In the bright, fun and sunny days of summer break, the term “back to school” may be the three most challenging words for any child to hear. But the good news is there are many ways to ease the transition into a new school year that can help set you and your child up for success. From restarting routines to sharpening their skills, here’s a game plan to help your child start a new school year with an “A+” attitude.
Restarting routines
Children tend to succeed in structured schedules, and returning to school requires a return to school year routines. To help your child transition from vacation time, get a head start on reestablishing a typical school day routine. About two weeks before the start of school, make sure your child goes to bed at an earlier time and gets up and moving at an appropriate time to prep for school. Remember that neuroscience has repeatedly found that adequate sleep is directly related to children’s academic success – with school-aged kids needing 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night.
Also, try to streamline your child’s morning routine so there is ample time to eat breakfast, brush their teeth, get dressed, and pack up without being too rushed or hurried. Be sure to praise the kids for completing tasks and for their hard work in getting ready on time.
Recognize your child’s anxiety or struggle.
No matter what age or grade they are in, going back to school can cause anxiety for any child. Whether it’s the very first day or going to a brand-new school, kids can struggle with social anxiety, meeting new people, or not knowing where to go. Parents can share their fear of going to school at the same age and remind their children that everyone can be afraid of new experiences. You can also remind them of the fun part of a new adventure, especially in meeting new friends, learning new experiences, and studying new subjects.
Setting the rules
With a new school year, remind your child about boundaries regarding TV or screen time, when to do their homework, and how late a friend can visit. Establishing these guidelines before school starts will set your child up for success.
Setting goals
Have an open talk with your child and ask them what they want to achieve in the new school year. From making new friends to playing a new sport or trying to make the honor roll, you can help develop a game plan with your child and foster excitement about the possibilities a new school year can bring.
Sharpening skills
During the last part of summer, integrate games, books, or activities to encourage your child to sit still, concentrate, and complete a given task. From word searches to crossword puzzles to flashcards, preparing a child for an educational atmosphere will help them easily transition back to school routines.
Take a preview
If possible, try to visit your child’s school so they can get familiar with their new classroom and other important areas like the gymnasium, library and cafeteria. By helping a child acclimate to their new surroundings, you can help erase their fear of the unknown and help them process their environment.