As the end of this school year is getting closer, we are reminded of how close we are to summer break. However, with summer break we are also reminded of the next school year. After a hectic school year full of ups and downs, we deserve a break. However, that does not mean that we cannot take some time to prepare for the next school year. Some might not realize it now, but getting ready for the next year at school, even if it is just with a minimal effort, will be beneficial in the long run by helping you out with next year’s classes.
It is important for us, as students, to prepare for the next school year so we can be our best academically. However, to perform in our academics successfully, we need to remember past content and be confident for our future classes. Although these requirements can seem tough, the risks if we do not fulfill them might not seem worth it. Freshman Saanvi Kanaparthy says, “If you forget past content, it is hard to remember it, and as the class moves on, you might fall behind because you do not remember.” Sophomore Matthew Kennon adds, “To progress, it would probably be very tough.” If the fear of falling behind and struggling in your classes does not motivate you to prepare during the summer, then maybe the benefits will provide more encouragement. Senior Coline Augier De Cremiers says, “We get taught things for a certain reason, and I feel like even though we might not need the content itself, I feel like the way that we have learned the content is very helpful for us.” If you can prepare for the next school year and be ready for your classes, then not only will you be able to succeed, but you will also be able to learn valuable lessons about organization, memory management, and being prepared.
Although being ready for the next school year might seem simple enough, there are many factors that can get in the way of being confident and prepared for the next year. One key factor that dramatically impacts a student’s academic performance before summer break versus after summer break is summer learning loss. Brookings describes summer learning loss as the “phenomenon of losing academic skills during the summer.” Whether we want to admit it or not, everyone has experienced summer learning loss at least once, but it makes sense since it is a reoccurring problem with any student over the summer. Brookings also adds that studies have discovered that learning gaps increase in grades past first grade and are significantly larger in math than in most other subjects. However, despite the concerns of summer learning loss, some people wonder if it truly is an important issue since it can be easily fixed. According to NWEA, “Given the sizable differences in the magnitude of test score drops across tests, it remains uncertain whether summer slide should be considered a trivial issue or a serious educational challenge.” Although it might not seem like a big deal, summer learning loss can be detrimental to our grades if we do not manage our learning over the summer.
When it comes to preparing for the next school year, having a productive summer can help you become accustomed to being occupied so when the school year rolls around, adjusting to a busier schedule will not be as difficult. However, there are many issues that can prevent you from having a productive summer. One of the most important hindering factors is technology and our general dependence on it. Spanish teacher Susan Stimmel says, “For students, rest is a big priority. Learning to live without your phone would be a great practice to take in for the next school year. I think that practicing getting eight hours of sleep, though improbable for a lot of people, I think that the more we try to do it, the closer we are to success on it. I am still struggling with my four-year-old boys, but I feel like it is never a fool’s errand to try and practice these things. That goes for teachers, too. I think that so much of our brain power gets sucked away by scrolling and by getting consumed in our devices because, let’s face it, we are all addicted to our devices. Our brains do not know how to handle it.” Sleep is important for resting our brains and making sure we are fully prepared and energized when the school year starts again.
There are many ways you can prepare for the next school year even with minimal effort. According to Hudson Country Montessori School, some of the best ways to prepare for the next school year is to read more, write out your goals for the school year, review past homework and test papers, make a school activities schedule to plan for the school year, and to adjust your sleep schedule. Augier De Cremiers agrees, saying, “I think that just making sure to stay on top of your current work and just paying attention. I know it is hard because it’s the end of the year, but just like making sure you keep track of what you’re doing and just keeping on reviewing your content.” That should be easy enough for you to follow if you want to put as minimal an effort as possible. However, there are also useful methods that students can follow if they want to put more effort and dedication into it. According to PrepScholar, students could benefit from using Khan Academy Math, educational podcasts, Brightstorm (which provides educational videos), Duolingo, and Numerade for STEM content and learning opportunities. There are many ways you could prepare for the next school year over the summer, and some of those methods will barely take up your day. Using just one of the methods listed above could really help in the long run for school.
Preparing for the next school year might not seem all that important right now, but it will when the next school year starts, and you cannot remember all of the basic knowledge from last year. Preparing for the next school year can be as simple as reviewing past content, adjusting your sleep schedule, or getting all required school supplies. Getting ready for the school year both mentally and physically prepares you for the hassle of school after the long summer break. If being ready for the next school year does not motivate you, then hopefully the idea of getting good grades will.
