It’s that time of year again, and in most parts of the world, school is looming before us. It is time for sharpened pencils, creaky textbooks and the smell of the cafeteria. The transition time between summer and back to school is extremely difficult for both children and adults. Here are a few quick trips to help you get back into the swing of things with the smoothest transition possible.
Start Early
About a week or two before school resumes, start going to bed a bit earlier and waking up closer to the time you would need to get up. If you get your body into the gradual habit by starting a little early, it won’t be such a shock on that first day of school.
Don’t Procrastinate
If you have that school supply list in hand already, don’t wait any longer to buy your supplies. It can be difficult to find the necessary items for school if you wait until the last minute. Often the supplies are depleted and you will need to wait for stores to replenish and they don’t always do that this late in the game. Don’t wait until the last minute – as soon as you have the list and the supplies go on sale, stock up be ready.
Attend Events
Be sure and attend things like “Back to School” night or “Meet the Teacher”. There are several reasons why this is important: you can meet the teacher your child will have, find out what his/her expectations are, turn in school supplies, get information on conferences, homework policies and other important papers and in general get comfortable with your child’s classroom. This is a wonderful way for children to get acquainted with the upcoming school year.
Stock Up
On anything that will help you get ready for that school year. Meals, food, supplies and other items are important. Purchasing snacks and lunches to prepare in advance is an excellent idea and can get you ready for school a bit earlier allowing the child to adjust to his new schedule a little easier.
All of these things can help ensure a much smoother Back to School transition. Watch for an article later this week on Quick Tips for the New School Year.
Nicole Humphrey writes about the creative and memory preserving side of life and families in the Scrapbooking Blog and Fun Blog, provides helpful hints to blended families and single parents on the Parents Blog, and provides informative tips and advice for students, teachers and parents on the Education Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.