-
Step 1
Back to School – Go to the Students School
There is nothing better to ease the concerns a child has, about where things are in their new classroom, than going there. Many schools have open houses where the family is invited to see the classroom and meet the teacher. Take this opportunity to show your child the lunchroom, bathroom, gym, lockers, and anything else they want to know the location of. One big issue for students is where their bus is going to be and how will they know if they are taking the right one. The teacher will be able to explain the after school bus routine to ease this concern. If there is not an official open house then call the school to see when you can visit before school starts.
This is also an opportunity for you to talk to the Teacher. Explain if there are any academic concerns, behavior problems, personal care issues (such as bladder control, asthma, etc.) -
Step 2
Back To School Routines
During the summer months bedtimes, wake up times, and daily schedules tend to relax. Starting a month before school starts you need to ease back into the school day routines. Each week in this month, start putting your child to bed and waking them up earlier until they are the times necessary for going back to school. This may be difficult since they may not have anything to do with their extra time. Take this opportunity to have them practice their 'school morning' routine and have them read or do practice lessons of math, writing, or any other subject -
Step 3
Back to School Shopping.
One of the big thrills, for every aged student, is going out to get the supplies and new clothes to start their school year. Make this an enjoyable shopping trip by knowing what supplies are needed ahead of time and letting the kids know there is a budget they must stay within, but they will have many choices of what to buy. If they earned their own money over the summer give them the opportunity to use that money to 'upgrade' their clothes to the more 'trendy' and more costly clothes. They have earned it. -
Step 4
One Last Summer Outing
A great way to celebrate the end of summer is to plan a family outing within the last month, or even better, the last weekend before school starts. Get the family together to allow everyone to make suggestions and decide, together, what you will do and /or where you will go. Make sure you, as the parent, know the budget for this end of summer excursion. -
Step 5
Have Your 'Back to School' Routine Ready
Everyone in the family will feel the excitement of the change in routines when school begins. Make sure everyone knows what is expected of them before the big day. Homework times, lunch preparation, and morning routines are important to know, and even practice, before the first day of school. -
Step 6
Back to School - Be Organized.
It is important that the first school day morning goes smoothly. Things may have changed during the summer for your child - new school with different hours, or for you - new job that is further away so the commute is longer. Make sure lunches, backpacks with new supplies, and clothes are organized the night before so the morning can be fun. There should even be time to take first day of school pictures.
Comments
sonni57 said
on 7/8/2009 School isn't that far away thanks for the good article.
Gardengates said
on 7/8/2009 Excellent advice to calm the back-to-school jitters. Thanks!