School is back! This week and next, students, teachers, and administrators will kick off the 20-21 school year. With how different this year is going to be, and after numerous conversations with both students and teachers, I wanted to give a few tips to use for you to make the most of this year.
Make a NEW Routine
The new normal. It seems like that’s been the buzzword of the summer, and it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. So that perfect routine you finally figured out last fall? Throw it out. Whether that be your morning routine, how you make your lesson plans, knowing how to perfectly time bathroom breaks between classes, it all has to go.
Instead, this year, develop a new routine. It won’t happen necessarily overnight, but find your new rhythm in the day. Best time to check email, when to set aside time to either do your homework or grade your class’s work and yes, even when to find those new perfectly timed bathroom breaks during the day.
Be Flexible
That nice new routine you’re now thinking about making? Hold it loosely. How the 20-21 school year begins is probably not how it will end, so be prepared for that. The way to succeed this year, and in the future is to be willing to hear the dreaded word, change.
My mother used to tell me, and honestly still does, “The only thing you can control is yourself.” So embrace the change, even when it’s confusing and frustrating. Also, remember that everyone is in the same place of learning. Both your students and your teachers will be learning and adapting alongside you, so make sure to add a little grace for everyone.
Ask Questions
I have always thought that you should never be afraid to ask questions, and now is the best time for you to believe that. You’re going to have things come up this year you don’t know how to handle. That may be understanding all the new technology in the classroom. It might be figuring out how to complete your assignments without sneaking over to the teacher’s desk to ask questions you’re embarrassed to say aloud.
I want to encourage you to be willing to ask questions this year. Whether that’s to your peers, to your teachers, and yes, it may even be your teacher asking you a question. This year is going to require teamwork for everyone to succeed.
Stay Positive
This year could be hard. I don’t know what tomorrow looks like, let alone the next semester. I do know that your attitude can determine how you will look back on this year. Take the opportunity to find at least one good thing from every day.
It doesn’t have to be something revolutionary. It can be where you stop for your morning pick me up or get to talk to a friend or family member. Part of having the best possible school year will depend on the mindset you bring to the table.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17
Sloan Stephenson 