NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the back-to-school season quickly approaching, education experts from Middle Tennessee State University and Homer Pittard Campus School offered tips on WKRN-TV’s “MTSU on 2” segment to help parents get their children ready for a smooth and successful return to the classroom.

Katie Schrodt, a professor in MTSU’s College of Education, and Campus School second-grade teacher Laurie Phillips appeared on “Local on 2” on Friday, July 24, to offer tips and strategies for managing children’s back-to-school stress and how to make sure they are prepared for the first day of school.

Phillips says there are several strategies parents can incorporate in the weeks leading up to the first day of class, like re-establishing bedtimes and morning routines, practicing independence, reading together every day and talking positively about school to help build excitement.

“Routines at home help support success with routines in the classroom,” said Phillips. “Ease back into the school routine by gradually getting back into the swing of things. Little things like going to bed earlier, reading together, waking up earlier, and intentionally making your day more structured will make those first few weeks easier.”

She added, “Encouraging your little one to be more independent with tasks at home is also a great way to reinforce their independence as a student.”

Watch the full segment below.

Schrodt also said that if a child is nervous about starting school, parents should remind them they aren’t expected to know everything, especially on the first day.

“Don’t worry if you and your child are nervous. This is normal! Books are a great resource for launching conversations about feeling scared about school. It is good to talk about our feelings together. As the adult, keep your possible anxiety in check while also acknowledging we get nervous too,” Schrodt said.  

She also said parents shouldn’t worry about the “summer slide,” or the loss of academic knowledge and skills that their kids may experience during summer break.

“Teachers are more than prepared to address any skills that have been lost over the summer. In fact, we probably lost some skills too. The beginning of the school year is meant for a slow start, establishing routines and reviewing knowledge and skills,” Schrodt said.  

And if you’re wondering how families and teachers can work together throughout the year to ensure student success, Phillips said there are several ways to help support educators, including early communication and reinforcing routines at home.

“Parents and teachers make the best teams. Communication is key to a successful school year. Parents often worry about their level of involvement and that it must look a certain way. However, involvement looks different for everyone, and teachers appreciate all levels. Whether you can volunteer in the classroom, do things from home, donate monetarily, or are just an active partner in your child’s school year by supporting them at home with reading or math, it is all important and helpful,” she said.

To learn more about MTSU’s College of Education and how to pursue a career as a teacher, counselor, librarian, or school leader, visit education.mtsu.edu.  

—   DeAnn Hays ([email protected])