Pioneer Play School is a child development and learning center. In the following article, Pioneer Play School discusses strategies to prepare preschoolers (and parents) for the back-to-school routine.
The new backpacks, fresh supplies, sharpened pencils, and shiny yellow buses… it’s time for back to school! While the school year can be exciting, it can also be a challenging time for children and their families to transition out of summer vacation fun and into a fall academic routine. This article will explore back to school do’s and don’ts for families with little ones in pre-K through second grade.
Pioneer Play School on Developing a Sleep Routine
Pioneer Play School says that the night before the first day of school is not the time to begin building a healthy sleep habit – excitement is already too high, and habits must be developed over time. Instead, a few weeks before school begins, start transitioning to an earlier bedtime. Getting enough sleep is crucial for a child’s health and development, not to mention their academic success. A healthy bedtime routine for young children could include, a calming bath or shower, reading together, and absolutely no screen time.
Prepare in Advance
The first day of school – especially for youngsters for whom regular schooling is quite new – should not be a scary mystery. Families can help children prepare in advance for the first day of school by visiting the building and even the classroom, if possible, perhaps through a guided orientation, a tour, or a private appointment. Engaging with your child on the school playground throughout the summer is an excellent way to gain familiarity with the space, and maybe even try to arrange a meeting with the teacher.
Pioneer Play School explains that there are a variety of helpful checklists online with reminders for everything from what outfit to wear to transportation to snacks and more.
Focus on the Positive
There is lots to love about back-to-school time – the new clothes, the new school supplies, and the new opportunities to learn. Help your child focus on the fun aspects through a special shopping trip where they can pick out key items like a special backpack or notebook.
Pioneer Play School notes that it’s essential to remind your child in conversation about the social aspects they can look forward to, like meeting new friends or catching up with old ones. If you know another child in the neighborhood who is attending the same school, try to introduce them so they have a buddy when they arrive. You could even carpool or walk together!
Provide Healthy Food for the Day
Pioneer Play School says that if the resources are available, try to ensure that your child has access to a healthy lunch or snack during the school day. Check out what is offered at the cafeteria and encourage your child to select a healthy option or pack a lunch for them if you can. Consult with the school to see how the cafeteria works – some take cash, others have pre-paid cards children can “swipe.” If that is the case, get your child’s set up early so that they never miss a meal.
Also, children who eat a nutritious breakfast are able to function better, so make sure you have options at home like cereal, yogurt, eggs, fruit, or even leftovers to help them get their “engine” going in the morning. Breakfast should contain some protein. If mornings are too hectic, you can also prepare breakfast the night before so that it never falls by the wayside.
Build Homework Habits
Pioneer Play School notes that parents need to create a homework-friendly environment to set their child up for academic success. Just like an adult might need a home office, a child needs a clean, calm, quiet space for homework and study with limited distractions. Schedule plenty of time for homework (including opportunities for them to get help from you or ask questions) and monitor how much screen usage (if any) they participate in before their work is complete.
Encourage your child to take occasional breaks to stretch, exercise, and rest their eyes, and be sure to monitor their progress. If you feel your child is consistently struggling, it might be time to reach out to the school and/or your pediatrician to see if an IEP (Individualized Education Program) evaluation is needed.
Final Thoughts
Pioneer Play School explains that back-to-school time can be both exciting and challenging for young children. By building healthy habits and focusing on the positive, parents can help prepare students for academic success.
