For some, summer may have seemed to drag by, and for others, it went much too quickly. Regardless of which boat you are in, it is almost time for students to return to school. To make the new routines as seamless as possible, here are some tried and true tips for parents as they get ready to send kids back to school.
1. Ease back into the routine
Try to get a schedule established a week before school starts. Figure out what works best for mealtime, bedtime, and wake-up time. Having your schedule set before school starts will allow everyone to get used to the new routine. It will also allow you to make any adjustments that may be needed.
2. Adjust eating habits
During the summer months, kids are likely to grab snacks when they feel the whim! However, with school comes a routine. There is snack time, lunchtime, and usually another snack time. It is a good idea to get your kids on track with regular meals and snacks at home.
3. Sneak in some review
No matter what grade your student is entering, the teacher will spend a good day or two (maybe more) reviewing material from the previous year. Especially in math! The teacher will want to see what material was retained and what may need to be retaught. If you can, it is a good idea to do some review, even if it is informal, at home before school starts.
Ask your kids what they remember about certain concepts from the previous year. Make sure to make it fun! A quick review sheet with a reward attached may entice some students to do a little more before school starts. And the teacher will be impressed when students come back with the knowledge they had when they left at the beginning of the summer holidays.
4. Talk to your kids about any concerns they may have.
School may look a little different for some students this year. Kindergarten students who are now entering grade one only know how school was run with Co-vid restrictions. Talk to them about how things may be different this year and what sorts of things they may do.
Seating may look different as students can sit in small groups again. Activities will be different as well. There may be school assemblies and many more opportunities to have the whole student body together.
Older students may have trepidations about returning as well. Make sure you discuss what the school policies are and how classes will run in your jurisdiction. Knowing what is happening can help to relieve any back-to-school anxiety that students may have.
These are just a few things you can do to ensure your student is ready for the school year ahead.
Related Links
Free Diagnostic Test to measure and diagnose summer learning loss.Back-to-School Worksheets designed to diagnose and remedy summer slide
Back-to-School Online Program to help your child succeed in the new grade
