I know, no one is ready to think about going back to school yet! But it is right around the corner. Heading back to school can be an overwhelming transition for some children. Heading to a new school can be even harder. August is a great time to start preparing children for these transitions.
Here are a few ideas to get ready for school before the first day arrives:
- Spend time on the school grounds to help your child become familiar with the area.
- Go for a picnic or play in the school playground to help your child feel more ‘at-home’ in their school’s outdoor space.
- Get back on that bedtime schedule one week before school starts to begin rebuilding routine before the morning rush sets in.
- Practice school drop off. If your child will be walking to a new bus stop, getting a ride along a new route, or walking to a new school, practice the route a few times before the first day of school so that they know what to expect.
- Plan a transition meeting with your child’s school so that your child can meet their teacher and see their classroom before the first day.
- Read, read, read! Reading books about school with young children can help prepare them and show them what to expect.
Enjoy the last weeks of summer and all the best in the new school year!
Meghan Pistchik MSW, RSW
Director of Attached Kids, Child and Family Counsellor
No responses yet