It’s time again….Getting Ready to Go Back to School

Even though the start of school is approaching, most kids are still running around the house, neighborhood, town enjoying the continued warmer days of summer.

But it may be helpful to start re-introducing the new school routines involving more sleep, greater organization of time, and learning activities.

1. Introduce New Sleep Schedule

The first adjustment you should consider is gradually moving bedtime back to school times. Aim to start this transition at least 2-3 weeks before school actually begins so that it’s not such an abrupt shift. Children/adolescents should be getting 8-10 hours of sleep at night so that means winding down summer activities earlier in the evening and getting up early to start the day right.

Children need time to relax too, and by developing a calming bedtime routine with your kids, they can be asleep in no time. Try adding things like bedtime stories, quiet time, and other calming activities to help your kids unwind from a hectic day of playing or seeing friends.

2. Start to Establish a Routine

Each day, wake your kids up at what will be their regular morning wake-uptime. For older children, help them set an alarm clock so they can take responsibility for their own morning wake-up routine. Then have a morning routine where they get dressed and have breakfast. Try to have lunch at the same time your child/adolescent will have lunch at school. Start getting into a homework routine now by having TV-free time during after-school hours. Use this time for getting back to learning by having your child read a book or even doing an education app online.

3. Stock Up on School Supplies and Set Up Homework Station

Create an area in your home where your children/adolescents can work without or at least with fewer distractions. Have them help you go shopping for school supplies and set up their own work space so that they can start getting excited for school.

• Paper
• Pens
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Highlighters
• Rubbers
• Postit notes
• Laptop
• Stapler and staples
• Notebooks
• Small whiteboard
• Calculator
• Table hook for back pack
• Kitchen timer to schedule work time/break time
• Extra copies of books
• Visual schedule “To-do list” for the day
• Calendar for the week or month
• Basket with Lid-to put phone or tablet in “tech jail” during work time

4. Write a Back to,School “About Me” Letter

Have children write a letter to their new teachers as aback to school activity.This simple activity can work wonders in easing back to school worries for anxious kids and helps students feel a sense of self-advocacy for expressing their wants and needs as their school year begins.

• Name/age
• Who I live with
  - Family members
  - Pets
• Favorite things
  - Sports/activities
  - Subjects
  - Foods
  - Games/TV shows
• Things I find challenging/might need some help with
  - Subjects
  - Classroom activities(ie paying attention, sitting for long periods of time, finding friends to play with at recess etc.).
• Things that seem to help me learn
  - Movement breaks
  - Fidgets
  - Verbal praise if front of others
  - Being redirected privately so I’m not embarrassed
  - Being a leader

5.  Discuss Fears and Prepare for New Year

If your kids are a little anxious (or even just excited)about starting school or moving to a new grade or school, start having conversations about what they are excited about what fears they may have.  

• Reading books helps kids to create a visual picture of what they can expect on the first day and makes them feel like they are not alone.  Many times, they will be anxious about "the unknown" so talking about it helps to ease their concerns.
• Call the school and ask if you and your child can visit the school before the first day.  Students can review where their classes are, practice opening lockers, find the bathrooms and cafeteria so they feel comfortable with where everything is on the first day.