Starting high-school can be challenging—whether walking through the doors for the first time or starting a new grade—but with regular check-ins and a strong routine that encourages independence, the transition can be a great learning experience.
Here are a few strategies, straight from our tutors, that’ll ensure a successful (and not-too-stressful) start:
Improve note-taking strategies: Developing great note-taking skills can help high-schoolers maximize their academic results and serve as invaluable references when studying. Our team of OCT-certified tutors shared these fourteen organizational strategies that every teen should try to use this school year.
Plan to get enough sleep: According to Rebecca Earl from Sugar Plum Sleep, “As children reach adolescence, their sleep patterns will naturally start to shift later. That’s because the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps us feel drowsy, is released later in the day.” Teenagers need at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night, so chat with your teen about their school schedule, extra-curricular and social activities and help them plan a bedtime that reflects the sleep they need.
Use an agenda: Carve out time to sit with your teen to review upcoming homework assignments, important academic dates (e.g., tests, exams etc.) and extra-curricular activities. Revisit this process every month or so to ensure the agenda is up to date!
Manage the electronics: Set up an electronic docking station in a central area in your home. Set expectations for every one in the house to leave their electronics there during homework, family time, and to leave them docked at bedtime so they can have a proper rest.
Set academic goals: September is the perfect time to set goals for the year ahead. Review last year’s report card with your teen and help them set 3-4 goals—1 for the short term, 1 for the end of first term, and another 1-2 for the entire year. Once they’ve been set, break out the agenda and help them organize mini-goals to achieve them.
Related Articles View All
Finding Home in Unexpected Places: Inside “The City of Lost Cats” with Vancouver Author Tanya Lloyd Kyi
A heartfelt look at The City of Lost Cats by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, exploring themes of belonging, community, and resilience through an imaginative, multi-perspective story featuring a young girl and a group of stray animals.
"Songs for Ghosts" by Clara Kumagai: A Poetic YA Historical Fiction Novel
Discover Songs for Ghosts by Clara Kumagai, a haunting YA novel blending history, romance, and the supernatural. Through a hidden diary and a connection across time, this poetic story explores identity, grief, and the echoes of the past.
Learning in Motion: How “This Is How a Ball Rolls” Turns Play into Science for Young Readers
A playful STEAM-inspired picture book blends sports and science to spark curiosity in young readers. Through engaging rhymes and interactive guessing, it invites children to explore how things move, bounce, and roll in the world around them.
