Preparing children for back to school is more than pencils and paper. We have focused on how to physically, structurally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Physically:
- Allow children to select school supplies that show off their style, favorite colors, or favorite characters.
- Help them pack and organize their supplies.
- Encourage them to pick out a special outfit for the first day of school.
- If your family is not able to purchase supplies, reach out to your school’s staff. There are many resources available to ensure that children are prepared for school!
Structurally:
- Mimic a bedtime and morning time that will be similar to their school schedule.
- Encourage them to eat/snack at the same times that they will be eating during their school day.
- Establish a morning routine to include a nutritious breakfast, good hygiene routine, and getting prepared for the day.
Emotionally:
- Be encouraging about their back to school plan whether you are at home or returning in person.
- Ask how they are feeling about going back to school (physically or virtually) and listen to them.
- Celebrate the back to school season as a family (ex. a special movie night, game night at home, or a special breakfast on the first day of school).
Socially:
- Give them opportunities to interact with other children and provide them feedback on their interactions.
- Model good social behavior for them
- Talk with them about the expectations in the classroom, such as keeping hands and feet to yourself or raising your hand before speaking.
Spiritually:
- Pray for them – for their safety, their choices, and their success.
- Pray with them – Ask them how you can be praying for them as the start the new school year, they may share something that you hadn’t been praying for yet.
- Keep praying – Periodically ask your children how you can be praying for them.
We hope these tips are helpful in preparing your students for school!
We would also encourage you to check out our parenting support group that starts early September!