It’s back to school time! So that means, we are going to be transitioning from a flexible summer schedule to a more structured schedule. As a former teacher and a former behavioral counselor, I understand that it’s so important to give your child a couple weeks to adjust to the new schedule. So that means doing things to help your child get back into the rhythm of school. So here is my 2021-2022 back to school guide: how to prepare for the school year.
Establish a Morning Routine
During the summer months, most of us have a relaxed and flexible schedule. So it can be a little rough going from waking up whenever you want to waking up early and being on a structured schedule. So how do we prepare for the school year with a morning routine? A couple weeks prior to school starting, establish your morning routine and start practicing that routine with your child. For younger kids, it can be helpful to have a basic morning routine chart to motivate them to get basic tasks done like “make your bed” and “brush your teeth.” Here’s one of my favorite morning routine charts for kids. Also, practicing a morning routine is not just for the kids, it’s also for you too. Check out my blog post on 10 Morning Routine Habits.
Back to School Shopping (Clothes & Supplies)
Back to school shopping can be a little overwhelming especially if you wait until the last minute. Create a list for school supplies and another list for back to school clothes. Check out my blog post on 2021-2022 Back to School Guide: School Supplies Checklist. Don’t forget about the Tax Free weekend in August. Print off my blog post and bring it along with you when you’re shopping for your back to school supplies. Shopping for back to school clothes for my kids is usually my favorite. I like to create a capsule wardrobe because it’s an easier way to shop and it saves money.
Tips on creating a capsule wardrobe for back to school
- Stick to the same color palette so clothing pieces can coordinate with each other. Neutral colors are my favorite. The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is for you to easily be able to mix and match throughout the seasons.
- Have a set number of clothing items in mind when you start shopping. For example: 5 dresses, 6 pants, 10 short leave tops, 5 skirts, and 3 pairs of shoes per child.
- Donate or sell your child’s old clothes that they will no longer be wearing this school year
- Stick to 2-3 brands. This makes it easier when shopping so you’re not running around to several different stores. H&M, Zara, and Target are my favorites for basic neutral clothing pieces
- Size up in your child’s clothes so that they can last throughout the end of the summer and throughout the fall & winter months.
Learning Time
During the summer months, most kids take a break from all academic learning. So it’s going to be important to get your kids back into the rhythm of learning. A couple weeks prior to the first day of school, I suggest getting your child back into learning mode. So start incorporating 15-30 minutes per day of reading and math. This should be independent learning to help reinforce what your child has already learned from the previous school year. Helping your child get back into the routine of learning will help them with their transition back to school. Target dollar spot has some great learning resources for kids.
Communicate with Child’s Teacher
As a parent, you are your child’s advocate. So it’s going to be important to have good communication with your child’s teacher. When you find out who your child’s teacher will be for the school year, make sure you send them a friendly email introducing yourself and letting them know if they have any concerns to contact you. Have open dialogue with your child’s teacher so there’s no surprises concerning your child’s education. The previous school year was tough for many children that had to transition to virtual learning. So many children might need a little extra help throughout this school year. Also, if your child is receiving any type of special education services or behavioral services, make sure your child’s IEP, BIP, and/or 504 plans are up to date. I am a former special education teacher so I understand the importance of this. Speak with your child’s teacher(s) so that everyone is aware of accommodations prior to your child starting school.
New School Year Conversations
There might be new measures in place for the new school year such as mask requirements of students and other protocols. With some of the changes, this might be a little overwhelming for your child. A couple weeks prior to the first day of school, start having conversations with your child about the new school year. Ask your child how they feel about the new school year, any problems they think they might face, and how to solve those problems.
Creating Healthy Sleep Habits
Creating a good night-time routine is going to help with a successful morning routine. Several weeks prior to the first day of school, start practicing your night time routine. Based on how many children you have, your night time routine might start at a different time.
Tips for night time routine
- Stick to the same bedtime every night.
- Start winding down after dinner time so your child can begin to relax
- Use essential oils like lavender to help your child relax
- Turn off all electronics a couple hours before bedtime
- Read a bedtime book or play relaxing music.
In conclusion, I hope my 2021-2022 back to school guide: how to prepare for the school year was a helpful resource. As you start to prepare, give yourself time and grace to get a good rhythm going. If you are doing virtual learning or homeschooling, it will take some time to get adjusted especially if this is your first year. Hope you all have a great school year! Enjoy!
XO, Ashley
