Are mornings a chaotic nightmare in your house? Does it feel like you’re scrambling to get yourself and/or your kids ready for the day, to get breakfast on the table, and to get out the door on time?
If so, you’re not alone.
School mornings can be tough for students and parents alike.
But there is hope!
With the right morning routine for students, you can make mornings less hectic, more productive, and more enjoyable for everyone involved. A good morning routine will set everybody up for success throughout the day and help students be more productive at school.
Our guide below outlines how to create the perfect morning school routine so everyone starts the day with the right foot forward.
The Ideal Morning Routine for Students
What to do the Night Before School
Having a great morning routine actually starts the night before. In order to make morning go smoothly, there are certain things that should be done the evening before. This will help ease the morning rush and give you and your child a head start on the day.
The following are some things that should be done the night before school:
- Choose and lay out clothes for the next day, making sure they’re clean and ironed. Check the weather forecast to make sure the outfit is appropriate.
- Pack lunches and any snacks that will be needed.
- Make sure homework is completed and put away in backpacks and that backpacks are ready to go by the door.
- If possible, set the table for breakfast the night before. This will save time in the morning.
- Have a designated place for keys, backpacks, and other items that need to be taken with you out the door. Putting them in the same spot every night will help ensure that they’re not forgotten in.
- Set out anything that needs to be taken to school the next day, such as permission slips or library books.
- Ensure that all electronic devices are charged.
- Set morning alarms and reminders. Make sure the alarm is set for an early enough time to give everyone ample time to get ready for the day.
- Get to bed on time. Studies have shown that students who get more sleep tend to make better grades.
What to do the Morning of School
If you’ve set yourself up for success by doing the things on the list above, then the morning of school should be a breeze.
Of course, there will always be days when things don’t go as planned, but on those days when everything goes smoothly, here’s what your morning routine for students should look like:
- Wake up at a reasonable time. Make sure you’ve set enough time so that you can ease into your day without having to rush. If you’re rushing and stressed out immediately upon waking up, it’s not a good start to the day.
- Get out of bed when your alarm goes off and resist the urge to hit snooze. It may be tempting, but those few extra minutes of sleep will make it harder to wake up fully and get going for the day. You might even want to consider placing your alarm across the room so it’s not tempting to roll over and press the snooze button over and over again.
- Start with some morning stretches or light exercise. This will help get your body moving and wake you up.
- Set goals for the day. Think about what it is that you want to accomplish today and make a plan to do it.
- Make your bed. It may seem like a small task, but making your bed first thing in the morning can actually set the tone for the rest of your day. It’s a simple way to start the day with a sense of accomplishment.
- Get dressed and ready for the day. Take care of personal hygiene tasks such as showering, brushing your teeth, and combing your hair.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. It helps fuel your body and mind for the day ahead. If you’re short on time, consider quick and healthy breakfast options such as yogurt, fruit, whole grain toast, or eggs.
- Double check to make sure you have everything you need for the day. This includes school supplies, books, lunch, and any permission slips or other forms that need to be turned in.
- Head out the door with plenty of time to spare. You don’t want to be rushed and stressed out trying to make it to school on time. If you’re leaving at the last possible minute, you could end up being late if an unexpected situation arises, like car problems or traffic.
What could you do to improve your morning school routine? Let us know by leaving a comment below.