The long summer days are getting shorter and rows of school supplies are taking up space at your local superstore. It’s time to start thinking about going back to school! Here are some suggestions for making the transition easier for you and your children.
- Reestablish routines: Summer is a time for staying up late and sleeping in. Many kids have spent countless hours watching TikTok videos or playing video games. While these habits may be enjoyable, they don’t fit well with the expectations of the school year. Start shifting your child’s sleep schedule to better fit their class schedule, which means a reasonable bedtime and earlier wake up time. Establishing a bedtime routine, including quiet time for reading or listening to music under low light, can encourage an easy transition to sleep. Limit access to screens (TV, computer, tablets, and phones) for an hour (or two) before bedtime to help your child settle down and sleep better.
- Help your child get into the right mindset by encouraging them to read a book/listen to an audiobook or play some math games. Just a few minutes a day will help them get their brain ready to learn.
- Help your child start looking forward to the school year. Help them touch base with friends and remind them of fun events and activities they have enjoyed. Take them shopping (in person or virtually) for supplies and snacks. Your enthusiasm will help make their transition easier.
- Getting ready for the school year can be challenging in the best of times. Trying to prepare during a pandemic can be even more difficult. Talking with your child about the school’s plan for managing their health and safety will help them understand how to best protect themselves and alleviate anxiety. Buy your child masks in their favorite colors and patterns. Practice wearing the mask for longer times at home – it can take a little while to get used to the new sensation. You can also role play what the start of the day might look like – have them practice getting their backpack and mask on before exiting the car, talk through the entry protocol so your child knows what to expect (having temperature taken, walking to lockers or classroom without touching others, etc.), and demonstrate what six feet apart looks like. Reassure your child that, even though there may be some changes throughout the school year, the teachers and staff will be doing all they can to keep them safe.
- Just like every year, be sure your child is up to date on all vaccinations. The flu shot will be even an even more important addition to their health management strategy this year!
We look forward to seeing everyone back at Trinity School this year!