Thinking Outside the (Crayon) Box: Preparing our Children for Back-to-School Success

Welcome to the back-to-school season! The store shelves are brimming with crayons, notebooks, and school supply essentials as families gear up for another school year. Along with practicing academics and shopping for supplies, there are other ways we can provide support to our younger ones as they embark on their first school experience or return for another year. By choosing the right combination of strategies to fit the needs of our children, we can facilitate a smooth and positive transition for all.

Plan for Transition

Create a family bucket list to make the most of the remaining days of summer break. Give your children the gift of making memories and experiencing special activities together as a family they can learn and grow from. Plan upcoming family events that children can look forward to even after the school year has begun. Utilize visual aids such as printable calendars or paper countdown chains to create a sense of anticipation and prepare your student for the upcoming change. Visit the school and explore the campus together. Locate the playground, restrooms, and classrooms. Promote social connections by organizing playdates or meetups with peers before the start of school. Engaging in activities that involve taking turns and problem-solving with other children helps your child build the social skills necessary for the classroom. Establishing a comforting “goodbye” routine can be helpful too. Saying goodbye could be expressed through gestures, such as a fist bump, a hug, signing “I love you,” or any motion that conveys your love and support while reassuring your child you’ll be there for them at the end of the day.

Re-establish Routines and Encourage Independence

Gradually reintroduce school routines in the weeks leading up to the start of the school year. Set consistent bedtimes, wake-up times, and meal schedules to establish a structured rhythm. Refresh homework stations and keep returning students in a reading routine that can continue during the year. To minimize stress at home, consider creating a task checklist or visual for morning or bedtime routines. Empower your child to take ownership of school-related tasks, such as packing their backpack or organizing their materials. Encourage them to complete these tasks without repeated reminders. Practice keeping to specific time frames for starting and finishing activities. By gradually giving more ownership over these responsibilities, you nurture independence and foster time management skills needed for the classroom.

Maintain Open Communication and Provide Emotional Support

Initiate conversations with your child about school, encouraging them to share their expectations, concerns, and anticipations. Your child may experience a range of emotions during the transition period, so offer reassurance, validate their feelings, and create a safe space to express any concerns or anxieties. Take the time to talk to your child about what they can expect upon returning to school, including classroom rules and teacher expectations. As parents, our demeanor and enthusiasm toward the upcoming school year can significantly impact our children's perceptions. Keep a positive outlook and express excitement for the new school year. Email your child's upcoming teacher to establish a positive relationship. Read school communications and attend back-toschool events to familiarize your child with their new environment. Consider placing a family photo in your child's backpack to address separation anxiety. Sending a small comfort item like a stuffed animal or fidget keychain can offer emotional support during school hours if allowed. Teach your child relaxation techniques, like breathing exercises, to help them manage stress independently. Read age-appropriate books about starting school together, choosing stories that depict positive school experiences, making friends, or overcoming challenges. Discuss the characters' emotions and connect them to your child's situation. Assist them in developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

Be a Goal-Minded Family

Embrace a goal-oriented mindset. Setting goals can be a powerful motivator and provide a sense of purpose throughout the school year and in life. Discuss goals for the upcoming trimester with your child, encouraging them to think about what they want to achieve academically, socially, or personally. Celebrate every milestone and accomplishment during the transition period and beyond, whether completing the first week of school, making a new friend, overcoming challenges, or accomplishing small goals. Evaluate and adjust these goals throughout the year, incorporating classroom data, teacher feedback, and your student’s interests. Acknowledging and celebrating your student’s hard work and growth throughout the school year creates a family culture of goal-setting, boosts your child's confidence, and keeps your student motivated to strive for their personal best.

This time of year is perfect for creating a plan catering to your child’s needs and interests. Doing so lets you make the most of every remaining minute of summer break and sets the stage for a successful school year together.