Back to School:Getting your Child Ready

Going to a new school/Getting Ready

Social Adjustment:

What if going back to school means starting at a new school for your child? Because this can be a little scary, you can help make that first day be more comfortable by arranging for your child to make friends before the first day. Many kindergarten teachers will offer a get-together or orientation in their classroom prior to the start of classes.  Therefore, attending is an important way for your child to meet other classmates and make new friends.  And, the first day will become much easier for your child by knowing some classmates ahead of time. 

For all other grades, ask your new teacher/school to suggest names of students with whom you can arrange a play date before school starts.  In addition, some schools will have a mentoring program whereby a family with a child of similar age to yours will be your guide for the school year.  These socialization strategies are key to making the transition to a new school much more comfortable and easier.

Orientation:

Visit your child’s new school during the summer.  Walk through the school and note where your son’s or daughter’s class (classes) will be.  Where are the lockers and bathrooms?  Locate the cafeteria. Find the gym and visit the athletic fields if your child enjoys sports. Explore the visual and performing arts areas for those students with an interest in the arts.  These types of visits will help build enthusiasm.

Academic Preparation:

Assignments: Reach out to your child’s new teacher and inquire about summer reading and/or math assignments. Be sure that your child understands and completes the assignment(s) before the first day of school.  Don’t hesitate contacting your child’s teacher if he or she has questions. It is crucial that your child is academically ready for the first day and prepared to participate with his or her peers.  This will help build confidence.

Supplies, etc. Help your child be organized for the first day.  The teacher(s) will provide information regarding the types of notebooks and writing instruments required, backpacks, and food service.

• Your child’s backpack can be organized ahead of time with the appropriate materials for the start of school with assignments due on the first day in a special folder. 
• Establish a system for bringing homework or notices from school to home. And, a system for bringing material from home to school.
• Finally, have your child select a favorite lunch box for snacks and packed lunches. 

Returning to the same school; new grade

Social Adjustment:     

Your child may have had a best friend move away or leave for a different school.  Help your child make new friends by arranging play dates during the summer.  Offer to mentor a new family at the school.  Make new friends but keep the old.  Encourage your child to retain contact with his or her old friends who are no longer at the school, and help arrange visits, if possible.  Retaining old friends help provide a strong continuity going forward.  Help your child build new friendships through shared hobbies, interests, sports, and clubs for instance. Show your support by helping to arrange play dates and shared activities.  

Academic Organization:  

Assignments: Be sure that your child understands and completes the summer assignment(s) before starting school.  Generally, reading and math assignments will have been given.  Plus, depending on the grade level, book reports and/or other research and writing assignments may have been assigned. Contact your child’s teacher if there are any questions pertaining to the assignment(s). It is crucial that your child is academically prepared and ready to participate on the first day.

Supplies, etc: Assist your child with purchasing necessary materials for class.  Accomplish this before school starts so your child can be organized and prepared. The teacher(s) will provide information regarding the types of notebooks and writing instruments required, backpacks, and food service.

• Your child’s backpack can be organized ahead of time with the appropriate materials for the start of school with assignments due on the first day in a special folder. 
• Establish a system for bringing homework or notices from school to home and for bringing material from home to school.
• Have your child select a favorite lunch box for bringing snacks and lunches to school. 

Other Preparations (for medical, physical or learning needs)

It is important that you have discussed your child’s special needs (medical, physical, or learning, for example) with the appropriate personnel at your child’s school during the summer.  In addition, touch base with the school just before classes start to be certain all is in place. 

• Medications require the appropriate authorization and paperwork.
• Special physical requirements for your child need to be understood and appropriate arrangements made by or with the school prior to the first day. 
• In addition, if your child has learning differences that are supported by 504 accommodations or an IEP, those need to be discussed with the appropriate personnel, and understood, at your child’s school before school starts.

Back to school/Getting Ready Really Works!

The first day sets the tone for the entire year. These suggestions which will help your child be organized and prepared for the first day will go a long way to assure that school is off to a great start!

For more tips see:

https://www.yourmodernfamily.com/25-tips-prepare-school/

https://www.teachhub.com/how-parents-can-prepare-back-school-time