 Move over summer - it’s time for a new school year! Going back to school can be an exciting and stressful time for families. The school bell rings, and so does the alarm clock. With new schedules, new teachers and new classes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the changes a new school year brings. But don’t worry - with a little organization, you can make this the best school year ever.
According to Alabama’s 2010 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Phil R. Wilson of Ogletree Elementary School in Auburn, “Preparing to go back to school is an exciting time for everyone involved - parents, teachers and kids.” He suggests that parents can easily ensure children are school-ready by planning ahead. Here are a few suggestions to help your family prepare for the busy days to come.
Complete Summer Assignments
Move to the head of the class by completing summer assignments early. Making sure your child is on track with assignments (like summer reading logs), will prevent a last minute dash and keep your child engaged in the learning process. Mr. Wilson states children can also begin preparing their minds for the upcoming year during summer trips and activities. “Throughout the summer, kids will have many outings either around town or to far off destinations. Sitting down with your child and discussing the educational parts of your outings will begin to prepare their minds for the upcoming school year,” states Wilson. He says discussing the history of the area you are visiting with your child is a great example of a way to keep little minds active during summer days.
Take Care of Health Care
Get ahead of the curve by making sure your child has all required vaccinations. Schedule any eye appointments, dental visits, or required physicals before the school year starts, and be sure to notify the school if your child has any health concerns or medications. By getting an early jump on medical appointments, you can save your student from having to miss class (or a favorite after-school activity) later.
Review the Rules
Be in the know. Check out your school’s website for important information such as school rules, bus schedules and dress codes. Contact numbers and teacher e-mail addresses can also be found there. Read the school handbook and make sure your child understands the rules. Complete any registration forms your school requires and make a master list of emergency names and numbers. You won’t be sorry come those first few days!
Create a Calendar Control Center
Nothing calms school year chaos like having a calendar in place. With it, you can easily track school functions, after-school activities and lunch menus. Be sure to mark important dates like Meet Your Teacher, Open House and PTA meetings. Place your calendar in an easy to see location (like on the refrigerator), so it can serve as a reminder during busy times. Color coding your entries by family member can also help maintain the calm in your household when schedules get crazy.
Make Transportation and Child Care Arrangements
Getting there is half the battle! Visit bus stops and discuss pick-up and drop-off locations with your child. Arrange a carpool with other parents, if possible, and sign up for after-school care if needed. Discuss the schedule with your student so he or she knows what to expect. And be sure to give yourself extra travel time in the first few days, as they may be a bit more hectic.
Get the Goods
“Shopping throughout the summer for supplies and clothes will help you avoid the rush of families who purchase right before the beginning of school,” says Mr. Wilson. He adds buying pencils here, or a pack or paper there, will eliminate having to stand in long lines and running out of stock materials when you need them the most. Be sure to learn what required supplies your child will need for the upcoming year and take advantage of any tax-free shopping days offered in your area.
Fabulous Fall Fashion
Become a savvy shopper by assessing each child’s clothing needs and creating a list. Don’t forget to check for possible hand-me-downs from siblings as you make your list. Remember school dress rules when buying clothing and let your youngster take part in the process to build excitement. You can work with your child to reorganize drawers and closets with fun fall outfits, so getting dressed for school will be a snap!
Ease Into It
The first day of school is no time for a drastic change in sleeping patterns. “Getting your child back into a routine is essential to their success during the first days of school,” states Wilson. You can prepare your child for the school year routine by gradually introducing earlier bedtimes and waking your child earlier each morning a few weeks prior to the first day of school. Don’t plan any big trips or stressful events for the weekend before school starts, so your student will be well rested for the big day.
Review the Routine
Planning ahead can create a mellow morning. By preparing for the morning rush, you can eliminate confusion and crunch-time stress. Lay out clothing, pack the backpack and plan breakfast the night before, so your morning runs smoothly. Discuss the morning routine with your child and pre-pack a lunch if needed. Don’t forget to set the alarm clock!
Talk it Out
Avoid back to school anxiety by discussing your child’s feelings about starting school. Talk over any concerns. Point out positive aspects of going back to school (seeing their friends, playing sports, etc.) to your little one and don’t forget about making contact with your child’s new teacher. “At your scheduled meet-the-teacher night, it’s important that you talk to your child’s teacher in the presence of the child. Providing all of your contact information and assuring the teacher of your commitment to help will open the lines of communication between school and home,” says Wilson. He adds that during the school year, be sure to send over e-mails outlining any problems you see at home - and also the good things you witness, as teachers love to hear about those good things. With a little communication, you can get your star student (and yourself) all set for a new school year adventure.
Melissa Snow is a pharmacist and freelance writer living in Auburn, Alabama with her husband and three children.
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