With the new school year quickly approaching, knowing a few back to school tips can make all the difference. This is a very exciting time, but it also can be a stressful one for families and kids. There are new schedules, new responsibilities, and lots of new challenges for everyone involved. However, being well-prepared and organized can help ensure that you’re ready for whatever the new year throws at you.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or future student, use these tips to ease yourself into the new academic year!
9 Back to School Tips for a Smooth Transition
Gather Back to School Supplies
It’s never too early to start stocking up on back to school supplies. Shopping early for these items can help you stay organized while also avoiding last-minute stress or panic. Most schools provide a list, but backpacks, binders, and other stationary items are must-haves. Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of deals and sales that often happen several weeks or months before the new school year.
But families and students aren’t the only ones who need to prepare. Teachers should also be stocking their classrooms with certain essentials like dry erase markers, organizational items, and reward charts.
Create a Study Space at Home
Parents know how difficult it can be for kids to go from playtime to study time. While we can’t erase their fears entirely, having a dedicated study space at home can definitely help. Ideally, this should be a quiet spot conducive to productivity. Avoid setting up a desk in an area where they can easily be distracted by the TV, loud noises, or other family members.
Make sure your child has a comfortable desk from which to work. If they will be spending a lot of time at home, it’s also worth investing in a standing desk and/or ergonomic chair.
Establish a Routine Ahead of Time
One of the hardest parts about the end of summer is establishing a back to school routine. To help make this easier on your little ones, start adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times early on. This will get them accustomed to a new schedule so they are prepared for their school days.
Not only do you need to consider bedtimes, but it’s also important to establish a routine with other activities. That includes meal time, extracurricular activities, and hobbies.
Review Previous School Materials
Being away from school for weeks or even months can make it difficult to resume learning. Therefore, it’s a good idea to spend some time reviewing academic material from the past year. This can refresh their memory and help them prepare for new lessons that they’ll be expected to learn in the future.
Another option is to make sure they continue learning throughout the summer. For example, educational computer games and books can keep their minds active even when they’re on break.
Keep the Conversation Open
Going back to school can be a stressful or even traumatic time for some students. Perhaps they’re worried about making friends or dealing with advanced school topics. Either way, set up some time to talk with your kid about any anxieties they may have about returning to school.
You can also use this time to highlight your expectations when it comes to schoolwork. That way, both you and your child will be prepared for this new chapter in life.
Attend Back to School Orientation
It’s always a good idea to attend any available orientation days offered by the school. These events are very useful and informational – both for you and your student. This is especially important if your child is attending a new school, as they may be feeling anxious about the new environment.
Prepare for School Transportation
One thing that is often overlooked when considering back to school tips is transportation. How will your little one get to and from the classroom? Will they be walking, taking the bus, or being driven by someone? Whatever the mode of transportation, it’s important your child knows exactly what to do before their first day.
This isn’t just a matter of familiarity – it’s also for safety. If your student is walking, make sure they know the route and behavior or walking alone. If they are taking the bus, show them where the bus stops are. And if they are being driven, remind them about the importance of seat belts.
Talk About Healthy Meal Options
What your child eats during the day can have a huge impact on their performance at school. A well-balanced nutritious breakfast and lunch is important for concentration and memory. While many schools provide meals in the cafeteria, you may want to talk to your child about eating healthy. That way, they’ll know which foods to choose when they’re in line for lunch.
Some families prefer sending their kids to school with homemade breakfast or lunch instead. If your kids are bringing meals, make sure they have a lunchbox to store their healthy foods.
Research After School Programs
If your child is interested in after school programs, then make sure you research them before the school year starts! Classes, sports, and lessons can fill up fast. The earlier you enroll your student in these programs, the better chance they have of getting in. This can also apply to daycare or other supervised programs.
With these back to school tips, you and your entire family will be well-prepared for the new school year. It doesn’t matter if they’re starting preschool or high school – being organized can make the transition as smooth as possible. In addition to stocking up on school supplies, you should also set clear goals and establish a routine with your student. This will help to reduce stress and anxiety and set the stage for a fun, successful, and enjoyable academic year!
