Lockers, long hallways, confusing cafeteria lines, new teachers, new friends and hours of homework can furrow the brow of even the most confident child.

To help your child get off on the right foot, share these tips from two veteran teachers:

• Avoid getting lost. Tape a map of the school inside the front of your notebook.

• Ask for help while the school year is new. Later, peers will expect you to know.

• Don’t ask a question of someone in a group. An individual is more likely to help and less likely to make you feel like you asked a dumb question.

• Remember your new locker combination by thinking of meanings for the numbers. For example, your mother is 38, and you got your hamster when you were 9.

• Make your locker a home away from home. Make sure it’s well organized. Keep useful things like a mirror and calendar. Hide a little extra money for emergencies.

• Get a printed copy of the school rules. Study them at home.

• Help teachers get to know you. Speak up in class. Turn homework in on time. Make eye contact when you answer questions.

• Get to know teachers. Listen and watch their body language. Smiles, frowns, stares, pauses and the tone of their voice tell you what they prefer.

Copyright © Parent Institute