School bells will soon ring once again. Whether that comes as music to your
ears or a bittersweet reminder that the free-spirited summer days are over,
check out these tips from the pros to help you and your child enjoy a
smart, happy start to school.
- Push the re-set button.
A week or two before school starts, ease back into regular bedtime and
morning routines. Nudge kids to begin the habit of daily reading if they’ve
slacked off, and play math games to review last year’s skills.”Think about re-setting structure at home and what changes need to happen
so it’s not a total shock to everyone’s system,” says Christine Vohs, a
second-grade teacher. “Anything that you can create that allows for
structure and your child’s ownership for success is going to send him to me
in a better frame of mind to learn for the day.”Plan ahead for hectic mornings by gathering healthy, simple-to-prepare
breakfast ideas packed with nutrients and protein. Wall calendars with
activities color-coded for each family member and daily checklists for each
child can help establish expectations and keep your family organized. - Build anticipation.
Got a youngster who’s bummed to head back to school? Stay upbeat. Remind
him of the subjects that spark his curiosity that he’ll learn about in the
coming year, whether cursive writing, multiplication or a special
grade-level project.”Talk to your children about friends they haven’t seen all summer and about
new kids joining their class,” says first-grade teacher Megan Jasperson.
“This is sure to get them excited for the school year to begin.” - Show support.
“Avoid teasing your child by saying things like ‘you got the meanest
teacher in school!’ or acting as if you’re overjoyed to be sending your
child back to school because this can make him wonder why you’re so eager
to be away from him,” says Becky DeNoon, a third grade teacher.Instead, offer encouragement and support. Remind him that it’s normal to
feel disappointed about summer break coming to a close, but that you’re
excited to see how much he’ll learn and grow during the coming months. - Be prepared.
Peruse school supply lists carefully and read the handouts the school
issues to ensure that your youngster has everything he needs on the first
day of school.”Kids feel embarrassed on the first day when they aren’t prepared,”
Jasperson says. - Reduce uncertainty.
Kids often feel nervous about unknowns like transitioning to a teacher they
don’t know, a new school or a different set of classroom rules. Take
advantage of any back-to-school or orientation events that your school
offers to help your apprehensive scholar familiarize himself with the
classroom, meet classmates and connect with the teacher before school
starts. Knowing what to expect and where to go on the first day will ease
some of a child’s anxieties. - Seek out friendly faces.
If you’ve recently moved to the community or switched schools, look for
other families with children your child’s age to arrange a playdate or to
meet for frozen yogurt.Some schools also feature parent Facebook pages. Hop on and ask if anyone
would like to get together at the park before school begins. Many parents
love to help welcome new families, and these efforts will lessen first day
jitters when your youngster recognizes a few familiar faces on the first
day.Have an adolescent heading into middle school? Encourage him to join
after-school clubs and activities. “His involvement will help him form
connections with peers who share his interests,” says Traci Keeler, a
sixth-grade math teacher and eighth-grade volleyball and track coach. - Create a homework spot.
Designate an area in your home that’s conducive to focus and concentration
and where you can easily jump in to provide assistance when necessary.
While purchasing school supplies, also stock a homework caddy or station
with scratch paper, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, highlighters and
anything else that Junior will need to complete his homework. - Build partnerships.
Maintaining open communication and partnering with your student’s teacher
is key to a successful school year.”You know your child best and your insights into your child are helpful to
us,” Vohs says. Introduce yourself to the teacher and tell her the best
ways she can contact you. In turn, remember that teachers care about their
students’ best interests. Vohs speaks for many of her colleagues when she
says: “I hope parents will trust me to make the best possible decisions for
their child while he or she is with me.” - Get involved.
Help your children start seeing school as an extension of their home life
by volunteering periodically. Most kids get a kick out of seeing their
parents during the school day, whether they volunteer in the cafeteria,
library or the classroom. Unable to volunteer at school? Ask the teacher
what you can do to help from home.
Student Cheat Sheet for a Successful Start to Middle School
- Ask questions when you don’t understand
- Productively struggle and be willing to try
- Listen and follow directions
- Come prepared to class with materials needed
- Participate and show effort
- Set goals and create challenges for yourself
Source: Traci Keeler
Back-to-School Quiz
What school item is listed among the top 20 most recognizable scents?
The crayon, which ranked 18 in a Yale University study.
True/False: Fear of going to school is a psychological condition.
True. Roughly two percent of children around the world have a phobia called
“Didaskaleinophobia,” which makes them feel physically ill, depressed and
scared about attending school.- How many words can the average pencil write?45,000
Source: DoSomething.Org
