10 Tips for a Productive School Year

Sep 02, 2022 • Elementary School

When it comes to completing school work, being productive shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Having a productive school year helps students reduce stress, accomplish their tasks, and increase their overall satisfaction in their work and with their efforts.

But what does productivity mean for students? It doesn’t mean doing schoolwork all the time. For students, productivity simply means working efficiently and completing schoolwork in a manageable time frame. Being productive means not leaving tasks unfinished or to the last minute.

Being productive by completing homework and assignments on time helps students feel accomplished. Simply put, productivity helps students reach their goals.

Like most school skills, becoming more productive is a skill that students can develop with practice.

Try these tips below to help your child increase their productivity this school year.

Tips for a More Productive School Year 

1. Get enough sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep is important to make sure you have enough energy for the day and a productive school year! Setting up a regular bedtime and wake-up routine before school starts is a crucial step in preparing your child for class and a practical way to cut down on first-day stress.
2. Eat breakfast and pack a lunch. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s a great way to start the day and gives the body the nutrients it needs. Make sure that you and your child have a good breakfast, and packing your child a lunch will not only save you money but will also be better for their health! Not sure what to pack? Check out these lunch ideas.
3. Get involved with school activities. Whether it’s a sports team, volunteering for the student association or any of the clubs their school offers, joining extracurricular activities is a great way to develop new skills, make new friends and have a productive school year! It can be scary sometimes for your child to put themselves out there, but in the end, they’ll make new friends, have new experiences, and have a lot of fun!
4. Go shopping. Whether it’s going back-to-school shopping or just shopping for enjoyment, it’s a great way to have fun with your child while teaching them responsibility. You can set out a budget and allow them to choose their lunchboxes, shoes, and pencils, as long as they stay within budget. Not only is it fun, but it’s also teaching them great math skills!
5. Get everything ready the night before. Mornings can be chaotic, especially if you’re not a morning person. You might be feeling rushed to get everyone ready and out the door. However, there is something that you can prepare the night before to help make your mornings a little less stressful. Prepare lunches, pick out outfits, and pack all school bags, so the next morning it’s a “grab and go.” This can help your child have a productive school year and stay organized. 
6. Help with schoolwork. Helping your child with their homework is the best way to show interest in what they’re learning at school. Sometimes kids have a hard time asking for help with their homework, so by getting involved every night, you can help alleviate homework anxiety. Helping with schoolwork helps you to see where your child is succeeding or struggling. This can allow you to make plans with teachers and tutors to help your child have a productive school year. Here are some tips to help reduce homework stress.
7. Set a schedule. Setting a schedule during the week will help your child stay organized throughout the school year. Have dinner at a specific time each night, then block out a 90-minute period to go over schoolwork. Don’t forget to add in some time for TV, computer time, or playing video games and allow for 30 minutes before bed for reading. Making and sticking to a schedule helps to create a routine that everyone can follow. Check out these printable after-school schedule templates.
8. Have fun with friends. School is about learning, but it is also about making friends and having fun! This year, commit to making time for your child to have fun and safe experiences with their friends. You could also sign them up to try a new sport, have a day at the beach, try a new restaurant, play a board game, or do any other activity they enjoy. It’s all about a balance of work and play!
9. Read, read, read. Have story time each night with your child. Whether your child is reading quietly alone or you’re reading to them, spending time reading is essential. Plus, reading aloud to your child is a priceless way to spend time together daily. Reading aloud can be a valuable approach to determining their reading level and other long-term advantages. Check out these reading tips.
10. Communication. Regular communication with your child and their teacher is crucial to supporting their education and having a productive school year. Teachers can let you know if they notice any emotional, social, or intellectual issues with your kid at school. This will allow you to have further insights into your child’s education and to make changes at home. 

See how to make a school year even more productive with an elementary school tutor.

Start a Productive School Year with Oxford Learning

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