BACK TO SCHOOL: Tips for K–5 Parents to Ensure a Smooth Transition
After weeks of sunshine, play dates, and a looser schedule, the transition from summer to school can be tough for young children—and their parents. But with the right steps, it’s possible to ease kids back into a school-year mindset and start the year on a strong note.
“Children do best when they’re mentally prepared for what’s coming,” says Kimberly Walter, director of the Huntington Learning Center in Mentor. “Some kids dread the end of summer fun. Others feel anxious about a new teacher, tougher academics, or being in a more structured environment again. The key is to help them feel confident, capable, and supported.”
Here are some simple but powerful strategies Walter recommends for helping elementary students make the most of their back-to-school season:
1. Talk About Nerves
Fear of the unknown is common—especially among younger children. “Ask your child what’s on their mind,” Walter suggests. “Let them express what they’re worried about, whether it’s math, making friends, or finding their new classroom. Just being heard can ease anxiety.”
2. Reestablish Routines
Routines give kids a sense of control and predictability—something many students crave after the free-flowing days of summer. A week or two before school starts, begin practicing school-year habits: earlier bedtimes, morning wake-ups, and consistent meal times. Go over what a typical school day will look like and discuss after-school plans, homework expectations, and screen time rules.
3. Set Goals (and Break Them Into Steps)
Once your child feels a little more settled about the return to school, talk about what they’d like to accomplish this year. For some, that might mean improving reading skills or mastering multiplication. For others, it might simply be staying more organized or getting better grades. “Help your child break big goals into smaller steps they can manage—and celebrate progress along the way,” Walter encourages.
4. Review What They’ve Learned
Summer learning loss is real. Without regular practice, students can forget important concepts, especially in subjects like math and reading. “Spend 10–20 minutes a few times a week reviewing last year’s work,” Walter advises. “Pull out worksheets or old homework and talk through it together. This helps reactivate skills and sets the stage for learning new material.”
5. Organize for Success
A clean desk and a stocked backpack can go a long way in getting students mentally and physically prepared. Encourage your child to make a checklist of supplies they need, and create a dedicated spot at home to manage school papers and artwork. “The more involved students are in the prep process, the more ownership they feel,” Walter notes.
6. Fill Skill Gaps Now—Not Later
If your child struggled last year, don’t wait until the first report card to take action. “Those academic gaps won’t close on their own—and they’ll only widen if left unaddressed,” Walter says. Even with the school year quickly approaching, there’s still time to get support. At Huntington, students begin with a comprehensive academic evaluation and receive a personalized plan to strengthen their weak areas. “A student who feels confident in their skills is more motivated, less anxious, and better prepared to thrive,” she adds.
Start Strong—Stay Strong
“Back-to-school preparation isn’t just about shopping for notebooks and pencils,” says Walter. “It’s about ensuring that your child feels ready—mentally, emotionally, and academically—to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Whether your child needs a confidence boost, a refresher on last year’s material, or extra support in core subjects, the team at Huntington Learning Center is ready to help.
T
o learn more or schedule an academic evaluation, visit www.HuntingtonHelps.com or call:
Mayfield Heights: 440-683-1784
Mentor: 440-205-8283
Founded in 1977, Huntington is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider, offering individualized instruction for students K–12.
Submitted by Huntington Learning Center of Mentor
“Children do best when they’re mentally prepared for what’s coming,” says Kimberly Walter, director of the Huntington Learning Center in Mentor. “Some kids dread the end of summer fun. Others feel anxious about a new teacher, tougher academics, or being in a more structured environment again. The key is to help them feel confident, capable, and supported.”
Here are some simple but powerful strategies Walter recommends for helping elementary students make the most of their back-to-school season:
1. Talk About Nerves
Fear of the unknown is common—especially among younger children. “Ask your child what’s on their mind,” Walter suggests. “Let them express what they’re worried about, whether it’s math, making friends, or finding their new classroom. Just being heard can ease anxiety.”
2. Reestablish Routines
Routines give kids a sense of control and predictability—something many students crave after the free-flowing days of summer. A week or two before school starts, begin practicing school-year habits: earlier bedtimes, morning wake-ups, and consistent meal times. Go over what a typical school day will look like and discuss after-school plans, homework expectations, and screen time rules.
3. Set Goals (and Break Them Into Steps)
Once your child feels a little more settled about the return to school, talk about what they’d like to accomplish this year. For some, that might mean improving reading skills or mastering multiplication. For others, it might simply be staying more organized or getting better grades. “Help your child break big goals into smaller steps they can manage—and celebrate progress along the way,” Walter encourages.
4. Review What They’ve Learned
Summer learning loss is real. Without regular practice, students can forget important concepts, especially in subjects like math and reading. “Spend 10–20 minutes a few times a week reviewing last year’s work,” Walter advises. “Pull out worksheets or old homework and talk through it together. This helps reactivate skills and sets the stage for learning new material.”
5. Organize for Success
A clean desk and a stocked backpack can go a long way in getting students mentally and physically prepared. Encourage your child to make a checklist of supplies they need, and create a dedicated spot at home to manage school papers and artwork. “The more involved students are in the prep process, the more ownership they feel,” Walter notes.
6. Fill Skill Gaps Now—Not Later
If your child struggled last year, don’t wait until the first report card to take action. “Those academic gaps won’t close on their own—and they’ll only widen if left unaddressed,” Walter says. Even with the school year quickly approaching, there’s still time to get support. At Huntington, students begin with a comprehensive academic evaluation and receive a personalized plan to strengthen their weak areas. “A student who feels confident in their skills is more motivated, less anxious, and better prepared to thrive,” she adds.
Start Strong—Stay Strong
“Back-to-school preparation isn’t just about shopping for notebooks and pencils,” says Walter. “It’s about ensuring that your child feels ready—mentally, emotionally, and academically—to face the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Whether your child needs a confidence boost, a refresher on last year’s material, or extra support in core subjects, the team at Huntington Learning Center is ready to help.
T
o learn more or schedule an academic evaluation, visit www.HuntingtonHelps.com or call:
Mayfield Heights: 440-683-1784
Mentor: 440-205-8283
Founded in 1977, Huntington is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider, offering individualized instruction for students K–12.
Submitted by Huntington Learning Center of Mentor