10 Tips for the First Week Back at School

Today's the first day of the new school year here in WA. Kids are excited and a little bit nervous.
What will their new teacher be like? Will they be able to do the work? Will their friends be in the same class? Will the other kids like them? Will they 'fit in' at playtime?

Here are 10 tips to help a child feel confident during this sometimes unnerving first week.

1 Make sure they have breakfast and get a big hug before heading off to school
2 Be there when they come home during the first week
3 Make time for a debrief over a healthy snack
4 Be gentle... ask questions but don't interrogate
5 Really listen to the answers you get and comfort any woes
6 Tell them you love them whether it's a good day or a bad one
7 Encourage them to go and do some physical exercise for a while
8 If there's home reading or homework to be done read my advice on the best ways to help with this at www.roundtreeresources.com
9 Cut down on sugar intake at dinner-time to help them sleep well
10 Get them to bed at a reasonable time for their age

Kids really need to know that you are their anchor, and that you won't go ballistic if they tell you something.
If any problems emerge you need to follow up on them with the teacher. However it's sensible to wait till the second
(when everyone has settled in) before making an appointment to talk with the teacher about your child's learning.

Teachers have a crazy first week. They are getting to know the children... their personalities, their level of understanding in each area. They are sorting and resorting grouping for various learning areas, sorting out behaviour issues, comforting the forlorn, making sure everybody has what they need in terms of equipment. Meanwhile more kids keep arriving in the door.

So spare a thought for the teacher...and smile. It means a lot!