Back-to-School Ready? How to Set Your Child Up for Success This Fall

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many parents wonder: Is my child truly ready for the academic demands of fall? Whether your child is entering a new grade or adjusting to a new school environment, now is the perfect time to prepare their minds and routines for success. At Best Brains Learning Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, we specialize in helping students transition smoothly and confidently into the school year.

1. Rebuild Academic Routines

Over summer break, it’s common for children to fall out of academic habits like reading daily, completing homework, or practicing math. This phenomenon—known as the summer slide—can lead to the loss of up to two months of academic progress, particularly in math and reading (Kuhfeld & Tarasawa, 2020).

To combat this, reintroduce structured routines:

• Set aside 20–30 minutes daily for quiet reading or workbook practice.

• Re-establish regular bedtimes and morning routines.

• Begin practicing age-appropriate skills, such as handwriting, arithmetic, or spelling.

2. Address Gaps Early

Many students begin the school year already behind, especially in core subjects like math. Research shows that early intervention is one of the most effective ways to improve long-term academic outcomes (Slavin et al., 2011). At Best Brains, we assess each child’s current level and customize instruction to fill knowledge gaps before they become frustrating obstacles.

3. Build Confidence Through Preparedness

When students feel prepared, they enter the classroom with confidence and curiosity. Best Brains uses a booklet-based curriculum that allows students to build mastery at their own pace—away from screens and distractions. We focus on skill development, critical thinking, and consistent feedback so students don’t just catch up—they move ahead.

4. Reinforce Soft Skills

Academic success isn’t just about knowing the material. It’s also about:

• Following directions

• Staying on task

• Managing frustration

• Working independently

Our small-group learning environment gives students space to develop these essential “school readiness” skills that often get overlooked in larger classroom settings.

5. Partner With a Learning Center You Can Trust

At Best Brains Mechanicsburg, we work hand-in-hand with parents to help children thrive academically and emotionally. Whether your child needs extra support or is ready for enrichment, our certified teachers and proven curriculum can give them the head start they deserve.

📞 Ready to make this school year your child’s best yet?
Call us today to schedule a free diagnostic test and let us show you the Best Brains difference.

References

• Kuhfeld, M., & Tarasawa, B. (2020). The COVID-19 slide: What summer learning loss can tell us about the potential impact of school closures on student academic achievement. NWEA. https://www.nwea.org/research/publication/the-covid-19-slide/

• Slavin, R. E., Lake, C., Davis, S., & Madden, N. (2011). Effective programs for struggling readers: A best-evidence synthesis. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 33(1), 93–114. https://doi.org/10.3102/0162373710383126