Easing into the 5th week of school

As the initial excitement and novelty of the new school year start to fade, students and parents alike often find themselves facing the challenge of establishing a sustainable and productive routine. After four weeks, the honeymoon phase is over and the Chinese New Year break is coming to an end, the reality of academic demands and daily schedules is slowly setting in. Fret not because we are here to share our little guide to help ease into a consistent routine and make the rest of the school year successful and enjoyable!

Acknowledge the Adjustment Period

First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that the first few weeks of school are a significant adjustment period. Students must adapt to new schedules, classmates, teachers, and sometimes even new schools. This can be overwhelming, leading to stress and fatigue. Understanding that this is a normal part of the transition can help everyone involved to be more patient and supportive during this period. Have conversations with your child to think back about how this period has been, new friendships, new teachers, finding their way around school - one of our students was crying for a couple of days as she was often lost in school. I'm relieved that she has gained more confidence on this and have her classmates with her to move around as well!!

Create Consistent Routines

Consistency is the cornerstone of a successful routine. Establishing a daily schedule that includes fixed times for waking up, eating, studying, and going to bed can provide much-needed stability. A visual schedule or planner can be particularly useful for younger students or those who struggle with organization. The predictability of a routine helps reduce anxiety and enhances time management skills. As such, this practice on its own actually helps children to nurture several key executive function skills :D

Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, it’s often one of the first things to be compromised during the busy school year. Encourage students to set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, ensuring they get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group. Creating a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or practicing relaxation techniques, can also improve sleep quality. Some of our After School Care Services (ASCS) students share that they will tune down with a cup of milk and a chat with their parents on their thoughts of the new day.

Organize Study Time

Effective study habits are key to academic success. Designating specific times for homework and study sessions can help students stay on top of their assignments and avoid last-minute cramming. Creating a quiet, organized study space free from distractions is equally important. This is one of the key support that parents engage us at FUN Commune for. Children will get their school homework and weekly spelling/tingxie practices done here, along with some additional assessment practices to support their learning. Over here, we provide a comfortable environment for children to complete their work and cosy spaces to wind down for breaks. This brings us to the next point.

Encourage Breaks and Downtime

All work and no play can lead to burnout. It’s vital to schedule regular breaks and downtime to help students recharge. Encourage activities that they enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, or simply spending time outdoors. These breaks can improve overall well-being and help maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal life.

Foster Open Communication

Maintaining open lines of communication between students, parents, and teachers is essential for a smooth school year. Regular check-ins can help identify and address any issues or concerns early on. Encourage honest conversations about how things are going, and be open to feedback. This fosters a supportive environment where students feel heard and understood. This is one of the aspects that our parents love about FUN Commune. Parents have a personal group chat with our FLAs (in FUN, we address our teachers as FUN Learning Advocators) to facilitate this communication. We keep parents aware of their child's school updates, and work hand-in-hand with them to grow the children together! In addition, communication in FUN is very respectful and we nurture children in picking up good values and behaviours. Our small teacher-to-student ratio helps to support this environment - it truly takes a village to grow a child!

Stay Active

Physical activity is not only good for the body but also for the mind. Incorporating regular exercise into the daily routine can boost mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. Whether it’s a walk, participating in sports, or a dance session, staying active can help students feel more alert and focused throughout the day.

Nourish the Body

A balanced diet can significantly impact concentration and energy levels. Encourage healthy eating habits by incorporating nutritious snacks and meals into the daily routine. Staying hydrated is equally important. Simple changes, like swapping sugary snacks for fruits or ensuring a balanced breakfast, can make a noticeable difference in a student’s performance and overall well-being. We cook our own meals at FUN, and I remember how some of the kids would name 'meals' as their top reason for loving FUN Commune :D Creating a nutritious meal that the children love would definitely spur them on throughout the day! And we offer a variety of fruits during tea breaks (usually 3 to 5 types) for children to pick. This provision of choice will be a story for another day because we have observed big shifts in acceptance of new food (think about how this can lead to experiences!) and awareness of variety for better physical growth.

Set Realistic Goals

Setting and achieving goals can build confidence and motivation. Encourage students to set small, realistic goals for their academics and personal development. These can be daily or weekly targets that are manageable and achievable. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to keep them motivated and focused. They can be daily to-do lists that are short and comfortable, and slowly built up along the way when they have picked up their momentum.

Be Patient and Flexible

Lastly, it’s crucial to be patient and flexible. Routines may need to evolve and change as everyone settles into the new school year. It’s okay to make adjustments and find what works best for the individual student and family. Patience and understanding during this period can create a positive and supportive atmosphere that promotes long-term success.

In conclusion, easing into a routine after five weeks into the new school year requires a combination of structure, flexibility, and support. By acknowledging the adjustment period, creating consistent routines, prioritizing sleep, organizing study time, encouraging breaks, fostering communication, staying active, nourishing the body, setting realistic goals, and practicing patience, students can navigate the school year with confidence and balance. Remember, a well-rounded approach that considers both academic and personal well-being is key to a successful school year!

Before I sign off, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year! May this year be filled with an abundance of joy, peace, good health and prosperity! 🧧🌸

Warmly,

Kei, and my FLAs at FUN Commune