How to be Back to School Ready

Back to school is right around the corner. During the summer we have changed schedules and allow our children to stay up later and sleep in longer. Our daily routines have become relaxed with travel and no pressure to be anywhere. With the transition of going back to school it is important to help our children acclimate to the new schedule and routine they will be following once school begins. It is best to give children a week or two adjusting to the new schedule and routines. Continue reading for tips on things to consider when helping them get ready for the first day of school.

Starting with a Purpose

Having goals and things to look forward will help your child focus and be able to follow through on their learning. During the last week or two before school starts talk with your child about what they are hoping to learn at school this year. Write down their learning desires and revisit them during the year so they can mark them off as they learn them. Also, have them come up with some goals about what they want to improve on or do better at, it could even be something they want to learn. Revisit their goals throughout the year and see if they are working towards or even meeting the goals they have set for themselves. If they are struggling to meet them, brainstorm with them some strategies to help them meet their goals.

5 Steps to Help Your Little Set and Achieve Their Goals

Practical Tips for the Transition

Sleep: Children need to be allowed time to adjust to new routines and schedules. One very important schedule that will be changing for your child is their sleep schedule. I am sure many have, I did, allowed your child to stay up later during the summer. This is fine especially if they can sleep longer. Now, as the new school year approaches you need to think of how this will affect them. The sun may still be up at bedtime and their friends may still be out so, to avoid protest and fits, means adjusting bedtime will need to happen slowly over a period of time. About two weeks before the school year begins slowly begin making bedtime 15 minutes earlier each day. Then as the week before school draws near begin waking them up at the time they will need to get up to get to school.

Screen Time: Children have most likely enjoyed more screen time as well, whether it is watching more TV or playing more video games, which will also be changing once the school year begins. Instead of allowing the extra screen time, have your child read, do a craft, or just go outside and play.

Reading: Children need to practice reading to keep their skills sharp. If daily reading has waned over the summer, the last 2 to 3 weeks before school begins is a great time to make sure your child’s reading skills are sharp and ready to impress their new teacher. Begin instituting a 20-30 minute time each day to read. This would best be set for the time they will have to do homework or when they will have their daily reading time once school begins. For some ideas on how to help your child practice reading at home follow the link: I’m Still Learning to Read

Routine: Children thrive on a routine they can count on. Routine will help prevent meltdowns and refusal to cooperate. About 2 weeks before school begins, start setting a schedule that will help them to know when they will get up, go to bed, get ready for the day, read, do homework. It won’t be perfect, but get it close to what you are expecting it to be so when the big change of school beginning happens they will know what to expect. You may even what to talk to your child and write a schedule together so they have input on what is happening.

Schedules: Children are usually more involved in extracurricular activities during the school year. They will have the opportunity to play sports, join scouts, and be invited to friends. Make sure their schedule isn’t to busy. They need to have downtime to relax and just play. Make sure to use an online calendar or planner to schedule everything, so you can make sure there are activities to do but also downtime to just play and be a kid.

Clothes/Shoes: Make sure your children have clothes and shoes that adhere to the schools dress code. Also think about safety. The children go on the playground and flip-flops are not the best shoe to wear on the equipment. Have flip-flops, dress shoes, open-toed sandals waiting by the door for when your child comes home. The teacher works hard to keep your child safe, please help them out when sending your child to their classroom.

For your kindergartners getting ready to start school, here are some more tips just for them: How to be Kindergarten Ready.

Getting Involved

Commit to Volunteering: Commit to volunteering at your child’s school. There are many ways to volunteer even if you are a working parent. Volunteering can be as much as coming into the school regularly to help in the classroom, to having things sent home that you can help prepare. Ask the PTO what you can do to help. Ask the teachers what you can do for them. Tell them your schedule, and they will have something you can do that fits your schedule. Your children will love knowing that you are helping and so will the school. There is so much to do at a school, they need volunteers to make sure they happen smoothly.

Back to School Open House: Make sure you go to the open house to meet the teacher. These usually happen the week before school starts. Even if you already know the teacher make it a point to go with your child so they feel comfortable on the first day of school. Make a point of introducing yourself and your child to the teacher even if you are already familiar with them. This shows your child that you are interested in there education.There most likely will also be a back to school night, which is usually for parents. The teacher usually uses this time to cover their goals for the year and the curriculum that will be taught. Be sure to attend this as well, so you can have all of your questions about your child’s learning answered.

School Supplies: School supplies are necessary. Please get them into the school within the first week of school so the teacher knows what they have for the students. I know lists can get crazy, but the teacher only asks for what they need. There may even be a mid year list for glue sticks and tissues. Please help with the supplies as quickly as possible.

Back to school books to start reading together.

How To Get Your Teacher Ready by: Jean Reagan

This School Year Will be the Best  by: Kay Winters

First Day Jitters by: Julie Danneberg

Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind by: Kevin O’Malley & Judy Finchler

Froggy Goes to School by: Jonathan London

How I Spent My Summer Vacation by: Mark Teague

All Are Welcome by: Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman

If You Take a Mouse to School by: Laura Numeroff & Felicia Bond

Click Clack Quack to School by: Doreen Cronin

Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School by: Herman Parish

This is just a few of my favorite back to school books. There are so many more to discover.