LAST WORD
As children head back to school, Sue Laidlaw says there’s no better time to set structures and routines for the year ahead.
By now you are probably either sighing with relief that the new academic year has started or, alternatively, feeling a little wistful that the lazy days of summer have given way to the sense of Autumn in the air.
Either way, we are here again at the start of a new school year. We all hope that the disruptions of the previous school years will be fading and that the rhythm and routine of this year will be far better for everyone. Having experienced so many decades of that new September feeling of hope and optimism- and perhaps some apprehension- for our children, as a mum and as an educator, I share those feelings with you.
As the first days and weeks of the Autumn Term begin to settle down, how can we best support our children whatever age they may be? There are so many ways that we can give our children security and confidence and, indeed, provide the roots that enable them to thrive at school. I may be stating the obvious, but it is always helpful to review thoughts and structures at this time of year.
Whether you have little ones just starting out in Reception, or even Nursery, or whether your almost grown-up teenagers are striding in to Sixth Form, now is the time to set parameters and structures for the year ahead! They may grumble now but they will definitely thank you in due course.
Ensure that everything is ready the evening before. It is quite helpful to put ready packed school bags by the front door. Encourage them, from a young age to help you and ween them off your input as early as they are able. If they are taking a packed lunch, again encourage them to help you prepare it, be involved and have it in the fridge, ready for the next day. By Year 5, they should be more than ready to do this themselves. Sometimes, it is helpful to have a post-it note or a more permanent list on the inside of the front door. This might list which day the violin, recorder, games kit needs to go to school. If a “one off” item is needed – something for Harvest Festival, money for a cake sale or a form to be returned, add it to the list. Laying out uniform the evening before is also helpful as is a time and a special place to do homework.
All this may sound like a military operation, but early training and routines can save a lifetime (literally) or stress and panic when things are forgotten. Indeed, my wonderful middle child, full of life, energy and fun, started off as a disorganised bundle of happiness. By the time she was at the end of Junior School, she had become an organised bundle of happiness that stood her in great stead through Senior School, University and a career beyond.
Build routine, regularity and lovely rituals into the lives of your children and you will probably find that they cope better with all that there is to do in a busy life and have greater confidence to tackle it! Many children with specific needs, such as Dyslexia particularly benefit from such an approach.
Of course, none of us should become a slave to routine and there is plenty of time for breaking routines and happy chaos sometimes, too.
Enjoy the new academic year with all that it brings.
Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP. Sue and her team offer lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Find out more at www.laidlaweducation.co.uk or call 0208 487 9517