Back to School, Time for Something New

There is something quite remarkable about the month of September; in many ways, it is more of a fresh start than January could ever be. September brings cooler mornings and earlier sunsets, light jackets and fall activities, but perhaps the most significant change in September is Back to School. As a student and now as a teacher, I have always looked forward to Back to School. There’s a nerve-cited energy in the air as students, parents and teachers prepare to return to routine, reunite with friends, and (hopefully) reignite their passion for school and learning.

Whether your energy falls closer to nervous or excited on the spectrum, September and Back to School represent an opportunity for us all. An opportunity for a fresh start. As parents prepare their children and teachers ready their classrooms for this Thursday, a few ideas to keep in mind:

1. Try something new: Perhaps you’ve wanted to pick up a new hobby or join a school club or team. Check out the school calendar, ask your teacher which clubs are happening after school, or gather a few friends to create your own club.

2. Create new SMART goals: Use Back to School to think about what your goals are for the year. Perhaps you want to improve your reading skills or brush up on your times tables. Set yourself a manageable goal and determine the steps you’ll need to take to achieve it.

3. Make a new friend: Whether you are a new or returning student, encourage yourself to learn something new about a classmate, join a lunchtime video game, or volunteer to join a group project with different classmates.