For Parents

Strategies for Success

Going back to school is stressful and chaotic time for everyone. Teachers, parents, and students feel the impact of the transition. It is exciting time for children. Here are some quick and easy tips to help you and your family back into the swing of things and get prepared for another school year. Remember, clear expectations, a positive attitude, and preparation is the key to success.

Two weeks before the first day of school:

Before school starts, take your child to visit the school. Some schools are open to parents and students on registration day. If this is the case, go visit your child's classroom. If your school is not open, contact the teacher and attempt to arrange a meeting.

Play 30-minutes actively with your children daily to get them moving and to keep them healthy. We all know that September means back to coughing, sneezing, and runny noses, so start to boost those immune systems before the year starts.

Clean, organize and decorate your home to make it back-to-school friendly. Everything being where it belongs in the home helps you to stay organized and helps children stick to the routine.

Continue with summer reading assignments. Attempt to finish these before the night before school begins.

Get to the doctor and dentist for your annual check ups. If your child wears glasses or contacts, make sure those visits are up to date as well.

Purchase any needed clothing for back to school including uniforms, gym shoes, gym uniforms, shoes, etc.

One week before:

Talk with your child about any concerns he or she may have. Common concerns include new friends, a new teacher, new expectations, new pressure for grades, and an overall change of atmosphere and pace.

Discuss what it means to be a 'good student' with your youngster. Explain the importance of listening, following directions, and using manners. Instilling these basic principles in your child early on will help to ensure later success.

Make bedtime earlier and wake your kids up earlier too! (Elementary age children should get at least 9 hours of sleep. Middle and high school aged children should get at least 8 hours.)

Limit late night TV watching and computer use, and encourage reading before bed. Discuss the transition with students- whether it is from Pre-K to Kindergarten or 8th grade to High School. It is important to talk about what will be different about the school year.

Pick up all of your back-to-school supplies (any supplies on the supply list as well as any necessary items for your student).

Read every night or encourage your older children to read independently. Get back to a regular eating schedule (breakfast before or around 8; lunch around 12; snack at 330; dinner between 530-7).

The day before:

Pack up your child's backpack with their school supplies.

Label school materials with your child's name.

Lay out clothes for the next morning before bedtime.

Create a Back-to-School tradition with your family. Whether it be reading a favorite book together, having a family barbeque, making a special treat, or jumping into a pool together, this will be something fun and nice for your child to do to ease into the new school year.

The first day of school:

Be a coach: Supply positive reinforcement for daily routines (shoes and socks; bagged lunches; coats; backpacks). Have clear expectations and verbally communicate proper procedures to your child.

Say goodbye to your children quickly and meaningfully. Reassure your student without lingering in the classroom or at the bus stop. They'll be fine! Convince them and convince yourself.

The first few weeks:

Remain consistent with routines. This will ensure better success for your children. Have them get up at the same time every day, follow the same morning routines, and follow the same after-school weeknight routines as well.

Add in additional morning tasks as you deem necessary (dirty clothes in hamper; make your bed; get soccer stuff ready for this afternoon.)

Complete homework before bedtime. Make sure to put completed work in your child's backpack before bedtime to avoid stress in the morning.

Avoid starting too many extra-curricular activities in the first few weeks of school. Gradually add activities as your child adjusts to his or her new schedule.