Elementary Becca Hibbler

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

It’s that time of year again. Summer is coming to a close and the anticipation of the new school year is beginning. Here are a few things you might need to know about the school year if you have a child in elementary school.

Essentials of Elementary School:

Elementary school is a lot about the building blocks of academics and social skills. You should expect your child to learn math facts, write their own narrative stories, read interesting books, have conversations about them, and so much more! Elementary students not only learn these things, but they also learn how to be kind, respectful, while also becoming a good friend, an encourager, a leader, a problem solver, and the list could go on and on. Being a part of a class or family, as we say in my third-grade classroom, is a special situation. Students are learning alongside their same-aged peers. They are learning how to work together, how to challenge each other, how to forgive when hurt happens, and how to monitor their own behaviors within the group. All these skills are essential not only in the classroom, but in life.

Getting back into it:

Getting back into the routine of school is not easy for students, parents, or teachers. We are all so used to the flexibility of a summer schedule. It is important to start getting children into an established routine so that their transition back into the school day goes more smoothly. Before school starts, it is important to get on a good school sleep schedule. During the summer, we might be a bit more relaxed with our bedtime, but with all that will be happening as school starts up again, it is important to be well rested so that not only children, but all of us can do our best to make it through the day. The first few days and even first week will probably be exhausting. The routine of being in school is not the norm, and it will take a while for children to build their stamina. Be patient—your child will get used to school again, but it takes time and it takes sticking to a routine to help them adjust and be successful.

To help you and your child get settled into the new school year, most schools

have orientation or open house nights. These events are a great time for children and parents to meet the teachers and principal, see where the classroom is, and hear about the expectations for the school year. Knowing what to expect will help children feel a bit less anxious about the start of school and give them a chance to ask any questions before the first day of school. Teacher and parent communication are very important throughout the school year, and meeting in person is a great way to start that relationship and make sure teachers and parents have the best way to contact each other. You will often be asked to fill out some information about your child, how they will get home, birthdate, allergies, etc. It is also a great time to share with the teacher anything about your child that they should know. You are the expert on your child and the teacher will spend a lot of time with them during the school year; giving them insight is super helpful.

Successful All Year Long:

These are things that can help your child be successful all school year long.

Bedtime Routine:

Elementary age children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night so that they are fully rested and re-energized. It isn’t helpful to have a child attend school and be too tired or sleep through their learning. It can be hard to get children to bed and can become a fight. Evening events, practices, games, etc., can make getting to bed harder. Also, technology can make falling asleep a struggle. Television screens, tablets, computers, and phones have blue light that actually keep you up and alert. Making a point to establish and stick to a routine where bedtime is as consistent a time as possible will help. Also turning off screens an hour or half hour before bedtime and allowing a child to read or do a calming activity will help them get the rest they need to be ready for the next day of learning at school.

Healthy Food:

Along with adequate sleep, elementary age children need nutritious food for their growing bodies. Fueling bodies with healthy food helps children with focus and learning. Too much sugar can create hyperactivity and that can make it more difficult to focus, listen, or participate in the classroom. Most schools provide a nutritious breakfast and lunch for children. Make sure that they are also getting nutritious snacks and dinners so they are once again ready to do their best.

After School Time:

When children get done with the school day, they will probably have some homework to accomplish. Getting that done is important, but so is making sure that children have some time to play and get fresh air. Setting up a routine for both can be helpful. Children have been inside school all day; let them have a break where they can be a kid to run around and play. Through this type of play, children are not only developing motor skills, but also being creative and using their imagination. All these things are great for their young bodies and minds.

Communication:

As I mentioned earlier, parent and teacher communication are important for student success. This helps bridge home life and school life. It is also a way for the adults in the child’s life to be on the same page and be working together for the best interest of the child. Parent and child communication are also important. To hold your child accountable to expectations and give them an outlet to share joys and struggles in their life, it is important to ask them about their day. Give them time and opportunities to share about their day and push them for more than one-word answers. They experienced a lot at school all day and will have things they would like to share when given the chance and asked some questions.

As the new school year rolls around, I hope these guidelines will give you and your elementary age child a great start to the school year!

Becca Hibbler Rehoboth Christian School

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