Preparing Children For the Return to School
Krista H. Kovatch, M.A.: Posted on Friday, August 02, 2013 12:56 PM
The summer months are coming to an end as children and their parents are preparing for the upcoming return to school. Days spent lounging poolside will be swapped with getting to the bus on time. Parents tend to focus on preparation for school by obtaining fresh school supplies, while children are clinging to their last few days of freedom. While some children may be expressing excitement about the upcoming new year, others may be feeling anxious or unsure of what the new year will bring. There are several things parents and families can do to help their children prepare for the upcoming transition.
- Begin to discuss the first day
Place a sticker on the calendar and have a countdown
Try to identify any of your child’s friends who are on their bus or in their classroom
Go to your child’s school open house to check out their new room
Children may feel less anxious if they can see what their new room and teacher are like
While at open house, encourage your child to meet some of his or her new classmates
Begin to organize important school days
Begin to return to a school schedule
Earlier bedtimes to prepare for the soon to be earlier wake-up call
Practice school activities during the day
Schedule changes can begin a few days to a week before pending on how your child adjust to change
Create a positive feeling for your child about returning to school
Let them shop for school supplies with you
Together pack up his or her back-packs
Discuss what they imagine the first day of school will be like
Reminding children that other children are also anxious about the first day and may also be sad that summer is coming to an end.
Discussing the importance of school for your child can help instill confidence and purpose. Hopefully everyone is enjoying their last few weeks of summer break and is beginning to prepare for the upcoming school year!