"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." – John Dewey
The first day of school is a day that many children dread and parents look forward to. That is not a true statement for everyone. Some children look forward to school, and parents want to spend time with their children during the day!
When I was growing up, school started after Labor Day in September. Those who regularly read my blog know I am a clotheshorse. I looked forward to the part of summer vacation when we would shop for school clothes. In my early years of school, we went to my grandparents, and my grandma, mom, and aunt would take my brother and me shopping. I loved it; my brother was not so fond of the event. When we got home, I put on all my clothes and showed them to my grandpa and dad. (I am sure they were very interested – haha!)
Not only did we shop for clothes, but we also shopped for school supplies and the most coveted thing—a lunch box. I would spend a long time looking at the lunch boxes and picking one out. I remember the first lunch box I picked out in first grade: a Mary Poppins box. I loved it and obviously still think about it.
I was not fond of school for the educational part, but I loved the socialization. My parents were not social, and before I started school, we lived in a neighborhood without children to play with. I was excited to be in a place to interact with other children.
We moved to a neighborhood with other children in second grade, and I loved it.
THE PROBLEM
I enjoyed the socialization so much that I did not concentrate on the whole reason for school—learning. Do you remember the days when report cards were handwritten, and teachers wrote notes on the back of the document? The note to my parents said, “Chris is pleasant and enjoys other children. However, she does not pay attention and stares out the window daydreaming.” My parents kept telling me that I needed to pay attention, but that note was on my report card until I got to Junior High, and the report cards were done electronically.
Other people tolerated me, but I had few friends. I was awkward and had few social skills. It was not until adulthood that I was able to establish good friendships.
I may not have done well in school, but I have continued to learn throughout my life. I recently started a new job, which has been a learning experience. I love the learning curve!
As people return to school, remember that learning never ends with formal education. Continue to learn in everything you do.
Preparing your children for a new school year is essential to ensure they feel confident, comfortable, and ready to succeed. Here are steps you can take to help your children get off to a great start:
1. Open Communication
Talk About Expectations: Discuss your children's feelings, hopes, and concerns about the upcoming school year.
Discuss Routines: Explain the importance of school routines, including waking up on time, completing homework, and participating in extracurricular activities.
2. Establish a Routine
Consistent Bedtime and Wake-up Time: Adjust their bedtime and wake-up time a week or two before school starts to help them get back into the school routine.
Morning and Evening Routine: Create a morning routine that allows for a stress-free start to the day and an evening routine that includes time for homework, relaxation, and bedtime.
3. Organize School Supplies and Clothing
School Supplies: Make a list of required school supplies and involve your children in shopping for them. This helps build excitement for the new school year.
Labeling: Label your children’s supplies and clothing to prevent them from getting lost.
Clothing: Ensure they have appropriate school clothes, including any uniforms if required, and consider having them help pick out their first-day outfit.
4. Visit the School (If Possible)
School Tour: If the school allows, take a tour with your children, especially if they are attending a new school. Familiarizing them with the environment can reduce first-day anxiety.
Meet the Teacher: If possible, arrange to meet their teacher before the first day. This can help ease any nervousness about the new school year.
5. Set Academic Goals
Discuss Academic Goals: Talk to your children about what they hope to achieve academically this year. Setting goals together can give them a sense of purpose and motivation.
Create a Homework Station: Set up a quiet, organized space where your children can do their homework. Stock it with necessary supplies like pencils, paper, and a calculator.
6. Practice Independence
Encourage Responsibility: Teach your children to take responsibility for their belongings, such as packing their backpacks and organizing their supplies.
Decision-Making: Allow your children to decide about certain aspects of their school day, like choosing their lunch or an extracurricular activity.
7. Promote a Positive Attitude
Model Positivity: Show enthusiasm about the new school year. Your positive attitude will help your children feel more excited and less anxious.
Encourage Socialization: If possible, arrange playdates or connect with classmates before school starts to help your children feel more comfortable on the first day.
8. Discuss Safety and Health
Safety Practices: Go over important safety rules, such as crossing the street safely, riding the bus, and what to do if they feel unsafe.
Health Precautions: Discuss the importance of hygiene practices like handwashing, especially in a setting with health concerns.
9. Review the School Schedule
Daily Schedule: Familiarize your children with their daily school schedule, including start and end times, lunch breaks, and after-school activities.
Extracurricular Activities: Help them choose and plan for any extracurricular activities they want to participate in.
10. Prepare Emotionally
Acknowledge Feelings: Validate any feelings of nervousness or excitement your children may have. Let them know it’s normal to feel this way and that you’re there to support them.
Role-Playing: For younger children, consider role-playing the first day of school to help them feel more comfortable with what to expect.
11. Plan for the First Day
Special Breakfast: Consider starting the first day with a special breakfast to make it a positive experience.
Punctuality: Ensure they arrive at school on time to avoid the stress of rushing and to help them settle in calmly.
12. Stay Involved
Stay Informed: Keep in touch with your child’s teachers and stay informed about school events and academic progress.
Support Throughout the Year: Continue to offer support, encouragement, and a listening ear throughout the school year.
Taking these steps can help your children feel well-prepared, supported, and confident as they start a new school year.
Have a great week!
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