School Days, School Days Dear Old Golden Rule Days…. Yep, it’s that time of year again: time to get ready for the back-to-school season! It may only be August, but many schools have already summer has a way of flying by. Before we know it, school bells will be ringing.
To help get you started, I spoke to JoAnn Inglis, RN, head school nurse for Kaufman, TX ISD and she suggested list of 10 things to get your child (and you!) ready for smooth sailing on the first day of school. We are not addressing Covid in this article since every school has a different policy.
10 Tips for Preparing for Back to School
- Start a morning schedule.
Wake your kids up at what will be their regular morning wake-up time for at least a week before school starts. For older children, help them set an alarm clock to take responsibility for their morning wake-up routine. Getting the proper amount of sleep directly effects children’s health and attention-span. - Eat a healthy breakfast.
By now, we all know kids need a nutritious breakfast, so they are ready to take on the day. Incorporate healthy breakfast options like apples, bananas, and whole-grain toast. This will give them the energy they need to be mentally alert all day, instead of the mid-morning crash they’ll get from sugary cereals. Healthy body, healthy mind!!
- Set out clothes the night before
Avoid frantic mornings by having your child choose what they will wear the night before. If you have a younger child, let them pick from a couple of different options. Get into a routine of doing this even before school starts, so your child is in the habit of planning. - Pack a healthy lunch
In the days or weeks before school starts, plan and make your lunches for the next day together each night. Even though school isn’t in session yet, you can help your kids get used to packing a lunch by having it labeled and ready to go each morning. - Follow a lunch schedule.
Start eating lunch at the same time as your child will be when they are at school. This will help get your child’s stomach on a schedule so they aren’t going to class hungry and distracted. - Make dedicated TV-free time.
Start getting into a homework routine now by having TV-free time during after-school hours. Use this time for a learning activity like reading a book or even talking about your day together. - Play board or word games
Playing games over the summer is a great way to keep your child’s mind engaged and focused on building learning skills. This will help ensure your child is prepared when classes start and complete the back-to-school transition a smoother one. - Stick to a bedtime routine
Early bedtimes usually go out the window over the summer break, but young minds need plenty of sleep to be ready to learn. Get back into a set bedtime routine now, so your child isn’t up late the night before the first day of school. - Read every day
Learning shouldn’t stop over the summer. Each day, take at least 30 minutes to sit with your child and read together. This will help keep them engaged with learning and in the routine of daily schoolwork. - Stock up on school supplies
Take your child shopping for back-to-school supplies they will need to get the year off to a successful start. Shopping for backpacks, binders, and pencil cases will contact your child to think (and be excited) about the upcoming school year.
Nurse Inglis also suggests that students have a complete physical exam and any required immunizations are current or a current vaccine waiver on file. Inform the school nurse if there is a change in an existing medical condition or any new medications required to be administered during the school day.
Most importantly, demonstrate a good attitude toward the upcoming school year, no matter the circumstances concerning Covid policy, and stay in touch with teachers and the school nurse to discuss any concerns!
