Prepare for Back to School
What does back to school mean to you? Shopping for school supplies and new
clothes, adjusting to a new and structured routine, quickly preparing lunches
and attending parent-teacher conferences. Though there are so many things to
consider, it is an exciting time for children to resume learning in a social
setting. Seeing friends every day, participating in class activities and eating
school lunches are part of the overall school experience. Make the transition
from summer to school as easy and enjoyable as possible.
The key to
getting ready for back to school is preparation. By focusing on what all needs
to be accomplished and making the time to do it, the only concern on the first
day of school should be who your child will sit with at lunch. Give yourself at
least a couple weeks to get everything in order and boost your child’s
confidence.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
If your child is new
to the school, take some time during the summer to visit the school and become
oriented with the layout. If your student is new to lockers, practice opening
one to give him some confidence. Many schools have summer reading programs.
Check out which books your child needs to read and make time for him to
accomplish this responsibility. Inquire when school starts and lets out for the
day. If your child plans to ride the bus, ask about the bus number and schedule.
Take some time to label your student’s belongings, particularly if he is
younger. Jackets, backpacks, lunchboxes and other items your child takes to
school should have his initials or name on them. Arrange after school care if
you work away from home and your child cannot stay home alone.
Visit
the Doctor
A trip to your family physician should be scheduled before
school starts. Catch up on any immunizations that your child needs during your
trip to the doctor. Though they may be unwelcome, vaccinations can help your
child’s body fight infection when his peers feel ill. A general check-up
investigates your child’s overall health and offers an opportunity for early
detection. This is also an optimal time for your student athletes to get their
annual physical exams to ensure their health is in order for the upcoming
season.
Shopping
There are many things your student will need
to kick off the new school year. Pick up a copy of required school supplies for
your child’s grade level from his or her school. View store ads to find the
deals on the various school supplies you need this year before making your
shopping trip. Consider purchasing extra supplies while they are on sale. Access
to more supplies will come in handy throughout the year. Also, scope out the
store ads to find sales on the clothes your child likes. Take an outing with the
kids to try on clothes and make their picks. A treat like going out for lunch or
ice cream makes a great reward for their cooperation. Check out the school’s
dress code to make sure that each child’s purchases are appropriate for the
school setting. When shopping for breakfasts and lunches for your kids, take
them along. They can help make decisions on what they want to eat throughout the
week. Lead them to healthy decisions and make sure they are getting the
nutrition their bodies need.
Establish a Routine
About a week
before school begins, implement times for your children to go to bed and get up
in the morning. Practicing the new schedule makes the transition from summer to
school a little easier. Consider discussing the new routine for the school year
with your children. Find an area in the house to hang backpacks and jackets so
that everything has a home when the family returns to end the day. This also
makes it easier to find homework and quicker to get out the door in the
morning.
The Day Before
Use your child’s enthusiasm the day
before school starts to your advantage. Choose the first day of school outfit
and lay it out where your child can easily reach it. Prepare lunches that
evening and place them in the refrigerator. The grab and go concept might be
helpful during the chaos of getting ready for the first day. Toss in a
hand-sanitizing wipe to encourage your child to wash his hands before meals.
Provide your child with home and emergency contact information. Compose a note
to the school if your child has special needs or requires medication. Load your
camera with film or a flash card reader and some batteries so that it is ready
to capture those candid moments the next morning.
The First
Day
Wish your student good luck! Feed your child a good, healthy
breakfast to give him the energy needed to start the day. When your student
returns home, he will probably need you to sign some forms and papers he
collected throughout the day. Allot time in your evening schedule to get it
done. At the end of the day, perhaps around suppertime, discuss everyone’s
day.
Make the first day of school an exciting, organized experience.
Planning ahead for your child’s big day ensures that everything goes as smoothly
as possible. Acclimating your student back to school makes the transition from
summer much easier. Keep everyone in the family involved for the preparations to
encourage decision-making skills and interaction with one another. The back to
school experience will be a time to remember.