5 Tips to Prepare for the Return to School The adjustment from summer break to a rigorous academic routine can be challenging for even the most regimented families. In addition to changing bedtime and waking routines, most students experience some form of the “Summer Slide.” The phenomenon refers to learning losses due to school being out of session for several months. So, what can parents do to best prepare their students for a return to the classroom and all that entails? We’ve got five tips to help you get organized, build a routine, and reduce the risk of problems when the first day of school finally does become a reality. 1. Set up a designated homework space. Whether it’s a desk, the dining room table, or a portable table in the bedroom, creating a specific space for school supplies, studying, and working on projects is essential. Ensure there are no distractions and remove technology that’s not directly contributing to their success during homework hours. Consider crafting a “Student at Work” sign to reenforce the designated time and space to your child or teen. The sign will also alert other family members who might unintentionally create a disturbance. 2. Get them personal brain training. One-on-one brain training targets the cognitive skills that make up the foundation of ALL learning. These include brain skills like memory, auditory processing, attention, processing speed, logic & reasoning, and visual processing. It also gives kids a HUGE boost of confidence. Some parents are turning to tutoring in hopes of helping their children “catch up” on academic material like math formulas and history facts. But others are turning to personal brain training to boost the underlying cognitive skills that make learning easier in ANY subject. “Tutoring is designed to deliver educational content,” explains Kim Hanson, CEO of LearningRx (www.LearningRx.com), the world’s largest personal brain training company. “Personal brain training helps strengthen weak cognitive skills to help students learn, understand, remember and apply the content they’re being taught. We start with a cognitive skills assessment to determine which brain skills are weak, then design a personal brain training program to target and strengthen those weak skills. Students are matched with a personal brain trainer to receive fun and effective brain training remotely or in person. The results are often life-changing and we’ve seen learning become easier and faster for clients of all ages.” Personal brain training is offered in-person, virtually or via a mix of the two. It can be done after standard school hours. 3. Reevaluate medications. A back-to-school physical or vaccine update is the perfect time to talk to your doctor about any medications your student may be taking or needing. Allergy medications can put your student in a fog. Stimulant medications for ADHD can have side effects. Talk to your pediatrician about potential alternatives, such as allergen immunotherapy or nonstimulant medications. 4. Create a calendar. Start by filling in any school-related half days or closures listed on the school’s website. Gradually add project deadlines, quizzes, and tests as your student receives them from teachers. Discuss creating your own deadlines for things like writing assignments. Their components can be broken down into smaller chunks (e.g., outline, rough draft, proofing). 5. Discuss, plan, and establish routines in the weeks before school. Don’t wait until the night before school to discuss any concerns your student may be feeling about the school year. Tour the school if you can. Encourage them to practice opening their locker padlock. Attend any meet-the-teacher events, and organize outfits for younger children. Reestablish mealtimes, bedtimes, and waking routines. Focus on good habits (e.g., reading books rather than scrolling through social media) before bed. The first day of school is right around the corner! Find out how LearningRx personal brain training may be able to help you student have their best year yet.