It seems like just last week kids everywhere were celebrating the start of the beloved summer. Now that the dog days are drawing to a close, it’s time to begin the transition to a new school year. Following are some tips to help your kids gear up during the last few weeks of summer break:
- Re-establish a bedtime and morning routine. Kids need plenty of sleep to be ready to learn. Gradually move up bed time by 15 minutes over a week or two before the first day to ease the transition. Likewise, start waking them earlier so that the first day isn’t an early morning shock.
- Talk to your children about the first day and what to expect. Address any fears or anxiety they may have. Be positive and remind them of their favorite things about school, like a friend or a certain playground activity. Reassure them that they are not the only ones who will have the first-day jitters.
- Include them in school shopping. Get them excited for the big day by allowing them to choose some of their school supplies or pick out a new outfit for the first day.
- Take a few minutes each day to reacquaint them with reading, spelling and math concepts they had been working on the previous year. While the first couple of weeks in class tend to be a review, the extra work will prevent them from being overwhelmed or lost right away.
- Attend your school’s open house. This is a great opportunity to reacquaint them with the building, see their new classroom and meet their new teacher.
Last, but not least, savor the final days of summer. Before you know it, winter break will be here!