Getting Ready to Go Back to School

A new school year is just around the corner, and a little upfront planning can help you and your child get off to a great start! As the first day approaches, consider these tips to help your child prepare for a successful school year.

Go on a School Visit

Visiting school is especially important if your child is young or attending a new school, but all children can benefit from a school visit prior to the kickoff of the new school year.

- Locate your child’s classroom, the lunchroom and bathrooms.

- Call the school beforehand to see if you can meet with your child’s teacher.

A quick visit can go a long way towards easing any anxiety your child might have about the upcoming school year.

Re-establish Routines

In the weeks before school starts, talk with your child about how the school year differs from the summer.

- Talk about mealtime, bedtime and schoolwork routines, and discuss how these routines help your child be successful.

- Create a schedule or chart with your child and post it somewhere prominent in your home. The week before school starts, get on schedule for meals and bedtime.

Get Organized

Accomplish as much as you can before school starts so that you can best support your child in those action-packed first days.

- If you receive school supply lists or reading lists before the year kicks off, go shopping! (Check out our School Supply Savvy post for fun ideas!)

- Determine where backpacks and lunchboxes are to be stored and where your child will do homework, and make these areas easy for your child to manage independently.

Taking care of these things now will make the transition easier for you and your child.

The opening of a new academic year is an exciting and sometimes scary time. Your support and encouragement will help your child feel secure and confident as this new year begins.