#1 Anxiety travels through osmosis! If you are nervous about your child beginning school, your child will pick up on that and it can add to their anxiety. It is important to verbalize that new situations can be scary but that they can be exciting as well. Tell them about a time that you had a new experience (maybe you started a new job and didn’t know anyone) and about the positive outcome. Chances are as you tell the stories, you’ll begin to feel better and have less anxiety too!
#2 Support the sleepy heads! It is always difficult after a fun summer break to get back on a school routine. It is helpful to try getting your child to bed a bit earlier in preparation for early mornings to come. Once school begins, it is also important to try to keep to a similar schedule for the first few weekends so that your child can begin adjusting to their new sleep schedule.
#3 Role out the routine! Figure out a routine that works for your child. While some parents think it is more convenient to have a child do their homework immediately after school, some children need a break to unwind, refuel or even exert some built up energy. You can try a few different routines (all of which include getting their homework finished!) and ask your child which they like best and why. Trust your child! They usually can tell what works best for them.
#4 Careful Questioning! Are you sick of asking your child what they did in school that day and hearing, “Nothing.” It is time to change your style of questioning. When your child steps off the bus or into the car, don’t question them right away. Sometimes they already have things they need to tell you and sometimes they need a few minutes to unwind. You can prep them a little and say, “Think about what you liked best about school today” or “think about something you did in math today.” Give them a little time to think and then ask them to tell you. If your family eats dinner together, you can each take a minute to go around and answer the questions about your day. It is important for all family members to contribute to the conversation.
#5 A is for Appreciation! During the first few weeks of school, teachers work hard to help students transition smoothly. Send your child’s teacher a quick note and let them know how happy your child is at school and how much you appreciate their hard work in getting the year off to a great start. A little appreciation goes a LONG way. It is going to be a long school year. You might as well show the teacher that you are going to partner with them and support them throughout the year!
3 comments:
As a fellow educator your blog is what every parent asks for . . . in a conference . . . in a note to the teacher . . . in emails. Now they have an excellent resource to get exactly what they need. Good job and keep on educating the PARENTS.
I can really appreciate your tips. There is definitely that "transition period" at the start of every year - for the students, the parents, and the teachers. Thank you for the great advice - I look forward to checking back in with you throughout the year.
BC
Thank you for the very helpful back to school tips. As an elementary teacher, I think your blog is exactly what every parent needs to read. It will definitely help to prepare their child and themselves for a successful school year! Thanks!!!!
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