Transform your child’s academic journey with proven strategies from experienced Canadian educators

Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming for both parents and children. With new teachers, different expectations, and fresh challenges ahead, how can you set your child up for success from day one? We reached out to experienced Canadian educators across the country to gather their most effective strategies for student success.

These aren’t theoretical suggestions—they’re battle-tested approaches that teachers see work year after year in their classrooms. From kindergarten through high school, these insights will help you create the foundation your child needs to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school year.

The Power of Strategic Goal-Setting with Your Child

One of the most impactful ways to start the school year is by involving your child in setting meaningful, achievable goals. This isn’t about imposing adult expectations—it’s about teaching your child to take ownership of their learning journey.

Why September Goal-Setting Works

Michelle Perry, a Grade 7 teacher from Toronto, emphasizes the timing: “Make your child’s school year a success by helping him/her to set goals in September—one related to academics and one geared to a club or sport. By starting at the beginning of the year, students gain a better understanding of how to set goals, how to set a focus for their first term and how to measure their results after their first term.”

Creating Effective Student Goals

When working with your child to establish goals, consider these guidelines:

Academic Goals Should Be:

  • Specific and measurable (“Improve math grade from B- to B+” rather than “do better in math”)
  • Focused on effort and process, not just outcomes
  • Broken down into smaller, monthly milestones
  • Regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed

Examples of Strong Academic Goals:

  • Complete all homework assignments on time for the first month
  • Read for 20 minutes each night and track books finished
  • Participate in class discussions at least once per day
  • Organize binder and backpack every Friday

Social/Activity Goals Might Include:

  • Try out for a school team or join a club
  • Make one new friend each month
  • Volunteer for a classroom or school responsibility
  • Learn a new skill through an extracurricular activity

The Review and Reset Process

The magic happens in the follow-through. Schedule monthly check-ins with your child to discuss:

  • What’s working well?
  • What challenges have come up?
  • Do we need to adjust our approach?
  • What support do you need from me?

This process teaches children valuable life skills: self-reflection, problem-solving, and persistence. It also shows them that goals aren’t set in stone—they can be modified as circumstances change.

Designing the Ultimate Study Environment

The physical space where your child does homework and studying has a profound impact on their ability to focus, learn, and develop good academic habits. Creating an effective workspace is about more than just finding a quiet corner—it requires thoughtful consideration of your child’s unique learning style and needs.

Essential Elements of an Effective Study Space

Jason Lauzon, a vice-principal from Vancouver, stresses the importance of customization: “Students need a great workspace. This space should be clear of distractions, well lit with a comfortable chair. This is a conversation that should happen with the parent and child to figure out what is best for the student’s individual study/learning style.”

Lighting and Comfort

  • Natural light is ideal, but if not available, use a bright desk lamp
  • Ensure the chair supports good posture—feet flat on floor, back straight
  • Keep the temperature comfortable (slightly cool is often better for concentration)
  • Consider a small footrest for younger children

Organization Systems

  • Dedicated spaces for different subjects’ materials
  • Easy-to-reach storage for frequently used supplies
  • A calendar or planner visible at eye level
  • File folders or binders for keeping papers organized

Minimizing Distractions

  • Remove toys, games, and non-essential items from the immediate area
  • Use noise-cancelling headphones or soft instrumental music if helpful
  • Keep smartphones and tablets in another room during study time
  • Position the desk away from high-traffic areas of the home

The Technology Challenge

Lauzon also addresses a modern dilemma: “The addition of a computer at the workspace can present a distraction in that computers are easily used for a range of activities other than homework or study such as social networking or gaming.”

Managing Digital Distractions:

  • Use parental controls to block distracting websites during homework hours
  • Install apps that monitor and limit screen time
  • Create a “phone parking station” outside the study area
  • Establish clear rules about when technology can and cannot be used

Adapting to Different Learning Styles

Not every child learns the same way. Consider these adaptations:

For Visual Learners:

  • Cork board or whiteboard for visual reminders
  • Coloured pens, highlighters, and sticky notes
  • Charts, graphs, and visual organizers

For Auditory Learners:

  • Quiet space where they can read aloud without disturbing others
  • Recording device for capturing ideas
  • Background white noise or soft music if helpful

For Kinesthetic Learners:

  • Standing desk option or exercise ball chair
  • Fidget tools that don’t distract from work
  • Space to move around and take breaks

Building Strong Home-School Communication

The relationship between home and school is one of the most powerful predictors of student success. When parents and teachers work as a team, children benefit from consistent expectations, shared goals, and comprehensive support.

The Foundation of Educational Partnership

Colin Reid, a high school teacher from Vancouver, explains: “The most helpful advice for any parent of a school-aged child would be to stay involved in their education. Learning at the K-12 level is rarely a solo activity. Parents who talk to their children about what they are learning and are involved in the process are much more likely to be able to assist their children when they need help.”

Daily Connection Strategies

Make Learning Conversations Natural:

  • Ask specific questions: “What was the most interesting thing you learned in science today?” instead of “How was school?”
  • Show genuine curiosity about their subjects
  • Ask them to teach you something new they learned
  • Connect their learning to real-world experiences

Weekly Check-ins:

  • Review upcoming assignments and tests
  • Discuss any challenges they’re facing
  • Celebrate successes and progress
  • Plan ahead for busy weeks

Building Trust for Problem-Solving

Reid notes an important insight: “It may surprise a lot of parents, but students are often quite keen to share what they are working on or what they have just learned. By staying involved in and informed about their child’s education, parents will more likely be the person sought out if they are ever having problems or need extra help.”

Creating a Safe Space for Academic Struggles:

  • Respond to problems with curiosity, not judgment
  • Focus on finding solutions together rather than assigning blame
  • Share your own learning challenges from when you were in school
  • Emphasize that asking for help is a sign of maturity, not weakness

Communicating Effectively with Teachers

Early in the School Year:

  • Introduce yourself and share important information about your child
  • Ask about the teacher’s preferred communication method and timing
  • Discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and learning style
  • Establish expectations for homework and home support

Throughout the Year:

  • Respond promptly to teacher communications
  • Share relevant information about changes at home that might affect learning
  • Ask how you can support classroom learning at home
  • Address concerns early before they become bigger problems

Supporting Different Age Groups

Elementary Students (K-6):

  • Daily conversations about school experiences
  • Regular review of homework and projects
  • Active participation in school events and volunteer opportunities
  • Close collaboration with teachers on behavioural and academic concerns

Middle School Students (7-8):

  • Balance between support and independence
  • Focus on organizational skills and time management
  • Discuss social challenges and friendships
  • Monitor academic progress while encouraging self-advocacy

High School Students (9-12):

  • Respect growing independence while staying available
  • Focus on post-secondary planning and goal-setting
  • Support without micromanaging
  • Encourage direct communication between student and teachers

Establishing Stress-Free Bedtime Routines for Better Learning

Quality sleep is fundamental to academic success, emotional regulation, and physical health. A well-designed bedtime routine does more than ensure your child gets enough rest—it creates a foundation for better learning and family connection.

The Learning Connection

Don Blais, a kindergarten teacher from Toronto, emphasizes the broader benefits: “Bedtime routines are a wonderful way to engender self-reliance and to include nurturing time for conversation and reading with your child. Make sure it is a quiet, nurturing time and doesn’t turn into a reading lesson.”

Age-Appropriate Sleep Requirements

Preschool (3-5 years): 10-13 hours per night School-age (6-13 years): 9-11 hours per night
Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours per night

Creating Effective Bedtime Routines by Age

For Younger Children (Ages 4-8):

  • Begin routine 30-60 minutes before desired sleep time
  • Include bath time, teeth brushing, and putting on pajamas
  • Read together for 10-20 minutes
  • Brief conversation about the day’s highlights
  • Consistent goodnight ritual

For Middle Elementary (Ages 9-11):

  • Allow some choice in routine order while maintaining key elements
  • Include brief review of tomorrow’s plans
  • Independent reading time alongside family reading
  • Gradual transition to more self-directed routine

For Tweens and Teens (Ages 12+):

  • Establish technology curfew 1 hour before bedtime
  • Encourage independent reading or journaling
  • Respect need for privacy while maintaining connection
  • Focus on consistent sleep and wake times

The Power of Bedtime Conversations

Questions That Encourage Reflection:

  • “What made you proud of yourself today?”
  • “What was challenging, and how did you handle it?”
  • “What are you looking forward to tomorrow?”
  • “Is there anything you want to talk about?”

Avoiding Common Bedtime Pitfalls

Don’t Turn Reading into a Lesson: As Blais warns, bedtime reading should be enjoyable, not instructional. Save phonics practice and reading assessments for other times of day.

Manage Technology Boundaries:

  • Remove screens from bedrooms
  • Use blue light filters on devices in the evening
  • Establish charging stations outside bedrooms
  • Model good technology habits yourself

Handle Bedtime Resistance:

  • Stay calm and consistent with expectations
  • Acknowledge feelings while maintaining boundaries
  • Offer limited choices within the routine
  • Address fears or anxieties with patience and reassurance

Additional Strategies for Back-to-School Success

Time Management and Organization

Teaching children to manage their time effectively is a skill that will serve them throughout their academic career and beyond.

Daily Planning Strategies:

  • Use visual schedules for younger children
  • Introduce simple planners or calendars for older students
  • Build in buffer time for unexpected delays
  • Establish consistent daily routines

Weekly and Monthly Planning:

  • Sunday planning sessions to review the upcoming week
  • Monthly calendar review for tests, projects, and special events
  • Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks
  • Regular backpack and binder organization

Fostering Independence Gradually

Age 5-7: Focus on basic self-care and following simple routines Age 8-10: Introduce responsibility for homework tracking and basic organization Age 11-13: Encourage self-advocacy and problem-solving Age 14+: Support while allowing natural consequences of choices

Building Resilience and Growth Mindset

Teach the Power of “Yet”:

  • “I don’t understand this… yet”
  • “I’m not good at math… yet”
  • “I can’t solve this problem… yet”

Celebrate Effort Over Ability:

  • “I noticed how hard you worked on that project”
  • “Your persistence really paid off”
  • “You found a creative way to solve that problem”

Nutrition and Physical Activity for Academic Success

Brain-Boosting Breakfast Ideas:

  • Whole grain cereals with fruit
  • Eggs with whole wheat toast
  • Yogurt with berries and nuts
  • Oatmeal with banana and cinnamon

Healthy After-School Snacks:

  • Apple slices with peanut butter
  • Cheese and whole grain crackers
  • Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
  • Vegetables with hummus

Physical Activity Benefits:

  • Improved concentration and focus
  • Better mood regulation
  • Enhanced memory and learning
  • Stress reduction

When to Seek Additional Support

Academic Warning Signs:

  • Significant decline in grades
  • Consistent difficulty with homework
  • Avoiding school or specific subjects
  • Teacher concerns about learning progress

Social and Emotional Indicators:

  • Changes in friend groups or social isolation
  • Increased anxiety about school
  • Behavioural changes at home
  • Physical complaints without medical cause

Professional Resources:

  • School counsellors and support staff
  • Educational psychologists
  • Tutoring services
  • Mental health professionals specializing in children

Creating Your Family’s Back-to-School Success Plan

Week 1: Assessment and Goal Setting

  • Have conversations with each child about their hopes and concerns
  • Set up or refresh study spaces
  • Establish new routines gradually
  • Connect with teachers and school staff

Week 2-4: Routine Refinement

  • Adjust schedules based on what’s working
  • Address any emerging challenges
  • Celebrate early successes
  • Build consistency in daily routines

Month 2 and Beyond: Ongoing Support

  • Regular check-ins on goals and progress
  • Seasonal adjustments to routines
  • Continued communication with school
  • Flexibility and problem-solving as needed

The Long-Term View

Remember that building successful school habits is a marathon, not a sprint. Some strategies will work immediately, while others may take weeks or months to become natural. The key is consistency, patience, and willingness to adapt your approach as you learn what works best for your unique child.

The investment you make in creating strong academic foundations during the back-to-school period will pay dividends throughout the entire school year. By implementing these teacher-tested strategies—thoughtful goal-setting, effective study environments, strong communication, and nurturing routines—you’re not just helping your child succeed this year. You’re building life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

Every child’s path to success looks different, but with the right support, encouragement, and structure, all children can reach their potential. Trust the process, celebrate progress, and remember that your involvement and support make a profound difference in your child’s educational journey.