Starting the School Year Strong: Tips from an Executive Functioning Specialist
by Courtney Forti
The start of a new school year brings a mix of emotions for parents and children alike: excitement about new classes and social opportunities, relief that there will be a return to structure and routine, but also likely some anxiety, stress, or even dread about the challenges that may lie ahead. If last year didn't go so well, then the latter is likely more pronounced. Starting the school year off well is essential, no matter how previous years have gone, but for children who have struggled academically, it can be a strong foundation for shifting patterns. The beginning of the school year offers an excellent opportunity for families to introduce some new strategies and establish effective habits. Such changes can help students reduce their stress, improve their academics, and have a more positive experience in the year ahead.
Start with a Conversation:
As the first day of school approaches, our minds start filling up with all the things that need to happen to get ready, to be more successful, to avoid a repeat of that particularly tricky experience from last year, etc. However when we approach students with a laundry list of tasks, tips, and warnings, they can quickly become overwhelmed and disengaged.
What is more supportive and skill-building is opening a conversation and asking questions that help your child reflect on their own experience. Asking open-ended questions can help support not only connections between you, but it can also help them identify challenges and provide a space for you to work together to plan and problem-solve past challenges. Some examples of questions you could ask are:
"When you think back to last year, what sorts of thoughts or feelings come up for you?"
"What has been most challenging about school in the past?"
"What would you like to be different this year, and what do you think could help?"
These questions aren't just about gathering information; they're about empowering your child. When they feel heard, they're more likely to buy into the routines and strategies you set up together. Plus, you might be surprised by what they share. Sometimes the most significant stressors are the most minor details, like always feeling rushed in the morning or forgetting to bring the proper materials home.
Choose a Starting Point:
It can be tempting to "start fresh" with every aspect of life when trying to start the school year off well. However, restructuring multiple routines or habits at once usually backfires and is not the best way to enhance executive functioning and get off to a strong start. What works better is to choose one area of routine that feels important and to practice that until it becomes a habit. This approach not only feels more manageable, but it also increases the likelihood of following through, which can, in turn, build confidence and create more ease when building new habits in the future. Some routines that may be good starting points:
Waking up/ sleep hygiene - Getting to bed and waking up at reasonable times can be hard when coming off of summer break, but this is a necessary skill to start the year off right.
Good screen hygiene- Screens can wreak havoc on our executive functioning skills if we're not intentional with how we manage them. This is even more true for youth with brains that are still developing. Establishing good habits and practices before the school year is in full swing can make a big difference in terms of time management, focus, and even mental health.
Organizing and Bringing Materials- For many students, keeping track of and remembering materials can be a challenge. Building a good routine around where items live and how to remember them can help them stay on track and reduce stress over the school year.
Use External and Visual Organizing Tools:
A significant challenge for students and parents alike at the start of the school year can be tracking time and tasks. When we track everything only in our heads or in a planner we never look at, then the likelihood of us remembering everything and planning our time wisely hovers just above zero. Building the habit of using visual tracking systems, such as a large whiteboard, wall calendar, or electronic calendar, can significantly improve executive functioning skills. These tools allow for information to be stored externally, but in a way that visually cues us about necessary tasks and upcoming deadlines. Furthermore, many of these tools will help students visualize set amounts of time, which can help increase awareness and improve time management skills in the long term.
Some things to keep in mind:
Choose a format that works for them. Some people prefer big wall calendars or colorful sticky notes, while others love digital apps with reminders.
Make it part of the daily routine. For example, check the tool right after breakfast or before starting homework.
Update it together at first. Until it becomes a habit, model how to add new assignments, mark deadlines, or break down a project into smaller steps.
Over time, the goal is for your child to take ownership: using the tool independently, checking it without prompts, and trusting it to keep them on track.
Create a Space That Works:
A dedicated workspace isn't just about having a desk; it's about setting the stage for focus and a good routine around work. Invite your child at the start of the school year to discuss what has or hasn't worked about where they usually do their school work. Then, together, determine the best workspace for them. This space should include or be close to necessary materials like paper, pens, etc., and support focus through good lighting and minimal distractions. In your discussion, also review some aspects of routine around school work and troubleshoot common challenges such as navigating extracurricular activities, managing phones and screens, and what to do when they get stuck with their work. You could consider inviting them to write out the steps for getting started or a "cheat sheet" for when they get stuck that they can hang up in the workspace. Finally, make sure to let them have a say in how the space looks and feels: a fun motivational sign, a favorite pen. A comfortable chair can help create a positive association with this space.
Teach the "Why" Behind the Strategies
We are all more likely to follow through on things when we understand the "why" behind them. This is especially true for young people who may be struggling academically. Taking the time to discuss executive functioning skills in an age-appropriate way can help students better understand the skills they are working on and why the strategies you're encouraging them to use are essential. These conversations can also help them better understand that executive functioning skills are something to develop, hone, and practice like any other skill. Understanding this can reduce feelings of shame or insecurity that may have arisen around some of these challenges. To partner with your child, you can share your experience and strategies for executive functioning.
Model Executive Functioning Strategies
In everyday life, identify strategies that you are using to model executive functioning. For instance: say out loud, "I'm setting a reminder so I don't forget to leave for practice on time," or "I'm making a list so I can focus on one thing at a time." Over time, these little moments can show them that strategies aren't rules; they're tools.
The Bottom Line
Preparing for the school year isn't about creating a perfect system. Instead, it is an opportunity to connect with your child and work together to plan how they can feel capable, clear, and supported in this upcoming year. While it can feel daunting to do things differently, it is also an opportunity to build new skills and learn what works and what doesn't. No matter where you choose to start, keep the following in mind: start small, build routines together, and keep the lines of communication open. If you find your student could use some extra support, consider reaching out to set up a call with us. Happy First Day of School!