Inclusion Team
Establishing Routines - Starting the School Year with Confidence
The start of the school year can be an anxious time for many students. It is especially overwhelming for our new Prep students. They are adjusting to wearing a uniform, completing assessments, following new expectations, and attending school every day. While the excitement of starting school is wonderful, the novelty can wear off quickly as the reality of new routines and responsibilities sets in.
One of the most valuable ways families can support children during this transition is by establishing consistent routines at home. Routines create predictability, and predictability helps children feel safe and secure. When students know what to expect each day, it reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
When children have consistent routines, their brains do not need to work as hard to predict what is coming next. Predictability reduces uncertainty, which lowers anxiety. When students feel safe and secure, their brains are better able to focus on learning tasks rather than on managing worry or stress. This, in turn, supports children to better manage and understand their emotions, strengthening their emotional regulation and overall capacity to learn.
When a child feels anxious or overwhelmed, their body can move into a “fight, flight or freeze” response. In this state, the brain is focused on survival rather than thinking, problem-solving or remembering information. It becomes much harder to concentrate, follow instructions, regulate emotions, or engage positively with peers.
However, when students feel calm and regulated:
Their thinking brain is switched on.
They are better able to listen and follow directions.
Their memory and concentration improve.
They are more resilient when faced with challenges.
They can interact more positively with others.
Simple routines such as a consistent bedtime, preparing school bags the night before, setting out uniforms, and having a calm morning schedule can make a significant difference. After school, having a regular time for homework, play, dinner, and winding down also supports emotional regulation and wellbeing.
As adults, we also rely on routines, whether it’s that first coffee in the morning or a regular gym session during the week. These habits help us manage our time and reduce stress. Children are no different. Clear, consistent routines provide the structure they need to settle positively into the school year and thrive.
Working together, we can help ensure a smooth transition into 2026 for all our students at CJC.
