It’s that time of year again: the leaves are changing, the air is getting colder, and back-to-school season is in full swing!
Like most parents, you’re probably shifting your attention to how best to prepare your child for the first day of school. And if you’re a Montessori parent, you may have questions about how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Preparations aside, you are already aware that convincing them that school will be enjoyable after a break of outdoor fun-swimming, sports, and vacationing will be a struggle. Don’t worry; we’ve got simple-to-implement back-to-school tips for parents to get everyone in gear.
Here are 10 tips for making the back-to-school transition as easy as possible. Enjoy the new school year!
1. Make a List of School Supplies and Shop for Them
The best way to start the school year is with a bang!
Build excitement for the child by getting started on back-to-school shopping. Nothing lights up the spirits like a new t-shirt, fresh outfit, or cool supplies.
2. Go For Check Up
Get your child immunized and registered for school. Most schools require proof of immunization before allowing students to start classes, so it’s best to take care of this as soon as possible.
Book an appointment in advance to get your child up to date with all immunization before opening day.
Ensure your child is up to date on all their vaccinations and screenings. It’s also the ideal time to address any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s upcoming school year.
And don’t forget to update your contact information with the school so they can reach you in an emergency.
3. Plan Out a Weekly Dinner and Night Routine
Return to school routine is a hectic time for parents too. So, here are back-to-school tips for parents. You want to ensure your children have a good start by getting to bed early. One way to ease the transition (and help keep everyone sane) is by creating a weekly night dinner routine.
Planning dinners will take some guesswork and stress out of nightly dinner preparation. Then set up a dedicated space in the house for homework and studying to help in organization and focus.
Finally, create regular family check-in times — at the dinner table or before bed. That will be the time for everyone to chat and share how the day went.
4. Set Rules and Limits for Screen Time for the School Year
Reestablish the rules and balance the screen time.
As your child heads back to school, it is a critical time to reintroduce rules, such as bedtime, activities, and limits on screen time. Electronics can be a distraction and prevent children from completing their homework or participating in class.
Part of these should be making a schedule for homework and chores.
5. Prepare Yourself and the Children Emotionally for the Return
Back to school can be stressful for kids and parents.
So, start easing into a new routine a few days earlier to get familiar. Set wake and bedtime routines for the family.
Another crucial preparation in the Covid pandemic era is to talk about expectations. Explain to the children what is to expect in the new year according to the school district- it could be the rules on mask-wearing, a level of social distancing in place, etc.
Connect with your kids over breakfast or dinner and ask them about their day or what they look forward to in the new school year.
6. Do Fun Learning Activities to Get In Sync
When school breaks for the end-of-year holiday, give your children a break from all that learning, but don’t let them be disconnected completely from school work.
After 2-3 weeks of resting, incorporate some activities to ease them back into learning before school starts again.
Practice with them occasionally some fun math games and activities to practice their skills.
7. Get a Holiday Tutor to Prevent the Summer Slump
From our back-to-school tips for parents list, this one needs implementation as soon as school closes.
One of the reasons children get cranky around the new school year is dealing with the transition from the fun and relaxation of the summer season.
To make the transition easier, even while enjoying the time together as a family, get a tutor to get the child to practice their school-based skills at home.
8. Start Talking About School to Build Excitement
Some children may be excited to go back to school to see their friends. Others, not so much. They may instead be anxious about leaving you. To help them deal with this, start talking about the positive aspects of school.
One of the most crucial aspects of going back to school experience is to help your child share their feelings about it. More importantly, it will help you understand any fears or issues they may have before they build up throughout the new school year.
Another way to help anxious children deal with the jitters is to connect them with classmates. Organize play dates just before school starts.
9. Countdown to the First Day of School
Help them get into the mindset with a calendar countdown to start school. Children need time to get back into class mode. Marking the calendar is a visual map that helps them prepare.
10. Create a Morning Routine
Going over a routine a few days before school is vital to get your child into the mindset. Explain the order of getting ready when they wake up in the morning. That includes the time to wake up, have breakfast, what to pack, and where items are.
You can hold rehearsals the night before so that when it is morning rush hour, they know what needs to be done quickly without wasting any more precious seconds than necessary.
Conclusion
As your child heads back to school, it is necessary that you provide the support they need to get into a routine and succeed.
By following our back-to-school tips for parents, you can help your child ease back into the swing of things and start the year off right.
Have a great school year!
