Yes, the summer did fly by all too quickly, as it always seems to do. The lazy days are winding down and there is a different excitement in the air: a new school year ahead! Now is the time for back-to-school shopping, early morning wakeups and a slightly less carefree approach to life. But one doesn’t need to panic about this transition. Here are a few ideas from a teacher on how you can make the most of your child’s year in a new grade.
Setting routines: While it is difficult to make your child go to bed earlier or shower at night in preparation for the early morning wakeup calls, start now. The longer your child has to adapt to the new schedule, the easier the transition for you, him and his new teacher. Those first weeks of school are emotional enough for students with so much change and information to take in. Adding new routines at home can be overwhelming. This overload takes on many forms in school such as falling asleep during class, irritability and a short attention span. When a student comes in adjusted to the early wakeup, well fed and ready to go, the difference is apparent.
Meet the teacher and stay in touch: I am always so excited when parents introduce themselves and ask for my email address. It shows me they are proactive and want to stay in communication about their child. This action puts us on the same team and is a fabulous way to jump into a new year.
Take a tour of the school with your child: Even if your child has been going to the same school since kindergarten and is now in seventh grade, it is always comforting to take a tour. Follow their schedule for switching classes and find your child’s locker. If your child is at the elementary level, take a look around the new classroom, meet the teacher together and scope out the nearest bathrooms (that’s always helpful for the little ones). A welcome back visit to school gets the excitement and confidence flowing for the year ahead.
Volunteer in the classroom: With many parents both working full-time jobs and single parents juggling packed schedules, volunteering in the classroom is difficult these days. However, if it is at all possible for you to take time even once a month to help out with classroom activities, it’s a rewarding way to stay informed. You can observe your child’s social and academic development, discover what skills they are learning, and touch base with the teacher. But perhaps the best reason of all: it shows your child you care. While there are usually more opportunities to volunteer at the elementary level, upper grade teachers may need help with large projects or field trips, so be sure to inquire.
Instead of the summer’s end giving your family the blues, focus on all of the positive actions you can take to make this school year a success.
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