18 Back-to-School Tips for Teachers, Parents, & Students

As the first day of school approaches, that familiar mix of excitement and nerves is probably setting in. Teachers are readying their classrooms, parents are managing packed schedules, and students are eager to make this year count.

We get it: the start of the new school year can feel chaotic, with what feels like 101 things to tick off our to-do lists.

The good news? With the right preparation and tools, this can be your most organized and successful school year yet! From creating morning routines (that actually stick!) to choosing the best academic planner to keep yourself on track, we share 18 back-to-school tips to help you thrive from day one.

Whether you're starting as a new teacher, substitute teacher, or heading for retirement, these back-to-school teacher tips will set you up for success.

1. Start planning your classroom layout now

Before those eager faces stampede through the door, spend some time thinking about your classroom setup.

Consider things like where students will gather for group activities and how they’ll transition between tasks. A little planning now saves bigger headaches later on.

Go the extra mile with classroom themes, welcoming visuals, and designated learning zones.

Quick tip: Try our new Ultimate School Planners with 9 customizable sections to help you plan each lesson for every day. With over 75+ available combinations for personalized modules, this layout can help you sketch out different areas of your classroom or list out supplies you need to create a successful classroom.

2. Set clear expectations early

One of the best classroom organization ideas is to establish classroom rules, routines, and expectations from day one. This creates a stress-free learning environment that students can follow easily. It's helpful to create:

• Clear morning routine expectations
• Organized supply stations with labels
• Simple systems for collecting and returning homework
• Designated areas for different class activities

3. Get organized

Those first few weeks of term set the tone for the entire school year. Take the time to get organized and set up systems that keep you on track and reduce stress.

• Use a daily, weekly, or monthly planner to map out lesson plans, classroom activities, and assignment schedules.
• Organize digital resources like videos, music, and worksheets into clearly labeled folders on your laptop for quick access during lessons.
• Print and display a list of new student names in your teaching area to help you learn them quickly and avoid awkward moments early on.
• Order classroom supplies in advance to ensure both you and your pupils have everything you need.

Staying organized frees you to focus on teaching and your students' individual needs instead of scrambling for materials.

4. Set up grade and lesson planning systems

Choose a planning system that works with your teaching style, not against it. Whether you prefer digital tools or handwritten plans, consistency is key. Many teachers prefer planners with room for both lesson planning and goal-setting to balance classroom and personal priorities.

5. Build connections

Building strong connections with students and parents fosters trust and makes the year run more smoothly. Here are a few teacher tips:

Student connections

• Learn students' names quickly
• Show genuine interest in their lives and hobbies
• Create opportunities for one-on-one check-ins
• Celebrate wins, no matter how big or small

Parent connections

• Set up simple communication systems from day one
• Share positive updates regularly
• Be responsive to questions and concerns

6. Make time for YOU

Being a teacher is great, but working yourself to the bone isn't good for anybody. Schedule time at the end of each day or week to disconnect and relax to avoid burnout.

This might look like:

• Going for a walk or to the gym
• Spending time with family and friends
• Starting a hobby or reading a book

Remember, a healthy teacher is a better teacher.

Whether you're managing one child's schedule or juggling multiple school-goers, these parent tips will help you navigate the back-to-school season with less stress and more confidence.

1. Establish routines before school starts

Here's the harsh truth about school mornings: they're completely unforgiving. So, start practicing your routine around two weeks before school begins to iron out the kinks when there's no real pressure. This makes the transition smoother and softens that first week shock to the system.

Here are a few tips for when school starts:

• Set consistent wake-up times for everyone. Yup, that means weekends, too!
• Prep the night before by laying out clothes, packing backpacks, and prepping lunch boxes.
• Create designated spots for "school stuff" like sporting equipment, textbooks, and supplies.

2. Plan for curveballs!

School years are guaranteed to throw you surprises. Last-minute costume days, forgotten permission slips, sudden tummy bugs... they're bound to happen at some point.

Smart parents prepare for chaos instead of being blindsided by it with a few backup plans:

• Keep a stockpile of essential back-to-school supplies like glue, markers, and pens.
• Build a parent network with phone numbers in case of emergencies.
• Have ready-to-go dinners in the freezer for chaotic weeknights.
• Always have a supply of medicine on hand for headaches, fever, and upset stomachs.

3. Use planners to stay on track

Notebooks, financial planners, and weekly notepads are super handy when you need to stay organized as a parent. Whether it's a physical calendar, a paperback planner, or a family whiteboard, having a shared system helps everybody know what's happening and when.

Do include:

• School events
• Extracurricular activities
• Learning and test schedules
• Payment reminders
• Personal appointments

4. Stay ahead as long as possible

Parents who stay ahead of the curve tend to experience far less back-to-school stress.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Check school communications regularly and jot down important dates in advance, like the first day of school, orientation events, sports matches, and vacations.
• Stock up early on stationery, uniforms, and school shoes. Doing this before the crowds hit the malls means better availability and less pressure.
• Create morning checklists with everything your child needs. Think lunch boxes, water bottles, backpacks, and books. Stick this on the fridge so nobody forgets.

5. Get kids involved

Yes, it's quicker to pack your kids' lunch or backpack yourself. But kids who learn how to manage their own stuff from a young age feel more confident and capable, which has long-term payoffs.

Gradually introduce this kind of independence from the start of the school year, and you'll be amazed at how little you have to do as they get older!

Here are a few age-appropriate independence builders:

• Elementary: Packing their own snacks; choosing tomorrow's outfit.
• Middle school: Managing their homework planner; organizing supplies.
• High school: Managing project/homework deadlines; packing their own bags; creating study rosters.

6. Carve out family time

Back-to-school doesn't have to mean back-to-busy. Prioritize quality time together, even if it's a family dinner, weekend walk, or reading time before bed. Staying connected helps kids feel secure and supported - as adults, we sometimes forget how daunting the first day of school can be.

Want to stay organized as a student this school year? Follow these back-to-school tips and conquer the first day, week, month, and year:

1. Get serious about planning

A planner is your secret weapon to staying on top of things this academic year. Writing things down helps you remember them better and avoids that Sunday night panic when you realize you have three assignments due on Monday morning.

Quick tip: Our custom student planners are fully customizable, so you can create one that will help you track important due dates, exam schedules, goal-setting, and grades in a way that works best for your needs and organizational style.

2. Create a study area you actually like

Your homework spot matters more than you think. Find somewhere comfortable with good lighting and minimal distractions. Make it a place you want to spend time in, not somewhere you dread.

Decorate it with pegboards for tacking notes, cozy lighting for ambiance, and ergonomic chairs for support to keep it enjoyable and functional.

3. Build habits that stick

Strong habits make everyday learning and navigating each day easier and less stressful. But building habits that actually stick takes a bit of time, planning, and - most importantly - consistency.

Here are five habits you can start practicing today:

1. Pack your school bag the night before with everything you need to prevent chaotic mornings.
2. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule of at least eight hours of sleep per night.
3. Avoid too much screen time and put your phone away an hour before bedtime.
4. Set specific goals in monthly planners to keep focused and inspired.
5. Plan dedicated study time each day to stay on top of things.

4. Avoid procrastination

We all put things off sometimes, but chronic procrastination can be detrimental.

The flip side? You can beat it with a few simple strategies:

1. Start with the easiest tasks to build momentum.
2. Break big assignments into manageable chunks.
3. Use a timer or the Pomodoro® Technique for short bursts of focused work.
4. Remove distractions by keeping your phone in a separate room and closing unnecessary tabs on your laptop or tablet.

5. Don't be afraid to ask for help

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Every student struggles at some point, whether it's tackling a tricky calculus problem or adjusting to the rhythm of the new school year, but you don't have to go through it alone, so:

• Speak up early, not only when it's urgent.
• Lean on parents, older siblings, and teachers for support.
• Use resources like video tutorials, apps, and study guides.
• Be kind to yourself and know your limits when taking on too much.

6. Have fun

School isn't just about textbooks and tests; it's also where you make friends, try new things, and discover what you love. So, make time to enjoy the parts of school that bring you joy by:

• Joining clubs, societies, and sports groups to meet new people.
• Saying "yes" to opportunities, even if they take you out of your comfort zone (Hello, drama class!)
• Celebrating your wins, no matter how small, like improving a grade.
• Making memories with friends, taking photos, and enjoying downtime with your family.

A balance of work and play is the key to a successful year!

When should teachers start preparing for back-to-school?

Teachers should start prepping for the back-to-school season about 2-3 weeks before the term starts. This gives you enough time to ease into routines, set up your classroom, and source learning materials without the stress of last-minute deadlines.

What's the most important back-to-school tip for teachers?

Being organized is the single most important back-to-school tip for teachers.

How can monthly planners help students during the school year?

Monthly planners help students stay organized, manage deadlines, and see the bigger picture of upcoming assignments, tests, and events, making it easier to plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

The back-to-school season is exciting, overwhelming, and full of possibilities all at the same time. There will be speed bumps along the way, but with solid preparation, the right tools, and Plum Paper planners, teachers, parents, and students will be set up for success.

We hope these back-to-school tips have inspired you to take action and make this school year your best yet!