It can be hard to get back into a schedule and starting the new school year can be a time of great excitement… and anxiety. Help calm your child’s fears (and your own) with some of these back to school tips!

 

Meet the new teacher.

For kids, one of the biggest back-to-school fears is “Will I like my new teacher?” Breaking the ice early on is one of the best ways to calm everyone’s fears. Take advantage of your school’s open house or back-to-school night. Some teachers welcome phone calls or e-mails — another great opportunity to get to know each other before the year begins.  If your child’s teacher sends a welcome letter, be sure to read the letter together.

 

Tour the school.

If your school hosts an open house, be sure to go. Familiarizing your child with the environment will help avoid a nervous stomach on the first day. Together you can meet the teacher, find his or her desk and explore the playground.  If your child attended the same school the year before, you might ask him or her  to give you a tour of the school. This will help refresh their memory and yours.

 

Connect with friends.

A familiar friend can make all the difference when heading back to school. You might try calling parents from last year’s class.  Refresh these relationships before school starts by scheduling a play date or a school carpool.

 

Tool up.

Obtain the class supply list and take a special shopping trip with your child. Having the right tools will help your child feel prepared. While keeping basic needs in mind, allow for a couple of splurges like a cool notebook or  favorite-colored  pencils. These simple pleasures make going back to school a lot more fun.

School supply lists also provide great insight into the schoolwork ahead. Get your child excited about upcoming projects by explaining how new supplies might be used. Let him practice using supplies that he’s not used before — such as colored pencils or a protractor — so he will be comfortable using them in class.

 

Chat about today’s events and tomorrow’s plans.

While it is important to support learning throughout the summer, don’t spend the last weeks of summer vacation reviewing last year’s curriculum. All kids need some down time before the rigors of school begin. For some kids, last-minute drills can heighten anxiety, reminding them of what they’ve forgotten, instead of what they remember.

 

Ease into the routine.

Switching from a summer to a school schedule can be stressful to everyone in the household. Avoid first-day-of-school mayhem by practicing your routine a week in advance. Set the alarm clock, go through your morning rituals, and get in the car or to the bus stop on time. Routines help children feel comfortable, and establishing a solid school routine will make the first day of school go much smoother.

Our staff is always happy to work with you and your child to maximize his or her experience in gaining a meaningful education.  Walton Academy private school is located in Greenville, NC. Contact us today for any questions or for more information.