Establishing School Routines: Tips and Tricks for Parents/Guardians, Students, and Teachers

The beginning of a new school year is exciting for everyone involved—students, parents/guardians, and teachers alike. While it brings a fresh start, new friendships, and new learning opportunities, it also brings the need to reestablish or build effective routines. Whether you are a student adjusting after a long summer break, a parent helping your child get organized, or a teacher setting the tone for the year, intense routines create the foundation for success.

Establishing these routines at the beginning of the school year helps set expectations, reduces stress, and creates a more structured learning environment. Here are some practical tips and tricks from Mesquite ISD to help students, parents/guardians, and teachers start the year on the right foot.

 

---

 

1. Set a Regular Bedtime and Wake-Up Routine

Getting enough sleep is one of the most critical components of academic success for students. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that children aged 6-12 should get 9-12 hours of sleep, while teenagers aged 13-18 need 8-10 hours per night.

• For Students: Create a relaxing pre-bedtime routine to help you wind down. Whether reading a book, journaling, or doing light stretching, find something that helps your body know it is bedtime. Learn more about developing a healthy sleep routine.
• For Parents/Guardians: Establish a consistent sleep schedule for your child, even on weekends. Avoid screen time at least 30 minutes before bed to prevent disrupting their sleep cycle. Here are tips on setting a sleep schedule for kids.
• For Teachers: Encourage students to prioritize sleep and talk to them about the importance of rest in maintaining focus and productivity in the classroom. Here is an educator’s guide to promoting student health.

 

 

2. Prepare the Night Before

Mornings can be busy and stressful for everyone, but a little preparation the night before can make them smoother for parents/guardians and students. Teachers, this is also a great habit to encourage in your students, as it helps them come to school ready to learn.

• For Students: Pack your backpack with everything you will need the next day—homework, textbooks, and supplies. Lay out your clothes the night before to avoid rushing in the morning. Check out this guide for staying organized.
• For Parents/Guardians: Help younger students prepare their school bags and lunches the night before. This teaches them responsibility while ensuring nothing is forgotten. Here are tips to prepare for the school day.
• For Teachers: Encourage students to come prepared by setting daily expectations for what materials they should bring to class. Remind them to plan. Learn how teachers can promote student responsibility.

 

 

3. Create a Designated Homework Space and Time

Whether you are a student working on assignments, a parent overseeing your child’s schoolwork, or a teacher providing homework guidance, having a consistent time and space for completing school tasks is critical.

• For Students: Choose a quiet, distraction-free area where you can focus on your work. Set a specific time each day to complete your homework, which will help you stay on track and reduce procrastination. Find tips on creating a homework routine.
• For Parents/Guardians: Help your child find a good homework spot and ensure it is stocked with necessary supplies like pens, paper, and a calculator. Create a routine that balances study time with breaks. Here is a guide for creating effective homework space.
• For Teachers: Encourage students to establish a homework routine and provide tips on how to stay organized. You can also offer guidance on time management strategies like using a planner to track assignments. Explore these strategies for building student routines.

 

 

4. Organize School Supplies and Materials

The organization plays a critical role in staying on top of schoolwork. Both students and teachers should prioritize staying organized to avoid unnecessary stress, while parents/guardians can support this habit at home.

• For Students: Use folders or binders for each subject to organize papers and assignments. Color-code your supplies to easily differentiate between classes, and regularly clean out your backpack to keep it clutter-free. Read more on organizing school supplies.
• For Parents/Guardians: Help your child create an organization system for schoolwork. Encourage them to maintain a planner to track upcoming assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities. Check out this resource on how parents/guardians can teach organization.
• For Teachers: Provide organizational tips for students, such as using subject-specific folders or binders, and encourage them to take responsibility for keeping track of their assignments. Explore ways to promote student organization.

 

 

5. Stay Active and Incorporate Breaks

Physical activity is essential for everyone, not just for physical health but also for maintaining focus and mental clarity. Parents/guardians and teachers can promote activity and break times for students.

• For Students: Make sure you include movement in your daily routine, whether through sports, walking, or simply taking a break between study sessions. This helps keep your mind sharp and your body energized. Learn how physical activity boosts learning.
• For Parents/Guardians: Encourage your child to be active for at least 60 minutes daily, whether through organized sports, playtime, or family activities. Get tips on how to promote an active lifestyle for kids.
• For Teachers: Incorporate movement breaks in the classroom, especially during long periods of sitting. These breaks can improve concentration and reduce restlessness. Check out these classroom activity break ideas.

 

 

6. Maintain Open Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of a successful school year for students, parents/guardians, and teachers. Keeping everyone on the same page ensures that expectations are clear and any challenges can be addressed early on.

• For Students: Do not hesitate to ask your teachers questions if you are unsure about something, and keep your parents/guardians in the loop about your schoolwork. Open communication helps everyone understand what you need. Learn why student-teacher communication is vital.
• For Parents/Guardians: Regularly check in with your child about their day. Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation about school. Stay up to date with school and district-wide announcements via your Family Feed.

Don’t have an AYO account? Sign up here. 

• For Teachers: Keep communication lines open with students and parents/guardians. Provide updates on student progress and be available for any questions or concerns that arise throughout the year. Explore effective teacher-parent communication strategies.

 

 

7. Monitor Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

While academic success is important, mental and emotional health is just as crucial. Students, parents/guardians, and teachers all play a role in ensuring mental health remains a priority throughout the school year.

• For Students: It is normal to feel stressed sometimes, but managing that stress is essential. Practice mindfulness, talk to a trusted adult, and do not be afraid to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Explore resources for student mental health. You can also talk with your school counselor. Check out the counselor directory here. 
• For Parents/Guardians: Be aware of your child’s emotional well-being. Encourage open conversations about how they are feeling and provide support if they are struggling with stress or anxiety. Teach them healthy coping strategies like deep breathing or journaling. Here are mental health tips for parents/guardians.
• For Teachers: Pay attention to your students' emotional needs. Create a supportive environment where they feel safe to express themselves and provide resources or referrals if you notice a student struggling with their mental health. Read this guide on promoting mental health in schools.

 

 

8. Be Flexible and Adjust Routines as Needed

While routines are essential, they are not set in stone. Life happens, and sometimes adjustments are necessary. Students, parents/guardians, and teachers should be prepared to make changes to ensure that routines remain effective.

• For Students: If your routine is not working, do not be afraid to switch things up. Adjusting your study schedule or trying new organizational methods is okay if your work is not helping you succeed. Learn how to build flexible school routines.
• For Parents/Guardians: Stay flexible and open to making changes. As your child grows or school demands change, their routines may need to evolve to support their success better. Check out how to adapt routines for success and avoid back-to-school anxiety.
• For Teachers: Be adaptable and encourage your students to be, too. Help them understand that flexibility is a part of learning and remind them that it is okay to make adjustments when something is not working. Read about adaptable classroom strategies.

 

 

Conclusion: Routines Lead to Success

Whether you are a student aiming for academic success, a parent or guardian helping your child navigate the school year, or a teacher guiding students, establishing and maintaining effective routines is critical to a smooth and successful year. Everyone involved can contribute to a supportive and productive school environment by creating structure, encouraging communication, and fostering flexibility.

Earnest routines provide the foundation for learning, growth, and success in school and beyond. 

Here is to a great school year for students, parents/guardians, and teachers!

For additional family resources, click here. 

–

Any questions or concerns can be directed to: msherrell@mesquiteisd.org