Getting Ready for School

Summer is almost over and the children head back to school. Unfortunately, many of them have a difficult time adjusting to the school rhythm. Here are some tips to make the transition easier for you and your child.

Throughout the school year your child gained a great amount of new academic knowledge. However, during the lengthy summer break, some of it will be forgotten. Keep your child's mind refreshed by having them review some of their material once or twice a week for just half an hour. Make it a game to have a few pop quizzes to test their knowledge. Challenge their minds with brainteasers.

Reading is an important part of a child's education. Especially beginning readers should keep up with their reading exercises during the summer break. Let them pick books with topics they are interested in and read them together with your child. Similarly, beginning writers should be challenged to keep up their writing by helping to write the shopping list or by writing a postcard to a relative or friend.

During the summer break, most kids tend to go to back later in the evening and to sleep longer in the morning. About at least a week before your child heads back to school begin to gradually enforce earlier bed times as well as getting up earlier. Work out a schedule that gets you to the proper bedtime as well as wake up time at least two days before school starts. Additionally, make sure your child gets the proper amount of sleep time for their age group. This ensures that your child will be awake and alert, when they start school.

For students who are new to a school, go a visit the school with them. Make sure they know where everything is and how to find their way around school. They will feel more comfortable in their new environment and can concentrate on getting to know their new teacher and classmates. Most schools offer orientations for new students, which is also a good way to meet some of the teachers and staff ahead of time.

Get the school supplies at least a week before school starts. Most local supply stores will have lists available with the required supplies for each school and grade level. However, not all stores will have all the required items in stock. Giving yourself ample time to obtain all the required supplies will be less stressful. The less stressed you are, the less stressed and more confident will your child be.

Lastly, fill their school bag they day before school starts and lay out the clothes your child would like to wear. First days of school are usually very hectic and you don't need the added stress of trying to find everything your child wants to wear and needs to take to school.