It’s that time of year again: time to get ready for the back-to-school season! Summer is coming to an end and soon, students will be back in class for the 2021-2022 school year! Educators say it is important to set the tone for the school year on day one and encourage parents to not only help their child get prepared but for them to get organized for a successful start.
Whatever age your children are, teachers, principals, and superintendents alike say you can take steps to ensure a seamless transition between summer vacation and the start of school. Below are a few things to think about to help make the transition back to school easier.
Sometimes returning back to school, transferring to a new school, or entering a new grade can be scary for some kids. Transitions can be difficult for both new and returning students, as well as their parents. Have a conversation with your child about how they are feeling and encourage open communication so that they start off on the right foot. Reassure them that the way they are feeling is normal and they will likely overcome them once they have settled into their new classroom. One must know that worries, as well as courage, can exist together. Calm any fears your kids may have by emphasizing the positives like making new friends, meeting new classmates, and getting involved in sports and activities they enjoy.
As your child grows and enters a new grade, they will need to learn how to do a lot of things on their own. It’s important that you encourage your younger child to practice day-to-day activities, such as tying their shoes and writing their name. For the older students, begin talking to them about their responsibilities before the school year begins. Now that they are older, they will have more responsibilities including homework, organizing school materials, taking note of due dates, as well as at home duties.
Don’t wait to do this until the night before the school year. Instead, take the time to establish a healthy sleep routine. To get your child ready for back to school, start getting them back into their normal bedtime routine. After all, small adjustments are much easier to embrace than sudden, drastic ones. Remember, students need 10 hours of sleep a night to help them stay energized and focused throughout the day!
Planning their first day of school outfit, working with your child to pack their backpack, and figuring out your drop-off plan are all important parts of a successful first day. When it comes to a first-day outfit, remember, it doesn’t matter if it is new or old, as long as your child feels great in it. Backpack-wise, create a checklist of everything that you need including school supplies, forms, lunch, etc. Set everything out beforehand and have your child organize it and put it into their backpack. In terms of a drop-off and pick-up plan, be transparent with your kid(s). Whether your kids are riding the school bus, walking, riding their bikes, or getting picked up — they must be reminded constantly of being safe at all times.
Enjoy the last hoorah!! Go on a bike ride, go get some ice cream or go for a last swim before school starts. Enjoy some quality time with family or friends before life gets into a different routine. It is important to have fun while you can because when school starts, attention starts to shift from one thing to another.