In a very short time children will be returning to the classrooms. Although most children will be excited about the upcoming year, switching from an easy-going summer schedule to earlier hours and changes in routines can be tough. Also, most children will have at least some concerns about working with a new teacher, a different set of peers, and a tougher curriculum.
Here are a few tips to help ease the strain:
1. Watch Your Attitude As parents you have a strong influence on how your child views the upcoming school year.
Don’t express your doubts. If you say, “I hope you don’t have trouble with Ms. ______.” or “I know that 3rd grade is tougher,” you set up worry spots.
Play up the positives. Say, “I’ll bet there will be a new child for you to befriend,” or “I understand there is a unit on dinosaurs this year!’ or “I’ve heard the school menu has really expanded.” Now you have your child looking forward to something positive.
2. Start Routine Changes Early
Start getting up earlier the week before school starts
Have a full breakfast at an earlier time
Put together the new backpack and practice walking in the door with it and putting it in its assigned home
Develop a new checklist for chores and morning routines
Update the family calendar and post it – log in already known school events and deadlines
Determine set times for homework, chores, packing lunches, packing up the backpack, and laying out clothes for the next day
3. Set Up a Study Zone
Find a consistent location that works for your child
Put together a basket or container of all items your child will need in order to complete assignments
Set up a file for papers that are going to be kept during this semester or school year
4. Incorporate School Papers Into Your Communication Center
Have a folder for each child to place papers that need action – such as a signature or an upcoming event that needs to be logged onto the calendar
Add a contact folder for school contacts and special activities for this school year
5. Start a Back to School Tradition
Have a cookout the weekend before the first day of school or take a trip to a favorite place to eat where the children can order what they want – talk about the joys and concerns of the upcoming school year
Have a prize wrapped up for the children to open when they come home from school on day 1
Ready or not – the school year begins. Let this year be the best one yet!
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer
Comments