Get Your Kids Excited for the New School Year: Conversation Starters and Goal-Setting Tips for Parents
As a new school year approaches, it's essential to help your child transition smoothly and enthusiastically. Engaging in meaningful conversations can spark excitement and foster a positive attitude toward learning. At the Science Mill, we believe in the power of curiosity and goal-setting to inspire young minds. Use these conversation starters and goal-setting questions to guide your child through a successful and enjoyable school year.
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
What are you most excited to learn about in school this year?
Who are you looking forward to making friends with or seeing again in your class?
What is one fun thing you hope to do during recess?
What is something new you want to learn or try this year? How can we practice it at home?
What reward would you like to work towards when you achieve your goal?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Let’s talk about how science, technology, engineering and/or math fit into your future dreams!
Can you share a scientist or a type of scientist you have heard of? What do you like about them or their job?
3rd - 5th Grade
What subjects are you most interested in this year and why?
Is there a project or activity you’re really looking forward to doing in school?
What friendships do you want to strengthen this year?
What are three things you want to accomplish this school year?
How can we break down these goals into smaller steps you can work on each week?
What tools or resources do you think will help you achieve your goals, like a planner or a study guide?
Who can you ask for help if you need support in reaching your goals?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Let’s talk about how science, technology, engineering and/or math fit into your future dreams!
Can you share a scientist or a type of scientist you have heard of? What do you like about them or their job?
Middle School
What new subjects or electives are you excited to explore this year?
What friendships do you want to strengthen this year?
How do you plan to manage your time between schoolwork and extracurricular activities?
What strategies will you use to stay organized and keep track of your assignments?
What specific academic or personal goals do you want to set for this year?
How can we create a timeline with milestones to help you stay on track?
What challenges do you anticipate, and how can we plan to overcome them?
How will you measure your progress and celebrate your successes along the way?
Of the four categories in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), which one is most interesting to you?
Do you have ideas on the kind of job you might like to have when you grow up?
What can we do today to start getting you ready for that? (Experiments, Science Mill workshops, reading materials, etc.)
High School
What classes or extracurricular activities are you looking forward to this year?
How will you balance your school responsibilities with your social life and any part-time jobs or hobbies?
What steps will you take to prepare for college or your career, and how can we support you?
What are your top goals for this school year, both academically and personally?
What steps do you need to take to achieve these goals, and how can we outline a detailed plan?
How can you manage your time effectively to ensure you stay on track with your goals?
What support or resources do you need, and how can we help you access them?
As you think about your next steps, what role does STEM play in them? You might be surprised how many career paths involve science, technology, engineering and/or math!
What kinds of problems would you like to solve – for our community or for the world?
Where do you see your next steps – an internship or shadow day? A trade school? A college? The workforce? What steps can we take now to help you achieve these goals?
Starting the school year on a positive note can set the tone for months of growth and discovery. By using these conversation starters and goal-setting questions, you can help your child develop a proactive mindset and a love for learning. Remember, your support and encouragement are crucial in helping your child navigate their academic journey. Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with curiosity, achievement, and joy!