4 steps to make sure the transition back to school goes well

Donatella Fitzgerald MBE
Donatella Fitzgerald MBE
Two school girls getting onto. a schoolbus

As we start thinking about returning to school, the big question for teachers and parents is: How can we help our children get off to a smooth start?ÌýÌýÌý

After the long break, students might be keen to see their friends again. But it's not always easy to get back into the class routine. It's especially difficult when students are moving into a newÌýclass orÌýare facing important exams.Ìý

So what can you do to support children in transitioning back to school at the beginning of the academic year?Ìý

Here are 4 steps to help them get off to a great start.ÌýÌý

1. Be organized and create routines

Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it's not all mixed up.Ìý – A. A. MilneÌý

Have a "family meeting" to brainstorm the routines for the school year,Ìýe.g., tidying room, getting school clothes/uniform/bag ready the evening before, homework routines, familyÌýmeal times and exercise. Ensure each member of the family has input into the routine too. Create a chart with the routines so everyone can see what has been agreed upon and how they are being adhered to.

2. Start bedtime routines early

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. – Benjamin FranklinÌý

Agreeing on firm bedtimes during the school week is very important for everyone in the family.ÌýÌý

If children and teenagers do not get enough sleep, it can negatively impact their healthÌýand academic achievement. It's important that they are aware of this too.ÌýÌý

In an ideal world, we should ensure that adults and children are not exposed to any form of screen time for at least 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime. This will help everyone sleep better.ÌýÌý

Start the back-to-school sleep transition gradually. To help your child adjust, move bedtime up by 30 to 60 minutes at a time over the course of a few days or a week before the start of school so the transition from a later bedtime to an earlier one is progressive.Ìý

3. Talk about homework and teach organizational skillsÌý

When it's obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. – ConfuciusÌý

Organization needs to be taught and practiced. As children get older, homework usually increases. Take an active interest in your child's homework.ÌýÌý

Parents can be supportive by demonstrating organizational skills and helping children with time management. Assist them with creating a plan for their homework and encourage your child (whatever age) to have a study plan of some sort and to set goals for their homework which are SMART:Ìý

  • Specific – Describe in detail what activities they are going to do.Ìý
  • Measurable – How will they know when they are progressing/finished?ÌýÌý
  • Achievable – Do they have the skills and resources to get to their goal?ÌýÌý
  • Relevant – How does this goal connect to short and long-term targets?Ìý
  • Time-bound – Set a concrete deadline.

Teach them how to approach homework with a "strategy". How much homework do they have? How long will it take to do it? Prioritize urgent homework and do more difficult things when they are less tired.ÌýÌý

Make sure there's adequate space in your house and set up a homework-friendly area that is wellÌýlit, andÌýhas a table with enough room to put their pens and books. Of course, this is preferably somewhere quiet.ÌýÌý

Also, it's important that parents are motivators and monitors and that they try to make themselves available for advice. Always praise children for their work and efforts. If you spot any problems, try and address them. Keep distractions to a minimum at home while they are doing their homework.

4. Make mealtimes quality family time: listen and share one good thing about each dayÌý

Kids who grow up having family dinners, when they're on their own, tend to eat more healthily.Ìý – Anne Fishel Ìý

A meal around the table can bring to the entire family and be an important opportunity for daily interaction. Sitting down to eat as a family provides the opportunity to have an influence over both short and long-term familyÌýhealth, andÌýcan help children establish resilience and the ability to cope with the demands of life as we know it now and in the future. It can also be an opportunity to introduce mindful eating too – being more aware of what and how we are eating.

Additionally, this time together allows for members to talk and share things about their day and also offers an opportunity to establish a strong and powerful bonding experience. How can we make sure family mealtimes are quality time? Ìý

  • Be attentive and offer undivided attention during this time.ÌýÌý
  • Turn all modern technology off during the meal so everyone is focused on each other.ÌýÌý
  • Talk to each other about topics such as: What lessons do you have today (at breakfast)? What did you enjoy about today? What did you have for lunch (while sharing the evening meal). Tell me one thing you learned today. What made you laugh today? What made you happy today?ÌýÌý
  • Listen mindfully to your child's thoughts and worries (if any).Ìý
  • Encourage each member to talk about one good thing that has happened to them that day. This lets them know you are there for them.ÌýÌý
  • Assign mealtime jobs to involve everyone, e.g.: setting and clearing the table and putting away the dishes.

However, sometimes it's not possible to share meal times during the week so plan at least one on the weekend if possible.Ìý

The benefits of any small moment of time can have long-lasting positive influences on your child's mental and physical health. Children model adultÌýbehaviorÌýand if they see you eating and engaging positively with them and others, they will carry this into their own lives.Ìý

With a bit of preparation, the leadup and transition back to school can be smooth and enjoyable not only for children but also for the rest of the family.

Read more of our blog postsÌý

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  • A group of business people chatting over some papers sat at a table in a office

    The ultimate guide to language assessment in business

    By Samantha Ball
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    Effective international communication is crucial in the world of global commerce. In today's borderless marketplace, companies need to be linguistically flexible to be successful. For HR managers and business practitioners, comprehensive language evaluations are not just an add-on but a vital duty that can enhance your organization's success in the international market.

    This guide will take you through the crucial role of language assessment in business. It will discuss why language assessment is important, how to effectively implement it, its benefits for students and business professionals, and the current tools and technologies available. By the end, you will have the knowledge to identify the significance of language assessment in your business and make informed decisions that reflect the essential role of linguistic ability in the modern global economy.

    Why language assessment matters

    Enhancing communication effectiveness

    Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful business. When diverse teams come together, be it in an office, on a shop floor, or at a virtual meeting, the ability to exchange information clearly and concisely can mean the difference between streamlined operations and costly misunderstandings. Language assessment ensures that employees possess the necessary language skills needed to communicate across teams and with clients worldwide.

    Global market competitiveness

    Accessing international markets hinges largely on the language capabilities of your workforce. Assessing language skills not only amplifies your organization's ability to engage with prospective clients and partners but also ensures that the customer experience is seamlessly delivered, regardless of the customer's primary language.

    Talent acquisition and retention

    Proper language assessments play a pivotal role in the recruitment process. They aid in identifying candidates with the language proficiencies required for specific roles, such as those involving international correspondence or multilingual customer support. By enabling a streamlined and objective measurement of language ability, your business can attract and retain talent, securing a competitive edge in a multilingual talent pool.

    Types of language assessments

    Proficiency tests

    Proficiency tests are the benchmarks for evaluating a person’s overall language capability. This category includes tests that cover all language skills, such as reading, writing, listening and speaking, like the Versant tests offered by ÃÛÌÒapp. These tests provide a comprehensive analysis that helps gauge an individual's ability to function effectively in a language, both in academic settings, the workplace and everyday contexts.

    Interviews

    Conversational skills and the application and comprehension of language in real-world scenarios play a significant role in many job roles. Structured interviews that focus on language are a vital component of the language assessment suite. These interviews typically evaluate oral and sometimes written language skills, providing context-specific insight into how these skills might translate in a professional setting.

    Role-playing scenarios

    Simulations that mimic workplace interactions provide an immersive method of assessing language skills beyond language proficiency tests. Candidates engage in practical scenarios that mirror the challenges and dynamics of a business environment, which is particularly valuable for assessing their ability to manage real-time communication under pressure.

    Implementing language assessment

    Best practices for HR managers

    When starting your language assessment program, begin with a thorough needs analysis. This involves identifying which roles require language proficiency, to what level and in which languages. Then, select or develop an assessment that aligns with these requirements. It's also important to provide clear instructions and support for candidates, ensuring that the assessment process is transparent and equitable.

    Training and development strategies

    Personalized learning plans can be a game-changer for employees who require language improvements. Identify the areas for development, set achievable goals, and incorporate regular assessments to measure progress. This approach ensures that training is targeted and effective, helping employees advance their language skills in a way that's both strategic and supportive.

    Benefits for business professionals

    Career advancement opportunities

    Proficient multilingualism can open doors to international career opportunities and is a key differentiator in many sectors. A dedication to mastering a foreign language can lead to personal and professional growth, including access to leadership positions and broader responsibilities.

    Cross-cultural competence

    Language proficiency is closely tied to cross-cultural understanding and competence. Business professionals who possess these abilities can traverse cultural boundaries with sensitivity and insight, essential for global leadership and successful collaborations in multicultural teams.

    Enhanced collaboration

    Clear and expressive communication fosters an environment of trust and collaboration. By investing in the linguistic abilities and listening skills of your teams, you're not only improving the performance of individual employees but also elevating the collective capacity for innovation and problem-solving within your organization.