As families prepare for the new school year, the back-to-school season brings excitement, new opportunities and plenty of questions for families and educators alike. From building healthy routines and packing nutritious lunches to navigating artificial intelligence, screen time and bullying, Clemson University faculty are helping families prepare for a successful school year with expert-backed tips.
Whether supporting a child entering kindergarten, helping students adjust to new routines or understanding emerging issues in education and health, Clemson experts are working to ensure every student has the tools they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.
Learning starts with a healthy lunch
For many families, packing school lunches is part of the daily routine. Kimberly Baker, director of the Food Systems and Safety Program Team and a registered dietitian with Clemson Cooperative Extension, says balanced meals can help students stay energized and focused throughout the school day.
Baker encourages parents to build lunches with a variety of food groups, learn how to interpret nutrition labels and find creative ways to introduce healthy foods to picky eaters without creating mealtime stress.
What teachers are doing before the first day
While students enjoy summer break, teachers spend much of that time preparing for the year ahead. Laura Eicher, director of Teacher Residency in Clemson’s College of Education, says educators devote significant time to curriculum planning, classroom organization and lesson development before students arrive.
That preparation helps establish welcoming classrooms, meaningful routines and engaging learning environments from the very first day of school.
Helping young learners start strong
Starting kindergarten is a major milestone for children and families. Anna Hall, professor of Early Childhood Education, recommends establishing consistent routines before school begins and helping children build confidence through reading, play and positive conversations about their new classroom.
Sandra Linder, professor of Early Childhood Mathematics Education, also emphasizes helping children develop communication, independence and other social-emotional skills that make the transition into school smoother. Together, they encourage families to partner with teachers early and create routines that support learning from day one.
Navigating AI in the classroom
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common in education. Dani Herro, co-director of Clemson’s Digital Media and Learning Labs and Dean’s Fellow for Humanistic AI and Emerging Technologies, says AI can enhance learning when used responsibly.
Her research focuses on helping students develop AI literacy, understand ethical considerations and think critically about AI-generated content, while preparing them for a future in which AI is part of both education and the workforce. Families also play an important role by discussing responsible AI use at home.
Building safer and more supportive school communities
The beginning of a new school year offers an opportunity to foster a sense of belonging and prevent bullying before problems arise.
Robin Kowalski, Centennial Professor of Psychology, studies interpersonal relationships between students and emphasizes the importance of helping students feel they matter to trusted adults and peers. She encourages families and educators to recognize warning signs of bullying, create inclusive school environments and address concerns early to support students’ emotional well-being.
Finding balance with technology
Technology is woven into nearly every aspect of children’s lives, but Amanda Rumsey, associate professor in the Department of Education and Human Development, says the biggest concern is often not the technology itself, but what it replaces.
Rumsey encourages families to establish healthy screen time habits that leave room for sleep, physical activity and face-to-face interactions while helping children build resilience, independence and critical thinking skills. She also recommends having regular conversations about internet safety, social media and AI-generated content.
Looking ahead at peanut allergy research
As schools continue managing food allergies in classrooms, Clemson researcher Sachin Rustgi is exploring a new approach that could one day complement existing safety measures.
Rustgi, associate professor of molecular breeding, is leading research to develop peanuts with lower levels of key allergenic proteins. The goal is to help improve treatment options for individuals with peanut allergies while preserving the nutritional benefits of peanuts. His work also helps raise awareness of food allergies and the importance of ongoing research.
Why healthy sleep habits matter
Returning to school often means earlier mornings and new schedules. Geetha Thangiah, professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences, says consistent bedtimes are just as important as getting enough sleep.
Her research suggests that earlier, regular bedtimes support children’s brain development, learning and long-term health. She recommends establishing calming evening routines, limiting screen time before bed and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule throughout the school year.
As another academic year begins, Clemson University’s faculty continues to provide research-driven solutions that help students, families and educators navigate the challenges of the school year and build a strong foundation for success.
