Having a neat organized home can help your student feel confident and reduce stress and anxiety for both of you.
For tips on how to better support your student this school year, here is a list of sample questions to help guide your back-to-school conversations with teachers and other school staff.
Vaccines are recommended throughout your child’s life to protect against serious, sometimes deadly diseases. Learn more about which vaccines are recommended for your child based on their age. To schedule an immunization or annual physical, visit Nashville Healthcare Center’s Primary Care website.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should talk with your primary care physician or other qualified medical professionals regarding diagnosis and treatment of a health condition.
