The summer is coming to an end, which can only mean one thing: back to school time is almost here. While we still have time to get outside and enjoy the sun, we also have to start getting ourselves, and our children ready for the start of another school year.
September often brings the tricky transition of switching from long, lazy days, to a more scheduled week. It’s quite possible that your child could be confused, and even anxious about the upcoming school transition. Additionally, you may find it difficult to get back into the school routine yourself!
While every family is different, here are a few helpful tips on how to get yourself, and your children, back into the school routine.
Talk To Your Child About School
Whether you are sending your children to school for the first time, or they are returning from their summer break, it is important to talk to your children about school. As mentioned, your children may be confused and even anxious about this new routine, so you want to be able to ease any of the concerns they may have.
By talking to your children about school, you disperse some of the confusion, and fear of the unknown. Let your child know what to expect day to day during the school year, and answer any questions they may have for you. Explaining the drop off and pick up process may help with the anxiety children experience when not around their parents. The more familiar and understanding your children are of how the school day works, the easier it will be to fall into that routine with them.
Be Prepared
One major component of getting back into the school routine, is having all the tools and items your child will need. This back to school checklist will be specific to each child, as well as the facility they are attending. For example, if your childcare facility provides a nutritious lunch and/or midday snacks, there will be no need to prepare these yourself, or make it part of your routine.
What to prepare for the school year will, of course, also depend on your child’s age and needs. If your child needs to supply their own writing or crafting materials, be sure their backpack is stocked with everything necessary for their learning. Also, your child may require special medication, so make sure their prescription is filled prior to the school year. The teaching team at their facility is aware, and their prescription is in their possession at all times.
Once you have completed your back to school shopping, you will undoubtedly feel more prepared.
Read The Curriculum
This is an extension of speaking with your children about school, but is relevant for you as a parent as well. By reading the curriculum outlined by your childcare facility, you will have a better idea of what your child is doing and learning on a day to day basis, and will be able to better explain how the school day works to your children.
The curriculum or schedule may also outline any special activities, events, or trips your child will be participating in. This will give you the opportunity to plan ahead, and be prepared accordingly. Having the curriculum or school schedule posted somewhere in your home can help your child be more engaged and excited about their school year, and will get them more used to the idea of their new routine.
Stick to Your Other Routines
While going back to school may mean the end of some things, such as summer camp or day trips to the playground, it should not mean the end to other routines that you have instilled in your child. If you have already established a bedtime routine, you should continue this same routine to allow your child some familiarity in their day.
Additionally, since your child already feels comfortable in their other routines, adding school to this existing routine will help ease the transition back to school.
Be Engaged
A further continuation of talking to your children before they go back to school, is talking to your children regularly about their school day. By knowing what they are enjoying, what they are learning, and what they are having a hard time with, you will be able to better understand how they feel about school, and make the routine even easier. For example, if you child is having a hard time waking up in the morning for school, you know to perhaps move bedtime up to give them more time to sleep.
At Childventures, we are excited to welcome the new school year, and all the exciting adventures in learning your child will experience. If you would like to learn more about how we create an environment that feels like a home away from home, contact us to book a tour at any one of our four locations.
