The beginning of a new school year always feels full of possibility. As a tutor, I see this season as one of the most important opportunities to set students up for long-term success. Those first few weeks are about building habits, confidence, and trust, not just about getting straight into reviewing the material.
One of the first things I find is important to focus on is connection to the students. Every student comes in with a different view about school. Some are excited and motivated, others are anxious or already feeling behind. Taking time early on to listen and learn how they feel about their classes, what worked and what didn’t in the past year, and what their goals are, helps me tailor our sessions in a way that truly supports them.
Structure is another key piece. At the start of the year, students are juggling new schedules, expectations, and workloads. Tutoring is the perfect place to introduce organisation strategies, consistent routines, and effective study habits before things get overwhelming. When students learn how to learn early, the academic content becomes much more manageable.
I also like to set small, achievable goals right away. Early wins matter. Whether it’s improving a quiz score, completing homework more independently, or simply feeling more confident participating in class, those successes build momentum. Confidence is often the missing ingredient in academic growth.
From my experience, students who begin the school year with tutoring don’t just perform better academically, but they also feel more prepared, supported, and empowered. And that’s what starting on the right foot is really all about.

Katreen Diab