Back To School Tips

As summer is winding down and you prepare your children for the next school year, remember this, it goes by fast!! Every year I took our three kids to the next grade for the new school year, and every year I cried. Their Birthday’s didn’t feel like they were a year older, but the new school year got me every time, all they way up until Jr. High!! I know, I know!

I remember getting them ready with their new school gym shoes and clothes, back packs and such, but preparing your elementary aged children truly requires a bit more. We hope these tips help you prepare yous for the new year and prepare everyone for a smooth transition, ease anxiety, build excitement and set a positive tone for the new school year!

Back-to-School Tips for Elementary Students and Family:

1. Schedules and Routines:

• Start waking up and going to bed earlier about 1–2 weeks before school starts. You’re probably used to later hours during summer. Talk about the importance of a good nights rest and figure out a comfortable schedule to begin with the kids.

• Practice morning routines like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. Teach them to be responsible by having them make their bed and have their back-pack, snacks, etc. ready for the new day.

2. Visit the School:

• Most schools have an Open House or Meet and Greet, this allows your children to familiarize them with their classroom and teacher. If possible, take a tour of the school, show your children where they will be eating lunch, the library, the office and the bathrooms so they feel comfortable knowing they are all available for them. If they take the bus, show them where the bus drop off is or where you will be dropping them off and picking them up.

3. Create a Study and Homework Space:

• Stock it with school supplies like pencils, crayons, scissors, and paper.

• Create a quiet and comfortable area for reading and homework. Let them put their favorite quotes, posters, etc. in this area to bring them a sense of ownership and yearning to learn!

  5. Reinforce or Teach Social Skills

• Talk about what kindness, being responsible, good behaviors, etc. look like, even at school.

• Morning greetings can set the tone for the day, bring positive affirmations into their vocabulary, talk about sharing, asking for help when they need it and making new friends and being helpful at school.

  6. Read Books About School and Share Your Experiences at School

  • Their are many books about the first day of school and school routines, choose ones that your child can relate to.

  • "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, was what the kindergarten teacher read every year! Then added a heart stamp on each students hand.

  7. Go Shopping Together for School Supplies

  • Let your child help choose their backpack, lunchbox, and school supplies because when they like these, it brings excitement and a sense of ownership to them. They probably have a favorite character, color or style, express it!

  • Be sure to label items with their name and pack their bag together. Show them you are so excited for their new school year, too because they will learn new things and make new friends. Help them feel comfortable to come to you with their concerns both good or not so good. Communication is important.

  8. Together Set Goals and Expectations

  • Ask them what they are looking forward to with their the new grade, what they liked about their last grade and how much they will learn this year. I recently had a conversation with a young boy and his grandpa, I asked the boy what he liked about school and what he didn’t like about school. Even grandpa learned his likes and dislikes and could have further conversations with his grandson. We learn so much with conversations with our kids.

  • Reinforce expectations for their behavior, support their efforts, and encourage kindness. While good grades are part of learning, so is good character, social skills and coping skills. Be an open door for your children to come to you not matter what.

    9. Stay Positive and Get Involved

    • Your children are listening to your conversations, so, please speak positively about school and learning.

    • While life can get busy, plan to attend school events, communicate with the teacher, and encourage your child daily.

  • MAKE LEARNING FUN! When your children enjoy learning their minds will continue to grow. Find subjects that they enjoy, not only academically, but socially and physically. Their are books for everything under the sun, take them to the library, sit with them on the internet and research topics of interest to them.

    We hope you have a safe and healthy school year! Miss Joni and Team Characters

Teaching and reinforcing good behaviors provides a firm foundation of learning. Learn more about Behavior Bear.