As the new school year approaches across various educational stages in many Arab countries, families prepare to embark on a new journey of effort and diligence with their children to acquire knowledge, study, and achieve the highest grades in pursuit of a better future.
Given the long summer vacation (3 to 4 months), a child or student needs motivational factors to ensure their psychological, mental, and physical readiness before the school year begins. This can be achieved through the following:
1. Psychological Preparation: Begin by helping children transition away from the habits they developed during the vacation, such as staying up late, using phones and social media for extended periods, and wasting time on leisure activities. These habits should be curbed at least a week or ten days before school starts to improve the student's ability to adjust to the school routine.
2. Engage in Conversations: Educational experts recommend talking with children about the upcoming school year, sparking enthusiasm within them for the new academic stage. Discuss their aspirations for the new year and their plans with classmates and teachers. Encourage them to start communicating with their peers and teachers, perhaps to organize a start-of-year party or plan student activities after the summer.
3. Early Rising: Waking up early is an important and necessary part of preparing the student both mentally and physically for school. Reintroduce family traditions like having breakfast together, engaging in physical exercise, and dedicating an hour to reading to refresh memory and gain new knowledge, which will give the student a sense of confidence as they face a new educational marathon.
4. Academic Preparation: Students should begin familiarizing themselves with the new subjects they will be studying and get a sense of the content. Watching educational videos related to these subjects can be helpful. They might also start taking lessons in a subject they find difficult or in which they need to improve their performance compared to the previous year.
5. Organizing Study Space: Arranging the study area or their personal room, setting up their library, and preparing school supplies, bags, and uniforms can psychologically and mentally prepare the child for the new school year. This can foster a spirit of enthusiasm and happiness, provided that distractions like TV and video games are avoided in the study area.
6. Time Management: Encourage the child to organize their time and create a study schedule that includes time for Quran reading, physical activity, and sufficient sleep, along with a weekly day off to meet relatives and friends, pursue hobbies, or go out for leisure. This refreshes and revitalizes them.
7. Setting Goals: It is important for the student to set a goal or several academic goals, such as being among the top students in their class or school, depending on their abilities, achieving high marks in a particular subject, improving their skills and abilities, participating in school competitions, and striving for the ideal student award. These small or large goals can drive them toward success and achievement.
8. Healthy Eating: Doctors recommend consuming healthy food and ensuring a nutritious breakfast rich in minerals and vitamins, such as eggs, milk, fruits, and fresh vegetables. A healthy breakfast improves cognitive performance, positively impacting school performance. Avoid fatty foods, fast food, and soft drinks as they weaken the immune system and contribute to obesity and diabetes.
9. School Familiarization: It is advisable to take your child to school before the school year begins, especially if they are attending for the first time or transitioning to a new educational stage. Explore the school's features and geographic location with them. If possible, introduce them to their teachers to help them feel confident and supported by you, as well as psychologically comfortable and familiar with the new environment.
10. Open Dialogue: Engage in conversation with your child, ask them about their needs, and let them talk about what they like or dislike about school. Try to understand their needs, listen to their memories from last year, and ask what they plan for the new year. Who are their favorite teachers and why? What activities do they enjoy during school hours? What are their plans for the new year? This approach strengthens their self-confidence and sense of appreciation from those around them.
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