Back to School!

The start of a new school year can be a stressful time for children and parents.  There are often many new things to prepare for; a new school, new teacher, new friends and a different schedule from the freedom of summer.  However, parents and caregivers can do a few simple things to ease their child into school and start the year right. 

1.  It is helpful to begin discussing this transition a few weeks prior to the start of school.  Talk with your child about what school will be like and how excited you are for them to begin a new year. When parents are enthusiastic about starting school, children often follow suit.  Involve your child in choosing any new supplies for the upcoming year whether it is crayons, a new back pack or a box of Kleenex for their classroom.  Also, many parents find that altering their child’s sleep schedule a few weeks before school starts helps to ease the transition from summer to school.

2.  Children are very visual and creating a calendar to countdown to the first day of school can be a helpful strategy. Have your child help decorate and create their special calendar.  During your bedtime routine, make a point to talk with your child about how the first day of school is approaching and have your child cross off the day from the calendar.  This will give your child a better understanding of what is left of summer and how many days until the first day of school!

3.  If possible, practice a “run through” of the first day.  This may include choosing what to wear the night before, waking up at an earlier time in the morning, having breakfast and driving your child to school, talk about where you or the bus will drop them off and pick them up at the end of the day.  Another helpful tip is to speak with your child’s teacher before or during the first few days of school.  Inform the teacher of your child’s summer, any new changes in your child’s life or any other important information.  This helps build a relationship with your child’s teacher and allows you to be on the same page.  Consistent communication with your child’s teacher will aide in your child’s success at school. 

4.  Reading books is another wonderful way to prepare your child for their first day of school and can be a vehicle for children to discuss their excitement and fears. The website www.greatschools.net suggests many books with back to school themes: 

• Berenstain, Stan and Jan.  The Berenstain Bears Go to School (Random House, 1978)
• Brown, Marc.  Arthur’s Teacher Trouble (Trumpet, 1986)
• Bridwell, Norman.  Clifford’s First School Day (Scholastic, 1999)
• Haywood, Carolyn.  Back to School With Betsy (Odyssey Classics, reissue edition, 2004)
• Jackson, Ellen.  It’s Back To School We Go!  (Millbrook Press, 2003)
• Rey, Margret.  Curious George Goes to School  (Houghton Mifflin, 1989)

This time of year is often just as hard for parents as it is for their young children. Preparing your child in advance for the new school year will start the year off right at home and at school.  Have a wonderful first day of school and a fantastic school year!