Tips to Prepare for the First Day of School

As the first day of school approaches, here are some tips to help make back to school and the first day run smoothly.

1. Back to School Shopping Ensure necessary school supplies are acquired prior to the first day of school, and pack school bag prior to the first day. For online students, set up a quiet study and learning area and organize supplies.
   

2. Start Preparing for Lunches Acquire a lunch box and other necessary items such as thermos, water bottle, ice packs to have on-hand when school begins. Begin thinking of lunch ideas so when the time comes you will have an idea of what to make, adding anything you may need to the back-to-school grocery shopping list. Grocery shop before the first day and plan ahead when possible for lunches.
   

3. Talk to Your Child Students may be nervous, excited or range of other emotions and feelings about the first day. Perhaps they are sad to see summer go, missing friends from summer camp, nervous about making friends, or very excited to be going back to school. It is important to consider your child's thoughts and feelings, and to choose an appropriate time to speak with them about this. Ask your child how they are feeling about the first day, and try to ease any anxieties they may have. Ask if there are specific subjects they may be looking forward to or not, and make a mental note to give extra support to your child in these areas. If possible, have your child meet other kids in the area who may be attending the same school so they will see friendly faces around school they already know.
   

4. Practice pick-up and drop-off Especially if it is a new school for them, take your child to the school so they get to know the route to and from school, and get a feel for the landscape. If possible, take a tour inside the school and find their classroom(s) so they will feel more comfortable proceeding where they will need to go on the first day. For virtual classes, attend meet the teacher events, open houses, and practice logging on and off of the computer and online communication programs. Practicing logging on and off at specific times of day can help prepare your child for this process for the upcoming school year.
   

5. Check School and Classroom Website Remain updated by checking the school and classroom websites for news updates. Check your email as well, as some schools may e-mail you important information for the first day of school and the upcoming school year. Get your child comfortable logging into their classroom website so they will be in this routine already.
   

6. Start Preparing Routines About 1-2 weeks prior to the first day of school start preparing your child's sleep schedule and routines. Since it is summer kids may not be on the same sleep schedule as they would be during the school year. If your child has been waking up late, start waking them up about 15-20 minutes earlier until by the end of the 1-2 weeks they are back on schedule for the upcoming school year. Set night-time routines and a specific bedtime to help your child wake up on-time in the morning with enough sleep to be well-rested.
   

7. Set Expectations Ensure you communicate to your child your expectations of them for the upcoming school year, such as behaviour, academics, marks, etc. Talk to your child about ways you can support them during the school year, and what to do if they are struggling.