Back To School Ideas

Hi There!

School will be starting up again soon, or may have already started for some and I frequently get questions from parents about what they can do in the last days of summer to help their child get ready for the school year.

This year will most likely not be like any other.

With Covid still very much a reality, there are the usual suggestions, as well as some suggestions specific to the climate we find ourselves in.

Let’s jump in.

1. Make sure to enjoy the final days of summer- often we get in rush to try to get back into our routines, shop for school supplies and new clothes and perhaps review those math facts we have forgotten to review with our child all summer. A little bit of planning and prep can prevent these last few days from feeling like a chaotic mess. Planing ahead and getting things done over time will reduce your anxiety and your child’s.

2. Pay attention to your child’s mental health (and yours too). We continue to live through unprecedented times. It’s natural to feel anxious, overwhelmed, scared or nervous. Some children have been out of the classroom for a year, some have been in the classroom but in a hybrid model. If your child is going back to in person school full time, this will most likely be a big deal. Make sure you take time out to check on your child’s mental health. This should be the first priority. Learning and socializing can not occur if your child’s mental health needs are not also met.

3. Go outside. If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, you will know I am big on getting out and getting some fresh air. But I am also a huge proponent of getting outside because there is so much value in it for kids. It’s great of brain development, it’s fun and it’s one the of fastest ways to work on all kinds of skills. Need some math practice? Design a hopscotch with sidewalk chalk with addition facts.

4. Play games. Play board games, card games, brain games! Playing games sharpens your child’s critical thinking skills.

5. Do arts and crafts. Arts and crafts are fun and build many skills. They can help with fine motor skills, planning, and time management just to name a few. Your child can brush up on their reading skills, by reading directions, or their math skills by counting out pieces needed to build something. And don’t forget baking and cooking! Another great way to incorporate back to school skills and have something to eat at the same time. It’s a win win!

6. Establish a routine at least 2 weeks before school starts. Set a bedtime (and stick to it). Set an alarm (and get up when it goes off). Eat well and at appropriate times. Your child will do better if you have got them back in the routine days before school starts.

7. Talk about school or visit if needed. One way to ease back to school jitters is to talk about it! Especially if your kids are returning to in person school. Hop on your school’s website for a refresher or if you can set up a quick visit or go play on the playground. Let your child know it’s ok to be nervous.

8. Let your kids be kids. Sometimes as parents we can get caught up in feeling the pressure to build skills, sharpen minds, or have our child be top of the class. Remember, the first “job” of your child is to actually be a child. Let them enjoy the last days of summer. Find a balance. Allow them to have a say in what they do. This will make for an enjoyable end of summer for everyone!

I hope you have found these ideas and suggestions helpful. I wish you and your children a happy, healthy and safe return to school!

Until next time!