The *official* First Day of School this year is Tuesday, September 7; that’s only a couple weeks away!! It might be your little one’s first time away from home, or maybe they’re returning to a program. Whether going to daycare or off to Preschool, starting school is a big deal for children and their parents!
Change of any kind can cause a flood of emotions and feelings for adults, let alone for kids. Some children accept it more easily, but it’s common for even the most experienced students to need extra attention during the first days and/or weeks of school. There’s always room for extra preparation and practice, especially after the unprecedented year we’ve experienced!
There are countless things to try when preparing for back-to-school. Remember that it will probably take some trial-and-error to find what works best for you and your child(ren). Continue reading for some of the most helpful and popular suggestions we found:
Read Books:
Reading books is a great way to start a conversation about school and get an idea of how your child(ren) is feeling. There are also tons of read aloud books available to listen to and enjoy before starting school again.
Practice the Routine:
Getting back into the morning routine will take practice. Dressing, undressing, and hand-washing are tasks that will help your child to feel more confident when asked to do them at school. This can be easier said than done, so here’s a great article with tips and tricks to try! You can also download this Ready for School Checklist for a visual that might make things easier!
Work Together Preparing Lunches/Snacks:
Whether going back to school, virtual learning, or a hybrid this year, there are many kid-friendly recipes to try for even the pickiest eaters. Try shopping together for the ingredients and engaging them in the making/packing of lunches and snacks to get them excited for what they’ll be eating at school.
Have Supplies Ready:
It’s never too early to start the ritual of back-to-school shopping, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Aside from having ready a First Day of School outfit, don’t forget to also look for a lunchbox, pencil box, backpack, and/or other supplies! Your child will be thrilled to get a say in what supplies they use and excited to show off their new stuff to friends!
Set Goals for the Year:
Helping your child(ren) to feel engaged and motivated in the classroom is an important thing parents can do to ensure school success. Sitting down with your kids and figuring out what goals they’d like to accomplish over the year gives them a sense of their learning journey. You might also learn about new interests your child(ren) has and ways you can help nurture them in and out of the classroom.
Above all, preparing for back-to-school should be FUN! There are many FREE back-to-school printables you can use at home to help build up the excitement! We hope you and your child(ren) enjoy the rest of summer and are looking forward to starting school!
