Importance of Consistent Routines and School Attendance for Academic Success

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, families often find themselves transitioning from a relaxed schedule to a more structured routine. While it may seem challenging to bid farewell to the carefree days of summer, establishing a consistent routine at home in August sets children and adolescents up for success once they are back in the classroom. As parents, we recognize the importance of healthy sleep habits on our children’s mood and energy level. Well-rested children and adolescents are better able to manage morning routines, which, in turn, assist families in arriving at school and work on time. Regular sleep schedules also enhance students’ ability to focus and actively participate in classroom lessons, and are vital for helping our children regulate their emotions when frustrated and build positive relationships with others. 

There are several effective strategies that parents can employ to help their children transition back into a routine as the school year approaches. First, they can begin gradually adjusting their child’s bedtime and wake-up times, shifting them earlier by 15 minutes each night for approximately two weeks prior to the first day of school. It will be equally important to reduce screen time and energetic activities close to bedtime. It is challenging to go from “zoom to zen” without a calming period. Use this time to read a book with you child or listen to calming music. Some children find it helpful to have a calendar that outlines daily routines, chores, and important events. Depending on the age of your child, these calendars may be electronic or be a simple visual schedule. Involving your child in the creation of their daily routine and calendar will be empowering and will teach important executive functioning skills, such as planning, prioritizing and time management. Finally, when parents take proactive steps to prepare their children for the return to school, there is typically less anxiety about the transition. 

Being punctual and attending school regularly are also crucial factors for fostering a productive learning environment. Students who are frequently late or absent miss out on essential learning opportunities and can quickly lag behind their peers in developing important literacy and numeracy skills. It makes it challenging for teachers to determine if a student’s difficulties with a subject area are due to absenteeism or a potential learning disability. Extensive research indicates a strong link between regular attendance and academic success. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher grades and perform better on standardized tests (e.g., EQAO, OSSLT, etc.). Unfortunately, the research also shows a high correlation between chronic absenteeism and drop out rates. One notable study conducted by the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University found that students who were chronically absent—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—were significantly more likely to drop out of school compared to their peers who had better attendance records. development.  

In addition to missed learning opportunities, chronic student absenteeism can lead to missed social opportunities and feelings of isolation from one’s peer group. We certainly saw the significant impact that social isolation had on our children and youth during the height of the pandemic. 

As families prepare for the upcoming school year, establishing a consistent routine, prioritizing regular school attendance, and emphasizing punctuality are crucial components of academic success. Research consistently highlights the positive impact of these practices on children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. By implementing these strategies at home and emphasizing their importance, parents can support their children in reaching their full potential academically and beyond.