Choosing the right school for your child

If the time has come in your child’s educational journey where you are considering or
committed to finding an independent or private school for them, you’ve come to the
right place. There are many options in and around the Toronto area when choosing a
school. The first consideration is whether or not you are looking for a co-ed or single-sex
school. From there, there are a few more considerations to keep in mind when selecting
the schools you wish to apply to.

1. Zone in on your child’s strengths & needs
When selecting where to apply, two of the most important factors to consider are; do
they have the support my child needs? Do they have the resources (e.g., teams, clubs,
speciality subjects) that will allow my child to explore and grow in their strengths and
interests? Once you’ve narrowed down these areas you will have a better idea of what
school environment you are looking for.

2. Make a list of non-negotiables
This list could be three simple bullet notes, or it could be a longer list. However long your
list is, ensure that the schools meet all this criteria when doing your research. Writing a list
of non-negotiables will keep you in the right direction when considering school
environments. A few examples no more than a 20 minute drive, must have access to
ample outdoor space or opportunities for experiential learning.

3. Think Big Picture
How long will your child attend this school? Are you looking for a school for your child to
go to for K-12, K-8 or is it a bridge school (i.e., is your child going for middle or high
school before post-secondary education)? When you view your school selection in this
lens, you will have a better idea of what you need from the school.

4. Visit the campus
Due to COVID, in-person visits may not be an option but many offer virtual tours or
pre-recorded videos. You and your child should get a feel for the school environment
and if it meets (or exceeds!) your expectations.

5. Bring a list of questions
If you get to the interview portion of the application process, ensure you have a list of
questions to ask the admissions team. Not only does it show your interest in the school,
but shows your commitment to your child’s education.
Whether you are in the midst of the application process or thinking about starting
applications, these are a few areas to consider when selecting a school for your child.
Selecting the right school for your child is one of the best investments you can make for
their future.

The school application and interview process can seem daunting at first, but with the
right support in your corner it will become an enjoyable experience. As an educational
consultant, I work with families throughout the school application process and
transitioning into their new school environment. If you’re wondering how my services
can help your family, email info@reneweducation.ca to book your 15-minute
complimentary discovery call. I would be happy to learn more about your family and
how I can best support you during this exciting time!

– Paige Walker
Owner of Renew Education

Homework Hygiene: Make The Most Of Your Homework Routine

We’re about two months into the school year and that means, more than likely, your child has
already brought home unfinished classroom work or assignments.
While your child may not love doing homework, it will always be a part of their education so it’s
best to establish solid study routines early one. The routine nature of habits is part of what
makes them so effective. Creating healthy homework habits will set them up for success now
and in the future.

Create a Homework Zone:

Try to find a space that is away from the television, other family members (if possible) and any
other distractions. This includes having all the materials they need readily available so they
aren’t stepping away from their homework to try to locate a calculator or pen.

Schedule a Regular Time:
This time will differ depending on your child. Some will be ready to hit the homework right after
school while others need downtime and a snack or dinner to recharge. Also, plan out time on
weekends if there is a larger project that needs to be completed.

Block Out Their Time:
Teach your children to manage their time by breaking up the work into chunks. Some children
prefer to take a break only after a task is completed while others will do better by working in
specific time intervals (if this is the case, you can set a timer).

Start Smart
Have your kids start with the homework item they least want to do. This gets it out of the way while they
are still feeling ‘fresh’ which means it will less likely be a struggle to motivate them later on.

Keep In Communication
Learn what your child’s teacher has in place for homework policies and what to do if your child is
having difficulties finishing assignments at home (Should you call? Send an email?).

Be a Motivator
You shouldn’t do your child’s homework for them but you can absolutely be there to talk it
through with them and/or go through their notes/textbook together. Make yourself available for
questions and give encouragement when needed. If your child is getting frustrated, take a short
break.

Seek Extra Help
If homework time is always a struggle or you find your child is bringing home more work than
expected because they aren’t finishing assignments in class, you may want to consider a tutor.
Working with a tutor can not only motivate your student but also puts their needs at the center of
the educational process, empowering them to focus and get their work done.

5 Simple Back-To-School Tips To Make a Stress-Free Transition

Going back to school this year may look different for your kids. Many haven’t been inside a
school for a year or more depending on where you live which means your kids might be a little
out of practice when it comes to tackling a traditional school day structure. As schools start to
open, both parents and kids may be feeling uncertain and anxious.
To help ease the stress here’s what we suggest:

Reestablish a Routine
Schedules tend to go by the wayside during the summer. Later bedtimes, even later wake up
times, and meals eaten whenever, wherever, it happens to the best of us. Getting into the swing
of a new schedule doesn’t happen overnight and may actually take a few weeks for everyone to
adjust. To help make the transition easier, make the change to earlier bedtimes incrementally
and establish a regular eating schedule to get them, and you, back on track.

Create a Morning Checklist
Back to school means back to routine. If your kid(s) have been learning from home over the
past year, forgetting a calculator or pen simply meant running to another room to grab it. Now
it’s essential to ensure their backpacks have all the essentials for the entire school day. Make
the morning rush a little less stressful by creating a list on a whiteboard or notepad that they
check off when each item is completed. To make it even less stressful, have them pack their
backpacks the night before.

Set Easy/Fun Mini-Goals For The First Week
For the first week, put the academics aside and make it all about getting back into the routine.
Your kids may be a bit rusty at having to change classes and interact with peers and teachers in
person. Mini-goals like learning the teachers’ names and class routines, reconnecting with
friends, and even your own home morning routines will help reduce anxiety.

Let Your Kids Know They Aren’t Alone
If your children are feeling anxious, reassure them that many kids are also feeling the same
way, as are many parents and it’s okay to feel how they are feeling. Ask them specifically what
they are worried about (what if I lose my mask?) and role play what they can do. But also focus
on the fun things that are going to happen this year (they get to see their friends again and take
part in activities).

Consider Getting a Tutor
The beginning of this academic year will be about getting kids back on track and all at the same
learning level. Despite the herculean effort of parents who became at home teachers, many
while still working full-time, online learning wasn’t a good fit for all kids. A tutor at the start of the
school year can help your child catch up. But it’s not just about the grades, unlike a teacher who
is trying to engage 20+ students, a tutor can develop personal learning strategies that build off
your child’s strengths and help them work through course material in their own way and at their
own pace.

Last but not least, be patient with your kids AND with yourself – setting up a new routine and
getting into the swing of things will take some time but together you can do it.