As the summer starts to wind down parents realize that school is just around the corner. After a great vacation of your children sleeping in, going to the beach, staying up late, or just hanging out in the backyard, preparing to head back to school is the last thing they would like to do. But preparing for school is essential to help your children get back into a new routine and for them to be prepared for their new classes and schedules. Red Oak apartment Homes has developed a list of the top 10 back to school tips for your kids. We hope these tips help parents and children make the transition from summer to school a lot easier.
1. Create a schedule: A few weeks prior to school starting, have your child ease back into a school year schedule. Getting back into the school routine can be a challenge for everyone in the family so it’s very helpful to mentally prepare your children in advance to make the adjustment easier. You should start a new bedtime schedule and establish a routine for homework by getting them to read ahead of school. Parents need to remember that they also have to create a new schedule for themselves to adjust to getting your children ready in the morning and when they will come home.
2. Get organized: During the slow time before school starts you should get everything prepared and organized. You should review the school informational packet given to you prior to your school’s start date so you can be more prepared. Read over the packet and review emergency and health contacts, drop off and pick up locations, maps of the school buildings, items your child will need, and review school schedules for the year. It’s also helpful to have a folder to place all of your school letters and newsletters to have on hand throughout the year.
3. Check out school location and transportation options: Before school starts you should take a drive to the school and check out the area. Look for sidewalks, different routes to get to the school, school entrances and exits, and allow your child to see their surroundings so they know where they are going. It’s also important to figure out a plan of action for transportation. Will you drive your child, will they take the bus, walk, or ride their bike. Make sure you have a list of authorized people to pick up your child if you aren’t available or in case of an emergency. If your child has a few friends in the area, see if you can organize a car pool system or have your kids create a buddy system.
4. Make a check List for School clothes and Supplies: Go over a check list of items your child will need for the school year. You can usually find this out in the informational packet given to parents prior to the first day of school. I always recommend you purchase double of the items you know your kid will run out of quickly. Be sure to go through each class description and find out what projects and assignments they will be focusing on during the year. For clothes shopping, you should look for the best fit and comfort when it comes to your child’s backpacks and shoes. You can check out local stores and malls for great deals on back to school clothing including the Mall of New Hampshire. Remember that the weather will still be warm for the first few weeks of school so there is no need to buy sweaters and heavy coats just yet.
5. Set up a homework station: It is essential that every child has a homework station in their home. Your child needs a good spot away from noises and distraction to keep their mind focused. Provide enough shelving space for their folders and binders and other school supplies so they aren’t leaving them around the house. Another great tip is to get a hook for their backpacks so they can place everything in their backpacks when they are finished. Make sure there is enough lighting and outlets around the area where they will do homework.
6. Prepare Lunches and Backpacks the night Before: A great way to save time so you are not rushing in the morning is to prepare lunches the night before. A great tip is to make a few lunches for the week and freeze them so you won’t have to do it each day. If you have older kids, start to transition them into making their own lunches. You might want to allow one day for your kids to purchase lunch at school. Before your kids head to bed make sure they have their backpacks ready with their schedule and necessary books and supplies in the bag. I would also leave a card in your child’s back pack with emergency contacts.
7. After school: Speak to your children about what they need to do when they come home from school. If they are going to an afterschool program be sure they provide you with the time they will be out and a plan for transportation. When your child gets home from school it’s helpful for you to sit with your child and review their lesson plans for the day and create a set schedule on how long homework will take and the amount of time they can spend for leisure. Make sure your child starts their homework right away so they can get adjusted to the assignments and get an idea of how long it will take to complete everything.
8. Reach out to the Teacher and School Administration: Get comfortable knowing your student’s teachers and faculty. Find out the best method to reach them and send the teacher an informational email just letting them know you would like to be updated on your child’s progress and well being. Notify the teacher if your child has any behavior or health issues they should be aware of so they will not be caught off guard. Be sure to take a schedule from the school administration so you know all the dates for holidays, half days, PTA meetings and parent’s night. It’s also important to find out the roles of the school personnel so you know who can best help your child with a specified issue.
9. Extracurricular Activities: Not only do your children need to be serious about school and homework, you should also look into their social and active life. Joining afterschool activities is a great way for a child to make new friends, get more involved, be more active and energized, build self esteem, and could help them be more productive with their work. Be sure to review what organizations your child is interested in and to understand the schedules and times to see if it will affect their homework schedule or your transportation plans. It’s also important for kids to have downtime to relax and learn to unwind. Build time for your child to have relaxing time at home.
10. Safety: The most important thing to be prepared for when your child is heading back to school is their safety. Talk to your children about important safety procedures like bus safety, walking to and home from school, talking to strangers, and more. Take the time to review safety procedures we found that you and your children can benefit from to have a fun and safe school year.
Your Red Oak Apartment is close to your neighborhood school. Be sure to check out your Move-in packet to find out the name of your local schools.
Starting the school year off correctly… Now That’s the Red Oak Life.