Monday, 08 January 2018

By ASP School Projects

The first day of school can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be…

We all have a vision what the perfect first day of school should be like. We don’t feel stressed about it during the holidays, but then a few days before school starts all of a sudden fear creeps in and we imagine the worst-case scenario. Who will be your register teacher? Will your friends be in your class and if not, next to whom will you sit? Will you be able to find your classrooms? Will you fit in or will you be picked on? How do we prevent such a semi-panic attack?

Accept that not everything will go according to plan. The first day of school can be a little unpredictable. It is normal to feel a bit nervous about all of the variables and uncertainties. However, there are many things that you can control on your first day of school. And the things you can control should be under control.


In this article we share our best pieces of advice on how to prepare for your first day of school:
1. Don’t postpone getting your school supplies until the last minute.
2. Know what time you have to get up.
3. What is done, is done.
4. Know what you are going to eat at school for lunch.
5. Remember that first impressions last.


1. Don’t postpone getting your school supplies until the last minute.

Getting your school supplies is a tedious task. This is why we suggest that you get your stationary and text books early enough so that you don’t have to wait in long queues at a stationary store, stressing about plenty other things to do and forgetting to add half of your list to your shopping basket. A good idea is to mark your stationary with your name and surname. You might not think it is very cool right now, but you’ll wish that you did if you lose your calculator right before your big test and don’t have a way to reclaim it from someone else… Become inspired and excited for the first day of school by decorating your books and files. You can also fill in important dates in your homework diary.


2. Know what time you have to get up.

Being late for school on your first day will only make you feel flustered and more stressed. This is why you need to wake up early to give yourself enough time to get ready for school. Make sure you give yourself at least an hour and 10 minutes to get up, eat a good breakfast, get dressed and pack a healthy lunch before you leave for school. Also add the estimated traveling time it takes you to get to school. Make sure you get in a routine at least 3 days before school starts by waking up the time you would for a normal school day.

3. What is done, is done.

The evening before school starts you can already pack your school bag and lay out your school uniform. This is a little trick to help you get ready and dressed in no time, because your brain doesn’t have to think where your tie or socks are.


4. Know what you are going to eat at school for lunch.

Do not skip out on packing lunch. It is essential for busy children and teenagers that are still growing to eat healthy and regularly. Healthy eating does not mean hours of preparing gourmet meals or unappetising leeks and celery. With a little bit of research, planning and preparation you can pack an easy, healthy and delicious lunch box every day of the week. Make sure you have all of the ingredients available beforehand. Also pack a healthy snack and remember to take a bottle of water with so that you stay hydrated. If you buy lunch at school, make sure you have the right amount of money with you.


5. Remember that first impressions last.

The most important thing to prepare the day before school starts is your mind. When you walk into first period with a positive attitude you will feel prepared for anything. Remember to laugh when things don’t go according to plan – everyone else is just as nervous as you are. Introduce yourself to new friends, remember new faces and new names – they will certainly remember yours.


The first day of school can be scary, but as Penelope Ward said, “Replace the fear of the unknown with curiosity”, and you will be just fine. How do you normally prepare for the first day of school? Have you had any interesting experiences on the first day of school?

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