Ready, set, go! The new school year has begun and we are off to a flying start here on top of the hill. As we all settle into new routines, we wanted to share some helpful hints from MAA Homeroom Teachers on how we can help our students get the year started off on the right foot.

From a good breakfast in the morning to knowing it is okay to make mistakes, here are MAA’s Homeroom Teachers’ tips for a great start to the school year.

Kindergarten:

Don’t worry — we know it can be hard to drop your kids off and they may be nervous, but embrace it! We make time to talk about our feelings so that no one feels alone and everyone knows that we are all here to help one another.

First Grade:

A good breakfast is the best way to start the day! Remind children each day of their schedule, where do they go at the end of the day, etc . . . And, of course, check the go-home folder daily, especially since there is so much new information at the beginning of the year.

Second Grade:

Homework is a big responsibility and independence with homework is new for second graders. One tip we recommend would be to make sure all homework is complete and supplies are packed up and in your backpack the night before so you don’t forget anything for school in the morning!

Third Grade:

Keep smiling and don’t worry about a thing! Jitters at the beginning of the year are okay, even good. Just take it one day at a time. We are in this together and will succeed together.

Fourth Grade:

It is important for students to use their assignment journal every day. Make sure to regularly check the journal against the homework postings on School Speak to ensure accountability.

Fifth Grade:

No one learns without making mistakes. We get to the right answer after working through the wrong ones. Errors and mistakes are a crucial part of learning. The courage to fail or get it wrong is the courage to learn from our mistakes and grow.

Sixth Grade:

Stay organized! The beginning of the year has a lot of moving parts, especially in 6th Grade. Having a system in place to keep themselves organized really helps students stay on task and feel in control of their work.