3. Back-to-School Supplies.
Getting your child involved in the process of purchasing school supplies can be a lot of fun. Encourage him or her to create the list of things that he or she needs. Check your school’s website for the list. Many stores have the supply list right there in the store filed under your school’s name and grade.
Take advantage of early sales and get your shopping done early to avoid the crowds and honestly, save a little bit of money. You never know, you may have a savvy shopper at home with you. Pass over the ads to your child to take a look through and see if he or she can find the best deals, it’s a great math lesson.
If you’re able to, purchase a few extras to bring to class to help support your child’s teacher and fellow students.
4. Back-to-School Organization.
Keep purchased school supplies all together in one location; consider storing them in your child’s backpack. The more involved your child can be with school supplies, truthfully, the more likely he or she will be to take care of them throughout the school year.
Looking for more organization tips? Try the “Show and Tell” method with your middle schooler!
Don’t forget to create an area for homework time, too. Purchasing multiple supplies can help your child be prepared during homework time. Create a system for school clothes and encourage him or her to coordinate outfits with you to prepare. Mornings run smoothly for school when everything is set out and ready to go each morning. Plus, it reassures your child that he or she is all set and ready to go.
Having a system for school lunch can be a big time saver! Pre-filling a few containers before the beginning of the week together can save time and create healthier choices that help with brain food. Be sure to prepay on your child’s lunch account if that’s an option: this helps to save time, too.
5. Plan a Back-to-School Activity.
We all enjoy counting down to something special, so why not do it for back to school? Create a fun way to countdown with your family for the first day of school. For ideas, consider a paper chain, a special activity each day or maybe even a book countdown.
way to build your child’s student-teacher relationship. It’s the thought that counts so even an “It’s nice to meet you note” is all they need to make. It can be fun to have your child make a self-portrait or a back-to-school interview to create a keepsake before school starts. The night before school starts can be a little anxious for everyone. For younger students, consider having a few books about starting school to read together.
6. First Day of School.
Our parents did it and we still continue to do it today: take that first day of school photo year after year. It shows our children that this day is special and that we’re proud of them as parents and their progress from year to year. Print it out and hang it on the fridge as a reminder of the excitement of the day. You could also add a little poem of inspiration to create a keepsake.
7. Back-to-School Survival Guide.
Creating a system that works for you is key for your family’s back-to-school prep. Discussing it together and setting goals together will help you all be prepared in your routine, supplies and overall memories as you share the excitement of starting school each year. Keeping students excited about school and learning can help lead to their success!