It’s time for school again! The back to school season has always been a fun one for me. As a kid, I loved school and as a teacher, there was so much anticipation in beginning a new year. Decorating the classroom, planning lessons and meeting the sweet new faces who I would be spending nearly eight hours a day with! I’m not teaching anymore, but this year, our Chloe girl is starting Preschool two mornings a week. I already have visions in my head of new shoes, that cute little backpack and pigtails with bows flying behind her as she skips to school (I think I’ve read too many children’s books lately lol) …
And though the back to school shopping is loads of fun, there are other important preparations that need to take place before a new school year starts. Coming from a former second grade teacher, here are 10 ways to set your child up for success in their new school year:
- When you DO go shopping with your kids, let them choose their school supplies. Seems simple and maybe even obvious, but this is the first step in getting them excited for school. Here’s a tip, though. Be sure to work off your classroom supply list (if you were provided one) so that your child isn’t disappointed to find out an item can’t be used. For example, some teachers prefer to use community supplies so pencils, gluesticks, etc. will be pooled together. The teacher might also ask that no pencil boxes be brought to school (possibly because there isn’t storage space) and a child might feel sad if they have already brought a box with them. Also, label all supplies that need to be labeled. If you’re not sure about all this, don’t hesitate to call the school.
- Get to know your child’s teacher. If your school doesn’t have a Meet Your Teacher day, reach out! Have your child make a card or prepare a simple gift just to help cement that bond. The relationship between student and teacher is such an important one, but the relationship between parent and teacher is just as important. Offer your support, respect and partnership.
- Create a schedule and routine for school mornings. Know what time you need to leave the house to get to school on time and make a plan for how to accomplish that. This includes wake time, breakfast time and time to use the bathroom (for younger kids especially). Have clothes laid out the night before (including shoes!) and backpacks packed up and by the door.
- Along the same lines of morning prep, have lunches packed the night before. To prepare for this now, organize your pantry and fridge in a way that kids can choose items that go in their lunch. Think protein (sandwich, wrap, salad, etc.), then fruit (apple, banana, grapes), then starch/grain (crackers, chips) and two more items (string cheese, almonds, yogurt). Have a water bottle and morning snack picked out and ready to go as well.
- Decide on a homework schedule. You might not know what kind of homework your child is going to be getting yet, but you can still create a routine for getting homework done. Will there be 15-30 minutes of wind-down time after school? Snack time? Will they read first or last? Will they need to share a laptop or ipad? Will your child need a clock or timer?
- Decide on a homework space. This could be the dining room table, your child’s desk in their room or even the floor. It shouldn’t include being in front of a television, though! Allow your child to feel relaxed (even if it means sprawled out on the floor), especially since they’ve been in a classroom all day.
- Talk about school! Discuss school rules and routines and the importance of things such as being on time, paying attention in class and respecting peers. As parents, we are our children’s first teachers, their cheerleaders and home base. It’s important that they hear the same things from us as they do from school.
- Prepare to talk about the school day every afternoon, whether it be in the car drive home or around the dinner table. Find out what your kids did at school, who they sat with at lunch and what they learned in Math. Encourage conversation, and be present in knowing what is happening while they’re at school.
- Whether it be Common Core, state standards or private school curriculum, know what your child is expected to learn throughout the year and master by the end of the year. This way, you will be able to supplement at home. And I don’t necessarily mean find workbooks for more paperwork! Think games on the ipad, books from the library and a diary or journal for extra writing practice.
- Come up with affirmations, or mantras, for your car rides to school in the morning or while eating breakfast. “I am smart!” “I can do my best!” “I am kind!” Set goals. “I’ll sit by a new friend at lunch.” “I’ll raise my hand to ask a question.” You want to encourage your child to be confident, brave and the best friend they can be.
I am wishing you all a happy school year! When parents team with teachers, great things happen!
xoxo,
Heidi
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