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Administrators, teachers, parents, and students around the country are organizing their plans for back to school. This can include routines, procedures, and an overall motivation to return to some normalcy. Learning and socialization both flow smoother with a solid plan in place.
Checklists, charts, schedules, and lists are all good ways to stay organized and to keep the goal of a happy school year in order. These will vary based on your child’s age or needs but can serve as a guide for success. Working with your family to create your own version of a visual aid can help with the nervousness and excitement of another new school-year. Be sure to include what you need to buy (clothes, supplies, sports equipment) as well as what you need to do to cut down on the stress of the first few weeks back.
Here are some suggestions for a smooth start:
Set routines early to allow for bedtimes, morning schedules and healthy eating habits. Ample sleep and steady mealtimes starting before the first week of school can help get everyone get back on track.
Pre-planning lunches and meal prep can save time and money. Get older kids involved in helping with this process, when possible. Adding money to a school lunch account now can save time later, as well.
Meeting the teacher and touring the school building before school starts are both helpful ways to acclimate to the classroom, especially for young students. Even a virtual meet up can be beneficial.
Reviewing the importance of following directions, using manners, asking for help when needed, and working fairly with others will help elementary leveled children to navigate their days.
Signing up and planning for fall sports, practices, and activities also eases the hustle bustle of the busy first few weeks of school, for all students. Shared family calendars work well here, too.
Discuss any rules and mandates your school district has put into place, for safety, to alleviate uncertainty. Explain what they are/ why they are in place. Allow for questions to ease any fears.
Set up rules for good after school homework and study habits. This should include where homework will be done and how much time will be spent working beyond the school day. In conjunction, establish limits on screen time accessibility in your home. There are some good apps with timers out there, FYI.
Stay positive, open-minded, and optimistic. Support and encourage your children to work and play hard to have the very best year possible. Positive talk creates confidence, which can help keep anxiety at bay.
Be sure to include what your child’s (or family’s) individual needs may be when planning out this new year so they may flourish academically and socially. Working together to set the tone and expectations will benefit everyone as we embrace the next nine months. Being flexible enough to modify the plan, when needed, is also a great idea to stay sane and happy amidst the chaos and excitement of a new school year.
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