Back to School Routines

We are so happy to be home from a family trip to our home away from home, Treasure Beach, Jamaica! We had a great time with our children Woods (age 25) and Emily (age 23). Woods is living in San Francisco and Emily recently left our nest after completing graduate school at Tulane for New York City to study interior design. Things are quiet around here but thankfully, we have your children to keep us happy, engaged and busy!

We remember the back to school days with our own chhildren and wanted to send along some tips for setting routines. This is important although it is not an easy thing to do. Whether your student is a kindergartener or a seasoned high schooler, the right routines can make the year less stressful and way more manageable. The trick is finding routines that match your child’s age, needs, and learning style.

Here are some ideas on how to set up routines and strategies for elementary, middle, and high schoolers. This is not easy for families especially with so many after school activities, but hopefully one or two suggestions might be of help.

Routines for Elementary Kids

Involve your child: Let them help make a routine chart with drawings, photos, or stickers.

Start with anchor routines: Consistent mealtimes and bedtimes.

Use visual aids: Charts, checklists, and timers make routines clear and predictable.

Break down tasks: List each step (like “get dressed” becomes shirt, pants, socks, shoes).

Prepare the night before: Lay out clothes, pack bags, and prep lunches for a smoother morning.

Provide positive reinforcement: Praise, high-fives, and small rewards build confidence and cooperation.

Examples of routines:

• Morning: Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, check schedule, grab backpack.

• After school: Put backpack away, snack, chores, homework, playtime.

• Bedtime: Bath/shower, pajamas, brush teeth, reading time, lights out.

Extra Support for Kids with Learning Differences

Keep routines simple, visual, and consistent.

• Use visual schedules with pictures or simple words.

• Maintain consistent times for waking, meals, and sleep.

• Organize spaces with labeled bins and clear storage.

• Break big jobs into small steps—use checklists or charts.

• Designate a clutter-free homework spot.

• Involve your child in planning routines and organizing spaces.

• Be patient and flexible. Communicate changes in advance and celebrate small wins.

Ideas for Middle School Students

Middle school students need a little more independence, but still need structure. Routines can help them balance homework, activities, and downtime—especially as responsibilities ramp up.

1. Use planners or digital calendars: Encourage your student to write down assignments, deadlines, and activities. Google Calendar or a paper planner works—whatever they’ll actually use. Daily check-ins and consistency with your child is key!

2. Set a homework “power hour”: Pick a consistent time and place for homework. Limit distractions (no phone, TV, or extra tabs open) and keep supplies handy. Short breaks every 30 minutes help improve focus.

3. Organize materials and spaces: Color-code folders or binders for each subject. Have a specific spot for backpacks and school supplies, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

4. Prep the night before: Before bed, have your student pack their bag, charge devices, and lay out clothes. This reduces morning stress and last-minute scrambles.

5. Build in downtime: Middle school can be overwhelming—make sure there’s time for hobbies, friends, or just chilling out.

6. Use checklists for complex tasks: For big projects or multi-step assignments, break down the steps and check them off as you go. Help your middle schooler use their calendar so they can see a visual timeline of when things are due. Help them determine the time needed for these assignments as some students still do not have realistic ideas of the time things take.

7. Practice self-advocacy: Encourage your student to review their schedule each morning and reach out to teachers if they need help clarifying assignments or deadlines.

8. For students with learning differences:

• Use visual planners or reminder apps.

• Keep routines simple and consistent.

• Provide written, step-by-step instructions for homework.

• Encourage self-monitoring with checklists or timers.

Ideas for High School Students

High school is all about juggling academics, activities, friends, and maybe even work. The right routines can help students stay organized and reduce anxiety—skills they’ll use long after graduation.

1. Time-blocking and scheduling: Teach your student to block out time for homework, extracurriculars, and relaxation. Apps like Google Calendar or Notion can help.

2. Set priorities and goals: At the start of each week, have your student list their top priorities and set small, achievable goals.

3. Create a study plan: For big tests or projects, map out a study schedule in advance—no more cramming the night before.

4. Limit distractions: Designate a study spot that’s quiet and free of clutter. Turn off notifications during homework time.

5. Stay on top of deadlines: Encourage your student to check their calendar or assignment tracker daily. Set reminders for important due dates.

6. Maintain healthy routines: Consistent sleep, hydration, regular meals, and downtime are just as important as academics.

7. Encourage self-care and stress management: Help your student find stress outlets, whether it’s exercise, music, art, or time with friends.

8. For students with learning differences:

• Use visual schedules or digital reminders.

• Break assignments into smaller tasks with check-ins.

• Keep an organized workspace with labeled folders and bins.

• Advocate for accommodations if needed (extra time, note-taking tools).

• Communicate changes in advance and allow for flexibility when stress is high.

Final Thoughts

Whether your student is just starting school or heading into their senior year, routines are the secret weapon for staying on track—and keeping life from feeling chaotic. For students with learning differences, routines that are simple, visual, and consistent can make all the difference. The key is to start small, involve your child in the process, and celebrate progress along the way.

No routine will ever be perfect, but with the right strategies, you’ll give your child the tools to feel confident, independent, and ready to take on whatever the school year brings.

We are here to offer guidance and support to our students, so please do reach out for any reason. We are so excited to be back in the office on Magazine Street! Theo's Pizza downstairs sure makes it easy to grab an afternoon snack or dinner before or after sessions!