School is Cool
Remember
your first day at school? Whether you began your ‘school career’
as a tot in nursery, or later on at the ripe age of 5 in kindergarten, everyone
seems to have some recollection of their first day at school.
Back
in the ‘old days’ before online self-help was so readily available,
parents relied on their own past experience to ease the way for their kids to
enter the classroom for the first time. Today, so much advice is available.
But, remember, you know your own child best. Here are some tips that might make
your child’s transition from leaving the familiar atmosphere of home, to
embarking into the adventure of the classroom.
Your
little one had already had some socialization with your
friends’ kids or family members. But now it’s time to go into the world, so…
♥ Set up play dates and parties Once the class list comes out, hop on the phone and start
scheduling playtime with old and new kids to remind your youngster about the
friends he has missed over vacation period. Then, at the end of the first week
of school, get your school-aged child enthusiastic about the new year -- and
his new classmates -- by planning a back to school party.
♥ Do
a test run to the school Walk or ride your bikes to school every morning a couple of
weeks before back to school time to get your kiddo comfortable -- and hopefully
less resistant -- to the morning routine. Chances are, your child's new teacher
will be getting the classrooms ready for the new year, giving you a chance to
make an early introduction.
♥ Bring
kids along for back to school shopping Involve your kids in shopping for new things for the new
year, from picking out a new backpack to stocking up on a wardrobe or uniform
pieces.
♥ Personalize
back to school gear Backpacks, lunchboxes or pencil boxes can be personalized and
will help get kids motivated to begin the new school year. Opt for your child's
initials if you're worried about putting their full name for strangers to see.
♥ Enroll
kids in extracurricular activities Your youngster will get the opportunity to make new friends,
and get into action. Getting involved in
extracurricular activities and after school programs can help foster school
spirit, especially at the beginning of the school year.
More Back to School Tips: Questions
and Concerns Your Kids Might Have
Although these might not be earth shattering to you –
remember your own childhood and recall how important these issues were to you:
♥ Will
my teacher be nice? ♥ Where will I sit? ♥ Will
the other kids like me?
Many
kids get nervous about heading back to school.
A major part of a successful back to school week is establishing a routine and
explaining where the bathroom is, what happens when you go to gym class and
when to expect recess. With a little preparation, parents can help. Here’s how
to make your child’s transition a smooth one.
Remember
Routines Family schedules tend to slide in the summer – like crazy
bedtimes, popsicle habits, and wearing swimsuits day after day. Readjusting can be hard when September comes.
Moms and professionals agree that before school starts, it’s important to start
focusing on earlier bedtime and resuming to eat healthier foods. Begin
practicing school year habits a week before.
Get
Ready! Don’t underestimate the fun and importance of new stuff for
the big day. With younger kids, a bag full of school supplies, a new backpack
and a few new items of clothing tend to gear them up without any further encouragement.
Show
Them the Way If your kid is new to the school, show them their classroom,
what entrance and exit to use and where the bathroom is located. If they’re
taking the bus, visit the bus stop location and explain how to get on and off,
especially if it’s the first time. Show them the drop off and pick up spot at
school, too—if you’re not sure where it will be, call the school ahead of time
to find out.
Some
schools will allow you to take a tour during the summer and arrange to meet
the teacher. Some teachers suggest encouraging a sense of ownership on the
tour: “This is your school, your gym, your lunch room...”
Prepare
the Teacher Let your child’s teacher know about any specific health
issues your child might have and also alert the teacher about any allergies. If
your child needs to use the lavatory often, it is important to advise the
teacher as well.
Talk,
Talk, Talk Think of all the positive things that your child(ren) like
about school and I talk about them as much as possible. Ask about friends they
haven’t seen over the summer. Look at your kids and note anything different
that their friends might also notice, such as a new hairstyle or if they’ve
grown over the summer.
Speak
to your kids in a low-key way, reminding them how important learning
is to you. Parents can help by being
role models throughout the year, not just during school time. For example, show
how much you like reading, or talk about math and measuring when you’re making
a recipe together.
Be
Organized Ease back-to-school anxiety by being prepared. Help your
child to lay out their clothes and help pack their backpack the night before.
Include a healthy lunch and a snack that your child can open and eat on their
own.
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