Back-to-School Tips

Back-to-School Transition: Suggestions for Home

Sleep:

● Adjust sleep schedules-begin moving bedtime backward in 15 minute increments until you reach desired bedtime.

● *For older children it may be more difficult, but encourage them to go to bed earlier.

● Healthy sleep habits are very important to school year success./ Developing brains seem to need more time asleep-Cleveland clinic.

● Well rested children reduces-irritability, lack of focus, sleepiness in school and inability to get up in time for school.

Nutrition:

● Get back to healthy eating

● Establish or reestablish mealtime routines-especially breakfast.

● School offers free breakfast to all students between 7:45-8:10 with adult supervision. Parents are welcomed to stay.

● Try and pack a lunch the night before. Include your child. Have him or her help pack a healthy snack.

● Advise school of an dietary restrictions. We are a peanut free school.

Planning Ahead:

● Creating an evening routine can allow for your morning routine to go more smoothly

● Prepare the night before.

● Pick an outfit the night before. Have a backup just in case.

● Pack lunch and snack the night before if possible.

● Pick a place with your child to keep his/her book bag and lunchbox.

● Make sure the book bag is packed and all notices have been read and signed.

● Speak to your child about the importance of sharing notices with you daily the night before.

● Set alarm clock the night before-allow extra time to get up-allow for those extra 5 minutes, time for breakfast and time to get ready.

● Decide when is a good time to have a conversation about the run down for the following day- after dinner or before bedtime.

● Make sure you discuss any changes in schedule prior to them happening, such as changes to pick up or child care.

● Going back to school or in many cases starting school can be stressful for kids of all ages. Talk to your children about new experiences, teachers, classmates, even going to potty at school. Share your experiences with them.

Separation Anxiety:

● If your child is anxious or nervous about school, send them a personal note in their lunch box or book bag. Children absorb their parent’s anxiety, model a positive attitude and confidence for your child. Make sure to relay to your child that s/he is in a safe place. Let your child know that it is natural to be a little nervous anytime you start something new while reinforcing that they will be fine once they becomes familiar with their classmates, the teacher, and school routine. We will do our best to make them feel as welcomed and comfortable as possible.

● The first few days maybe a little difficult, please try not to overreact. Young children in particular may experience separation anxiety or shyness initially but teachers are trained to help them adjust. If you drop them off, try not to linger. Drop off will look different in each classroom-- communicate with your teacher about what works for your child’s classroom and for your child. Once you say good bye, make sure to go, otherwise your child will become confused. Also, if you say you're coming back at a certain time, make sure to come back at that time. Reassure them that you love them, will think of them during the day, and will be back at the end of the day.

● Maintain open lines of communication with the school. We are here to help you and your child.