By Nyame-Kye Kondo
Special to the AFRO
The new school year is upon us, and in preparation for a smooth first semester, the AFRO asked two veteran educators to share their best back-to-school tips for both parents and students. Their advice centers on creating routines, communication and creating a mindset that sets the stage for academic and personal success.
Photo: Unsplash/ Kenny Eliason
Meet the educators
Karen Daniels is a veteran performance arts educator and arts integrationist from Washington, D.C. Known for her vibrant spirit, Daniels has been an educator for more than 30 years and has worked at such renowned institutions as the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Fillmore Arts Center.
An artist from an early age, Daniels credits her teachers for inspiring her career path.
“From an early age I had really good teachers who inspired me to not only be a performance artist, but also to teach art to young people,” Daniels told the AFRO. “I felt it was my calling to help young people thrive in the Arts while infusing my classes with culture and holistic wellness that nurtures their social-emotional well-being.”
Ashley Parham is a special education public school teacher from Washington, D.C., who currently works in Virginia. A professional violinist and product of art education, Parham became an educator because of her desire to use her unique background not only to excite the next generation but also to meet their specific needs.
“I really wanted to help mold the minds of the youth,” said Parham. “I also wanted to give my students the same learning experiences I did not receive as a young person—specifically in reference to their individual needs.”
With years of valuable experience, Daniels and Parham agree that starting the school year off right is essential to help students transition from summer to the classroom. Their guidance highlights several key points: intentional preparation, a focus on mental and emotional health, and the importance of having empathy toward others.
Tip #1: Prepare, prepare, prepare!
Daniels recommends starting preparations well before the first day of school. But it’s never too late!
“Pay close attention to your child’s new schedule and what is expected of them prior to starting school so you can help them transition smoothly,” said Daniels. “Talk with them about it so they know what to expect.”
Parents should keep in mind that it’s important to work at home with their students to reinforce what is learned at home- especially during school breaks that take place in the year.
“Children should read every night for 20 minutes. If they can read themselves, they should be motivated to do so,” said Parham. “If the child is not at the age where they can read, then parents should read to them. Reading comprehension equals success.
Parham also stressed making sure students are prepared for each day.
“When school starts, make sure that your children get an adequate amount of sleep, and have a good breakfast. If they eat breakfast at school, make sure they are on time so that they can eat peacefully and not in a rush,” she said.
Tip #2: Prioritize mental health
While academics are important, both educators emphasize that emotional well-being is just as critical. Building healthy social-emotional habits early on helps students navigate challenges throughout the year.
“The mental health of young people is connected to their ideology of self,” said Parham. “One way parents can support this is by teaching their children self-motivating affirmations that build confidence.”
In addition to building confidence through daily affirmations, Daniels believes that parents should focus on building the “entire child” up.
“Parents should make sure that their children have an awareness of body, mind, and spirit,” she said. “Be open to helping young people on various levels. Parents should assist in making sure that their child is functioning the whole realm.”
Tip #3: Have empathy for others
Beyond academics, both educators emphasize the importance of kindness and empathy. Students should start the new year on a positive note, and that includes the way they treat others.
“Teach children to embrace kindness at all levels,” Daniels said. “This behavior can be built over time and with consistent emphasis on why it is important for young people to treat others the way they want to be treated.”
“A good way to help students get prepared for this undertaking is to make sure that they are comfortable with the environment and that they have a good grasp on how they are going to handle the school climate,” Danies continued. “Help them understand how they can be themselves, and also be a part of the community. It is also important to give them the space to share what is not comfortable—the moments when they feel others are not being empathetic towards them.”
Tip #4: Participate in Back to School Night
As they reflect on their years of experience and the importance of supporting young people at various stages of development, both Daniels and Parham remember the excitement of a new school year and participation in Back to School Night.
“Back to School Night was really special to me, and I think that both students and parents should participate,” said Daniels. “I really enjoyed having my parents come up to the school when I was a child. It helped me to not only have confidence in myself, but also to have courage.”
As an adult, Daniels continues to cherish this tradition.
“As a teacher, I still love Back to School Night. Families and children uniting—it’s a chance to meet the parents so that they know I am accessible.”
