As the lazy days of summer fade, the thought of back-to-school season can feel overwhelming for both parents and children. To help your family successfully transition from a summer mindset to a successful school year, we've refreshed our best tips from sources like Scholastic and Johns Hopkins University. These practical strategies are designed to help your child prepare for the return to learning and make the first day a confident and positive experience.
Tour the School to Reduce First-Day Nerves
Before the new school year, walk through the school with your child so they can get familiar with the building and their new classroom. This simple tour helps to reduce anxiety by reorienting them to the space, even if they're returning to the same school.
Make Back-to-School Shopping a Ritual
Transform back-to-school preparation into an exciting ritual by designating new supplies, like a fresh box of crayons, as special. You can also refresh your child's home library with new or beloved books, making it an annual tradition to mark a fresh start and create a unique keepsake of their school year memories.
Cultivate a Love for Reading with a Dedicated Nook
To foster a reading routine by fall, create a distraction-free book nook at home, stocked with diverse genres and series. This special space encourages independent reading and even provides supplies for creative responses to what they've read.
Ease First-Day Jitters with Back-to-School Books
To help your child feel more confident and prepared for school, read stories featuring characters they can relate to who are also navigating the first day. This shared reading time is a perfect opportunity to talk about their feelings and alleviate any first-day worries.
Open the Conversation: Discussing Back-to-School Feelings
Before school starts, talk with your child about their feelings regarding the classroom, friends, and new activities. Encourage them to share both their excitement and concerns, using resources like books to help foster open communication and address any worries they might have.
Spark Excitement with a Passion Project
Encourage your child to pursue a passion project this school year by gauging their interests and finding books or topics that let them explore what truly excites them. This approach transforms learning into an exciting opportunity for them to become an "expert" in a subject they love.
Set Monthly Intentions for a Focused School Year
Help your child thrive by setting a "focus word" each month for the school year, such as "friendship" or "perseverance," to guide their experiences. This practice creates an easy way to spark conversations about their day and encourage positive actions.
Additional Tips from Johns Hopkins University
- Prepare in advance: Use calendars and reminders to help children transition smoothly back to school routines.
- Reestablish sleep schedules: Gradually move bedtime earlier before school starts to ensure children get enough rest.
- Discuss the return: Talk about upcoming school events, assignments, and any worries to ease anxieties.
- Reconnect with friends: Arrange play dates or encourage social interaction to boost confidence.
- Avoid procrastination: Stay on top of homework and school preparations to reduce last-minute stress.
- Normalize mixed feelings: Reassure children that it’s okay to feel nervous and seek support if needed.
A successful day at school is the best preparation for our after-school program. By following these tips, you can help ensure your child starts the new year with confidence and a positive attitude, setting them up for a great day of learning before they even arrive at Operation Homework.
