10 Tips for Getting Kids Ready to Go Back to School

 

We are excited to have our students back on campus soon! With less than three weeks until the 2021 - 2022 Back-to-School Day, we want to offer parents a few tried-and-true tips that can help the transition from summer mindset to school focus.

1. Connect with School Friends and Parents

With homeroom assignments already sent out, you might already know a few of your child’s classmates. Try to connect your child with classmates and get in touch with other parents to start getting involved and reinforce the idea that we are all in it together. It also helps students get excited to come back to school.  

2. Attend Back To School/Meet & Greet Events

Attending school events is a great introduction to not only the physical environment but also the social environment. This provides an opportunity for the students to see the classrooms, greet their classmates, and meet their new teachers. There are other school events planned that provide opportunities to learn about the different programs per grade level and overall school offerings, plus parent training on how to access the teachers’ plan books and navigate the parent portal. Don’t miss out on any of those.

3. Get Back into the Swing of the Routine

It is ideal to start going to bed early to get the body and mind ready for the first days of school. The schedule might be different, especially if you have more than one child. You can start by writing down how the school day will look, including meal preps, alarms, morning and bedtime routines, what the kids would be eating during lunch, and other details that need to be taken into account for your family. Also, go through the informational packet that was sent, which includes important dates, bus routes, and emergency contact forms. Be sure to read through all the information provided and fill out any forms needed, making note of when these are due.  

4. Have your Homework Station Ready at Home

Is your child doing homework in your home office or in his/her bedroom? Do you have a specific area designated for after-school work? Make sure that the space you decide to use has everything needed to avoid frustrations (such as a desk, chair, computer or iPad, pen or pencils, eraser, paper, printer, and ink) or spending time on other non homework-related tasks. This can help reinforce good study habits. For homework, you can set a timer that goes off at the same time every weekday after school. When they hear it, the kids will know that it is time to turn off the TV, put down the games, and prepare to get the work done. The timer helps them get used to focusing for designated periods and can help develop a sense of time management.

5. Gear Up

Back-to-school shopping can be fun! Letting kids pick out what they want can make them feel more involved in the process and more prepared for the new school year. Make sure that you have all your school supplies ready to go, including electronics such as iPads and headphones. Besides the list of supplies that was sent by the principals, make sure to add masks, disinfectant wipes, and a personal hand sanitizer to the backpack. A school year planner can help when it comes to organizing, and post-it notes are always good to have on hand. Also, check your at-home supplies, so students have what they need no matter where they are working. 

6. Organize your Calendar

With a new school year also comes weekly activities, at school and outside of school, and weekend activities like travel teams, dance schools, or tutoring. Whether it is on your phone or a planner, start organizing your calendar with important dates and events. Don't forget to add personal and medical appointments and family-related events.  

7. Remember to Set Up your Check-Ups

Speaking of medical appointments, if you have not already done so, remember to set up appointments for school or after-school-related activities. This includes annual pediatrician, eye, and dental appointments, and any other specialist that your child may need to visit. Also, remember the school’s health forms need to be on file before the first day of school. 

8. Look for After-School Program Options

American Heritage Schools offers an incredible selection of after-school programs for every grade level. From tutoring to fine arts, clubs, enrichment courses, athletics, or extended care, you can find it all at AH Schools. Some parents even add external activities happening in the evenings. Do your research on the different options provided to see what your child is interested in. Maybe they would like to continue with a previous program or try something new.  

9. Prepare for the Unexpected

Covid-19 has changed a lot of processes for schools. American Heritage staff has done an outstanding job at keeping students safe with top-notch equipment and very thorough procedures. Make sure that you read the school’s information and the steps to take in case of specific situations. Honesty and communication are key components to working together for the benefit of our students, families, teachers, and staff. 

10. Make the Most out of the Last Days of the Summer Break

Experts recommend that you not only support learning during the summer but also allow children to have their downtime before school starts. Let's enjoy the last days of the summer, ending with a bang with the long Labor Day weekend.