Schools out for summer! Err, wait…where the heck did summer go?
If the thought of preparing your kids for going back-to-school raises your blood pressure, you’re not alone. For many families, the month of August can be a rude awakening. However, with a bit of planning and a few calming breaths, you can enjoy the last weeks of summer and still have a smart start this school year!
Here are a few tips to consider:
Make a shopping list. Take inventory of what items can be reused, and make note of what needs to be replaced. Last year’s jeans may not fit, but a backpack can sometimes last more than one year. Once you write it down on the list, you can forget about it until you have to go shopping.
Ease into a routine. Routines help children feel comfortable. “Getting back into a school routine is one of the biggest challenges that families face,” says Nancy Moffatt, Kiddie Academy’s 2012 Teacher of the Year. “In mid-August, help your children get into their school routine by going to bed earlier and waking up at a consistently decent time. Start doing some academic work, whether through computer games, reading or other academic activities to prepare the children for school.”
Start a resolution list. Set goals by creating a simple Back to School resolution list that both you and your child can use.
Resolve the homework grind. As part of your resolutions, offer some down time after school so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed. Remember, homework canbe manageable. Check out the Kiddie Academy Homework Checklist for great tips and ideas, including instructions for making a homework bin!
Check out Kiddie Academy’s pinterest page for more ideas on back-to-school transition tips.
