This research analyzes the effects of restricting face-to-face classes during the lockdown and students' preparation for face-to-face instruction. During the academic year 2021-2022 break, it was conducted at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST)-Gabaldon Campus's College of Education. This study employed a descriptive correlational and descriptive comparative research design. The 151 education students who participated in this study were chosen using a stratified sampling method. According to the study, students received satisfactory to very satisfactory grades during the lockdown. The study also showed that after the lockdown and after the Commission on Higher Education recommended face-to-face classes, the majority of respondents agree that they are academically, socio-emotionally, and physically prepared to go through a face-to-face mode of learning. The majority of them prefer face-to-face classes to any other form of distance learning. The general weighted average of a student is a predictor of academic readiness in face-to-face classes. In addition, students' general weighted averages have direct link to their socio-emotional readiness. Students' profiles, on the other hand, have no impact on their physical readiness. There is no significant difference in student preparation in face-to-face classes when students are grouped by gender, year and section, and civil status. There is no association between the student profile and their preferred mode of learning. The theoretical and practical ramifications of the research were also addressed.

Family routines and practices are recognized as critical determinants of child development. Despite extensive research on the socio-emotional benefits of family routines for school readiness in various contexts, there remains limited empirical evidence directly linking these routines to academic performance. This is because a lot of existing literature has focused on younger children below 8 years. This study sought to address this gap by examining the role of family routines on academic performance among middle school students in informal settlements. The study involved 351 middle school students and their parents from informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Family routines were assessed using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Family Routine Inventory (FRI) scale. Academic performance data were obtained from the most recent school examinations of each participating student across five subjects (English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies) as percentage scores. Results show that routines related to basic needs provision were the strongest predictors of academic performance, followed by academic monitoring routines. Emotional support routines moderately contributed to academic outcomes, while routines related to family outings and bonding had a limited impact. The study recommends further exploration of context-specific family routines using longitudinal designs to identify long-term impacts.