Put a Cool Spin on the First Day of School with These Tips for Your Young Children

Children all around the U.S. would raise their hand if asked, “Who wants summer to last forever?” But we know that’s never going to happen. So instead, help them see that there’s a way to approach the thought of school buses, backpacks and books with a smile on their faces. Here are some helpful tips for beating the back-to-school gloom:

1. Ease into the routine – start practicing going to bed earlier a few days before school starts.
2. Go shopping and let your child choose clothes within your budget.
3. Let the child know that a lot of children are nervous about going to school.
4. If your child is going to a new school, tour the school with your child before the first day.
5. If it is okay, meet the teacher(s) before school starts.
6. If there is an open house, orientation meeting or other school event, take your child.
7. Find out if your child will get lunch at school or if you need to pack one. If you need to pack a lunch, let your child help you.
8. Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast.
9. Tell your child to ask questions, join in class and do their best work.
10. Talk about the good memories that your child made in school last year.
11. Share good memories from when you were in school.
12. Find out all you can about your child’s after school care. It is vital that you tell your child what will happen at the after school care.

School teacher Sylvia Casillas of Claudia Landeen School says, “You may want to wait to go shopping for school supplies until the teacher gives you a list, to avoid buying unnecessary items.”

1st Day of School

If your child is going to school for the first time, that can be very scary. Help your child get ready. Here are some ideas.

1. Tell your child what will happen on the first day.
2. Let your child know that there will be a lot children in the classroom. Explain the basic school rules, like putting up your hand, asking to go to the toilet, being kind to others and listening to the teacher.
3. Ask around to find out if your child may know someone at the school.
4. Tell the teacher about your child’s fear of going to school or send a note.
5. Read books to your child about starting school.
6. Think about having a quick goodbye and don’t talk about how much you will miss your child.
7. Make sure your child knows that you will come back after school is over.
8. Teach your child how to make friends.
9. Be excited and positive about your child’s first day of school.
10. Talk about the good memories your child will make in their first year of school.

Another vital tip from Sylvia Casillas is, “If your child will be taking the bus to school, call the district’s transportation department and find out which bus your child will be taking and what time they should be at the bus stop. Share the bus number with the teacher to make sure your child gets on the right bus.”

Going to school for the first time or going back to school can be fun, if you follow some of these helpful tips. After the first few weeks, talk to your child’s teacher to make sure your child is fitting in. For more tips, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/going-to-school/starting-school/first-days/.