Back-to-School. Hooray??
Anyone else out there dislike the back-to-school hubbub? Stores start showing stuff on July 5th! REALLY PEOPLE?! Parents are still in recovery mode. But now it’s August and there is Halloween candy on the shelves. Yep. Candy corn everywhere! First day of school is just around the corner.
Here are 5 tips to help make your school year a great one!
1. School supplies
Do not wait for that teacher list to start picking up school supplies. The stores are insane on the first day of school. You want to stay away. Pick up a few items that are a safe bet. A few single subject notes and folders. Teachers in general are not crazy about giant binders because the papers fall out so hold off on that. They can be expensive. One key item to get is an academic planner. If you are lucky, the school will hand them out to the students. This is an important organizational tool that every student can benefit from. Start using it right away. Your child can put in everyone’s birthday, important phone numbers, special events. Spend time showing your child how to use it. Check it everyday and give lots of praise.
2. Routines
Setting the school day routine is critical or everyone will lose their mind before December. An adult needs to check the backpack for notes and check the planner. You and your child should decide before the school year begins when & where homework will happen, chores, bath time, teeth time, story time, and bed time. Have your child make a poster and put it up to get even more buy in. Check out my post about when children make decisions. It is a so beneficial for them. The evening should include prepping for the next day — double check the planner to make sure everything is done, pack up the backpack, and pick out an outfit.
3. Family Calendar
Put up a calendar and start filling it up with everything that is going on. Back-to-school night, school closing, work schedules, try-outs, practices, birthdays, hair appointments, doctor appointments. Get everyone in the habit of using it and referring to it. Everyone’s time is important. Putting the family’s schedule front and center validates each member’s value. Plus, you won’t forget stuff and feel like a loser because your child is the only one who is waiting to be picked up because it’s a ½ day.
4. Introductions
Send the new teacher (s) a note introducing yourself and your child. Be positive and encouraging, teachers are human beings and often nervous about the start of the year. This lets the teacher know that you are involved and open to communication and want to be a partner in your child’s education. Teacher’s love this. Children do soooo much better when the parents are involved. The teacher will feel optimistic about having your child in their class.
5. Back to School Night
An adult in the family must go. It is sooo important. I cannot stress this enough. Your involvement in school sends a powerful message to your child and to the teachers. It shows that you are paying attention to what is going on, you care about your child’s best interest. You will also have a better understanding of the teacher’s expectations for class.
