Back to school season is just around the corner for Windsong Ranch students! While this time can be stressful for both parents and kids, you can master the first day back and stay organized the entire school year with these helpful tips!
1.) Go School Supply Shopping
One of the most exciting parts of going back to school is picking out all of the supplies needed for the upcoming school year. Finding the perfect backpack with a matching lunchbox and pencil case can be a great way to get your kids excited about going back to school. Check out your local school’s website to find supply lists for kids of all grades!
2.) Be Sure Summer Reading is Complete
While most kids do not enjoy their summer reading assignments, it is a valuable part of continually improving their reading and language skills. Be sure your kids have taken the time to complete the reading as assigned. In addition, be sure the assignment is securely placed in their backpack and ready to be turned in on the first day of school.
3.) Prepare the Night Before
The easiest way to ensure your kids have a great first day of school is to be sure they are packed up and prepared the night before. Pick out the perfect outfit before bed to make the morning easier. Fill their lunch boxes with a well-balanced meal and a special treat as a little something to look forward to. Be sure their backpacks are loaded up with school supplies and homework so there is no rush in the morning.
4.) Go to Bed Early
As the first day of school gets closer, make waking up early easier for your kids. Wake them up and send them to bed 15 minutes earlier each day until you reach times which allow them to be ready in time for school while also getting 9 to 11 hours of sleep every night. When the first day of school comes around, your kids will be alert and ready to go!
5.) Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Another way to ensure your kids are attentive and energized for their first day of school is to be sure they eat a balanced breakfast. Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast not only improves concentration in the classroom, it also improves endurance levels so your kids can outperform the rest on the playground!
6.) Get to School Early
When they walk down the hallway on the first day of school, your kids may be nervous about meeting their teachers, finding their classes and choosing who to sit next to. Giving your kids ample time to settle in and get comfortable in a new environment is very important which is why dropping your kids off with plenty of time to spare is crucial.
7.) Make New Friends
The start of a new school year can be intimidating to kids, especially when it comes to making new friends. Encourage your kids to introduce themselves to new kids in their class. Invite classmates over for playdates. Enroll your kids in an after school program that focuses on team sports. Instill confidence in them before they leave your house so that they are totally comfortable once they get to school.
8.) Encourage Participation in Class
While many kids get nervous to raise their hands, participating in class discussions is a valuable part of learning. Participation provides the teacher with feedback on how the class is doing as well as provides the class with feedback on what the teacher views as important information to know. Encourage your kids to participate in class. Once they do it once, their confidence will grow and they will continue to engage in class discussions.
9.) Work First, Then Play
The first day of school has ended and you pull into the driveway with a car full of kids who want to run around and play! How do you get them to do their homework? Implement a reward system that motivates them to complete their homework fast. “After you complete your math worksheet, you can play outside for 1 hour.”
10.) Share Your Day
Stay engaged in what your kids are learning and doing at school by encouraging them to share their day with you. “Who did you sit next to in class? What did you do at recess today? When were you the happiest today?” Get creative with the questions you ask and you are sure to get more of a response out of them!