Here are 10 back to school tips to kick-start the
new year and get you prepared for a fresh start.
1. Get back into your sleep
routine. To help eradicate those stressful school mornings, set up a
regular bedtime and morning time routine to help prepare your child for school.
Begin your usual school sleep routine about a week or so before school starts.
2. Shop for school
supplies together. To get your child excited about
starting a new grade, shop for supplies together. Allow them to pick out their
own backpack, lunchbox, etc. This is a great way to give them a little bit of
responsibility too! Check out the WSE website for a list of required supplies
for each grade level.
3. Re-establish school
routines. Have your child practice getting back into the rhythm of their
daily school routine. You can do this by having them wake up at the same time
every day, and eat around the same time they would at school. About a week or
so before school starts, plan a few outside activities where your child will
have to leave and come home around the same time they would if they were in
school. This will help them be rested and ready for the big day.
4. Set up a homework station. Sit down with
your child and together designate a time and place where he can do his homework
each day. This can be somewhere quiet like in the den, or even in the kitchen
while you are preparing dinner. Make sure to choose a time where you are
available in case your child needs your help.
5. Complete Summer Reading and Math Requirements- It is a good for
your child to continue to read and practice skills learned from the previous
year. Print the reading and math packets from the WSE website and have your
child complete the activities before school begins. Choose some books from the appropriate
reading list on the WSE website and read/discuss books with your child.
6. Make an after-school game
plan. Make a plan for where your child will go after school lets out for the
day. This will help eliminate any confusion during the first few weeks.
7. Turn off the TV and video
games. For a lot of children summertime is filled with endless video games
and TV programs. Ease your child into the learning process by limiting
electronics and encouraging them to read or play quietly.
8. Review school material
and information. Check the WSE and SCS websites for important dates and
information. Make sure that you read through this information carefully, and
mark down all important dates on your calendar.
9. Get organized. The
best way to prepare for back to school time is to be organized. With school
comes a massive amount of paperwork which can consume your household. Designate
a spot in your house for homework, permission slips, and any other
school-related papers. This can help eliminate all of that paper clutter and
make your life less stressful.
10. Get your child’s yearly checkup.
School and germs go hand in hand, so
it’s best to get your child’s yearly checkup before school even starts. Get any
required vaccinations and ask your pediatrician the best ways your child can
stay healthy throughout the school year.
