Back to School Tips: How to Make the Transition Smooth and Stress-Free

It’s that time of year again—back to school! And if you’re like most teachers, the transition back into the classroom can feel stressful and overwhelming with all the work and planning you have to do. However, there are some simple ways to make the transition go smoothly and put you at ease about your students’ expectations from you when they return from summer break. Here are five back to school tips to help get your year off to a great start!

Break the ice!

The first day of school can be overwhelming for both teachers and students. To make the transition smooth, take some time to get to know your students. Ask them about their summer break, their hobbies, and what they’re looking forward to this school year. Not only will this help you get to know them better, but it will also help them feel comfortable in your classroom.

Need a few ideas? Check out our pre-made template with icebreaker questions you can use the first day back.

Icebreaker

Introduce yourself with Sendsteps

Woman laughing in front of a whiteboard

After you’ve broken the ice, it’s time for an introduction. However, a static introduction can come across as staid or even a little stuffy. Use an interactive presentation to create a fun little quiz about yourself. Let your students get to know you in a playful and competitive way. You can decide how formal or informal the information shared is.

Looking for some ideas for an introduction presentation? Check out our pre-made template!

Prepping The Classroom

When it comes to prepping your classroom for the new school year, there are a few key things you can do to make the transition smooth and stress-free. First, take some time to declutter and organize your space. This will help you feel more calm and in control as you start the new year. Second, create a schedule or routine that you can stick to. This will help keep you on track and prevent overwhelm. Third, include personal items in your classroom. this way students will feel more at home instead of sitting in a dull classroom.

Picture of a desk with books and an apple

Schedule Activities In Advance

children in school

If you’re a teacher, you know that the first few weeks of school can be hectic. To make the transition smooth and stress-free, try scheduling activities in advance. This way, you’ll have a plan for each day and won’t have to worry about last-minute scrambling. Plus, your students will appreciate your efforts to keep them engaged and learning.

Creating Positive Relationships With Students And Parents

Good communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page and ensuring that your students are successful. Here are a few tips for building positive relationships with your students and parents before the first day of school:

Teacher explaining something to a student
  1. Show up on time, be organized, and have supplies ready to go!

  2. Go over what you expect from them, including how often they should come in for extra help or how long homework assignments should take.

  3. Stay calm and listen to their concerns.

  4. Answer any questions they might have about your classroom.

The first few weeks of school can be hectic for both teachers and students. By following these tips, you can make the transition smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. Start off the year strong with these five easy steps that will help make back-to-school a breeze!

Anouk Baltus

Anouk’s passion for presenting started when she was very young: from voluntarily giving presentations in primary school to winning a speaking award with a self-written and presented speech. This adoration comes to life while working for Sendsteps. A passion for giving and writing speeches turned into writing blogposts about these subjects to help others find their passion in presenting.