8 Things for Parents to Consider as the New School Year Begins
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As the lazy days of summer wind down and the anticipation of a new school year begins, parents face the challenge of transitioning from a relaxed schedule to a more structured routine. Preparing your child for the school year is crucial for their academic success. Each step plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth start.
These preparations not only equip children with the necessities for school but also help instill a sense of excitement and readiness for the challenges ahead. Whether you’re the parent of a new kindergartener or a seasoned veteran of getting your child packed and on the bus, here’s a rundown of things to get down before the long summer days fade.
Review Last Year’s Curriculum
Even if you don’t go page-by-page with your child through last year’s curriculum, it’s a good idea to at least go over the ‘broad strokes’ of what they covered during the past school year.
Start by asking them about each subject, and try to recall any specific areas where they might have found the work confusing or challenging- see if you could spend a few hours reviewing some of these more complex areas. Remember, curriculum keeps building, so if they have a clear understanding of foundation principles it will set them up for better success during the upcoming year.
Sit down with your child to set realistic academic and extracurricular goals for the year ahead. Discuss what they are excited about and come up with a game-plan for any concerns they might have. Goal-setting is a positive activity that will get them mentally prepared for the shift into ‘school-mode’ from ‘summer-mode.’
Update School Supplies and Study Area
Inventory last year’s supplies to see what can be reused and what needs to be replaced. Shopping early often ensures that you have time to get all the right tools, as inevitably there’s always last minute things that will popup the days before school.
Getting your child involved in picking out new supplies is a great way to get them more excited and engaged about going back to school. I used to love choosing a new colored ‘Trapper-Keeper’ every August!
Beyond supplies, don’t overlook reviewing a work/study area. Even if you already have a desk area set around the house or in their room, it’s a good idea to clean our old drawers from unnecessary papers and storage that won’t be valuable for the upcoming year. A tidy, clean space is always more enticing.
Schedule Medical Check-Ups
Before school starts, ensure your children undergo all necessary medical check-ups. These can include vision and hearing tests along with general health assessments to address any concerns before they become issues during the school year. Keeping your child’s vaccinations up to date is also crucial for their safety and compliance with school regulations.
Establish a New Routine
Adjusting to a school-sleep schedule before summer ends can make the transition smoother. Start gradually shifting bedtime earlier each night during the last weeks of summer to match the school routine. Setting the sleep schedule with also benefit with a swing into a positive morning routine before day #1 will also help children feel secure and ready.
At nighttime, also consider spending time before bed reading books with your child that are either educational or enjoyable. This not only promotes their reading and creativity skills, but can be a strategic way to spark an interest in the subjects they will be studying.
Communicate With Teachers and School
Familiarize yourself and your child with the school’s rules, policies, and procedures by reviewing the handbook together. Understanding the school’s academic and behavioral expectations can prevent issues during the year.
If possible, establish communication with your child’s teachers in order to build a supportive relationship right away. Discuss your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and any special needs or concerns you might have. Early dialogue ensures teachers are aware of your child’s needs and how best to support them so they don’t needlessly fall behind.
Plan After-School Activities
Look into after-school programs or activities your child might be interested in. Whether it’s sports, music, or a science club, extracurricular activities can enhance their educational experience and social skills.
See if school offers any after-school activities or clubs, and encourage your child to get involved with any extracurriculars that they are interested in. These are great opportunities to stimulate your child’s interests and may be the tinder that sparks their future career or passion.
Update Wardrobe
Go through your child’s wardrobe to remove outgrown or worn-out clothing and replace it with attire appropriate for the new school year. This ensures your child feels comfortable and confident with their appearance.
Don’t forget to check the dress code guidelines provided by the school.
Celebrate the Start of the School Year
Create a tradition to celebrate the start of a new school year. This could be a special dinner, a fun outing, or a simple family game night.
Remember, it’s important to stress the excitement and importance of learning and development. It’s likely that your child enjoys the freedom and leisure associated with summertime, so it’s on us as parents to be the head cheerleaders for school and learning.
Celebrating the milestone of each and every new school year sets a positive tone and shows your child that school is something to look forward to–not dread.
Featured Image Credit: Depositphotos.
Theresa is the founder and owner of Simple Is More from Beavercreek, Ohio. She is a nationally syndicated writer whose work has been featured on the Associated Press Wire, Blox Digital, and more. With a passion for words and a love for simplicity, Theresa has built a reputation as a trusted source on minimalism, home organization, budgeting, travel, and wellness. When she's not writing or tidying up, Theresa loves to explore new places, read a good book, and spend quality time with her family.