Can you believe that the summer is almost over and the new academic year is creeping up faster than you can imagine? If a smooth transition to the new school year is something that you desire, a bit of planning and preparation will make it easier on everyone. Here are a few things you can begin to put into place now to help your students to get back into the school day groove.
Happy mornings: How were your mornings last year? Think about what went right and what went wrong. Try to institute routines that will make your mornings smooth and easy. If your students don’t like getting up, it's important to complete homework, pack bags and set out clothes the night before. These tasks should be part of the evening routine instead of the morning routine. Discuss these new routines with your students and get their input on bathroom schedules, lunches and breakfasts—they are far more likely to participate in a routine that they help to create.
Get back into the routine of a regular bed timei schedule: Staying up late and sleeping in have probably become a habit in your home during these summer months, so start getting your kids to bed a little earlier. Set an alarm so that they get up earlier too. This will help with the switch back to an academic timetable.
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Reconnect: Get together with other moms and let your students reconnect with school friends they may have missed over the break. Reconnecting with friends will help them get excited and look forward to the new school year.
Wardrobe check: Go through your student’s wardrobe with them to see what fits and what doesn’t. This will also help you to see what they need for the coming school year. Shopping for a new school clothes will also get them excited about the going back to school.
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Get organized: Buy a large chalkboard or calendar for the kitchen; start filling in activities and sports as well as travel arrangements so that everyone is informed and prepared.
Catch up with paperwork: Every new school year brings a slew of reading and paperwork that needs to be done. Starting now will mean you are prepared for the new year and the school has all the information they need.
Start your school supply shopping: Starting early means that there is no mad rush at the end and that you save money on school supplies.
Planned lunches: Making school lunches is one routine you will have to get back into. Ask your students to make a wish list of the lunch items they would like to see on the menu. Plan a schedule for lunches so that you are not scrambling around in the morning.
Tutors: If your student struggled with a subject last year, think about helping them catch up for the start of the academic year. You don’t want your student to fall behind or feel overwhelmed. A tutor can help them to fill in building blocks and build confidence.
Prevent brain drain: Take your student to the library to get some books. Reading and writing exercises will help them to keep their brains going and prevent summer brain drain! Work on their summer reading projects and/or math packets NOW! Don't delay and wait until a week or two before school begins!
