Schedule away from school important, too

As summer draws to a close and the start of a new school year approaches, students' thoughts turn to questions like:

• Who will be my teacher or teachers and what will my school schedule be?

• Will I get to be in the same class or classes with some of my friends?


A daily schedule does set the tone for the school day and the right mix of teachers and classmates naturally makes the day more pleasant, but equally important is the schedule away from school. Students think:

• What can I do after school and how much homework will I have?

• How much time will I have to be with friends and engage in extra curricular activities?

• Scheduling the time away from school involves the cooperation of the entire family. It means:

• Having a regular bed time hour to assure adequate rest and having enough time in the morning to dress, gather belongings an to get to school on time.

• Having a definite study time so that assignments are completed as well as having a time for relaxation and recreation.

• Having time for the family to gather and share experiences and news of the day. One way to establish a 24-hour school day routine is to divide the day into blocks of time. Each family is unique and can set their own limits, but generally the following activities will be included:

• Before school prep-time - This includes time for dressing. Performing morning duties such as making the bed, straightening the room, feeding the pet. Checking the book bag to be sure that all books, lunch or lunch money, and necessary items are intact. It means making sure that everyone gets away from home on a happy note. Frantic rushing and exchanging unpleasant remarks creates a bad start for everyone.

• Early morning nourishment and transportation - A breakfast meal or breakfast at school and meeting the bus or carpool on time. Delays create unpleasant exchanges.

• After school hour - Rest and recreation time includes time with friends, exercise, and play and includes time for extra curricular activities such as athletics, music, dance, theater, etc.

• Dinner hour - Family time, a time for sharing and eating a well balanced meal. Many families eat together daily, other must arrange for several nights a week.

• Early evening - Homework, study time establishes good study habits. Here is the time for preparing for the next day by getting clothes ready, taking care of personal grooming, putting books and papers in order.

• Bedtime - Lights out and ending the day on a pleasant note promotes sound sleep. Adhering to a schedule establishes good organizational skills and teaches efficiency and achievement and the importance of flexibility and compromise. Family members should recognize that the student's school day is equivalent to their work day and acknowledge its importance in family life.

Copyright c 1997 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.