As a new school year approaches, now is the perfect time for you to begin establishing routines that help your children feel confident, healthy, and ready to learn. Taking a few simple steps in the next week can make a meaningful difference in helping children transition from summer to the classroom.
“As a Board Trustee, former educator, and mom t of children in our elementary and middle schools, I know the mix of excitement, anticipation, and nerves that come with the start of a new school year,” said Shana Hazan, Trustee, San Diego Unified School District Board of Education. “Research tells us it's the small moments at home — reading together, talking about the day, practicing everyday math and getting back into healthy routines — that help children feel confident and ready to learn. steps can make all the difference as we prepare for a successful school year.”
Build a Love of Reading
Reading is one of the best ways families can support learning at home. Just 15 minutes of reading – in any language – each day helps strengthen vocabulary, build background knowledge, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Reading together is valuable for students of every age. Families can read books, magazines, comics, recipes, or listen to audiobooks together. Older students also benefit from talking about what they're reading, asking questions, and making connections to the world around them.
Visiting the local library, participating in free reading programs, and allowing children to choose books that reflect their interests and experiences are simple ways to keep reading enjoyable.
Writing is another great way to strengthen your children’s literacy skills. Keeping a journal, writing letters to family members, creating stories, or even making grocery lists can help students continue developing important literacy skills before school begins.
Keep Math Part of Everyday Life
Families can reinforce math skills through everyday activities like cooking, grocery shopping, planning a family outing, or comparing prices at the store.
Encouraging children to estimate, measure, count, calculate, and solve real-world problems helps build confidence and shows them how math is used every day. Board games, card games, puzzles, and age-appropriate math activities can also make practicing math fun.
The goal is helping students stay curious and continue thinking mathematically even when they’re not in school.
Prioritize Health and Wellness
A healthy start begins with healthy habits.
As you prepare for the new school year, gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up times can help children adjust before the first day of school. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9–12 hours of sleep for children ages 6–12 and 8–10 hours for teens ages 13–18.
Limiting screen time before bed, eating a nutritious breakfast at home or at school, and making time for physical activity contribute to better focus, stronger emotional well-being, and improved learning.
Take time to talk with your children about the upcoming school year. It's normal for students to feel both excited and nervous about returning to school. Listening to their questions, talking through any concerns, and celebrating the opportunities ahead can help ease first-day jitters.
Get Ready for the First Day
A little preparation now can make the first morning much smoother.
Identify a consistent space for reading and homework, organize backpacks and school supplies, and practice a school morning a few days before classes actually begin. Having your child get dressed, eat breakfast, and pack their backpacks as if it were a regular school day can help build confidence and reduce stress.
Remember, supporting your child's success doesn't require expensive workbooks or special programs. Reading together, talking throughout the day, practicing everyday math, and establishing healthy routines are some of the most effective ways families can prepare students for a successful year.
Back-to-School Checklist
Use this checklist to help your family get ready for the first day of school.
Reading & Math Learning
☐ Read together for at least 15–20 minutes each day.
☐ Visit your local library and choose books your child is excited to read.
☐ Encourage your child to write—a journal entry, story, grocery list, or letter.
☐ Practice math through everyday activities like cooking, shopping, measuring, or playing games.
Health & Wellness
☐ Begin moving bedtime and wake-up times earlier.
☐ Turn off phones, tablets, and TVs at least one hour before bedtime.
☐ Talk with your child about how they're feeling about the new school year.
School Readiness
☐ Create a dedicated space for reading and homework.
☐ Practice your morning routine before the first day of school.
☐ Review your school's start time, transportation plan, and arrival procedures.
☐ Complete any required school forms and update emergency contact information in PowerSchool Parent Portal.
Family Goal
☐ Celebrate your child's effort, encourage questions, and remind them that every day is a chance to learn something new.
Article written by James Canning on behalf of the San Diego Unified School District Strategic Communications and Information Department.