There is nothing like the feeling of finishing school on the last day of term with the summer holidays stretching out in front of you. Long lazy days blur into each other and before we know it, it is time to go back to school. Here are five tips to help you and your child get ready to go back to school.
The School Bag
Read your child’s school information carefully to find out what they need to wear and bring to school on their first day. Schools may require different bags for your child including book bags, rucksacks, P.E. kit bags and lunch bags. What colour and size of bags is needed? Are logos allowed or is it school logo only? Different bags on different days may be needed too. It might be useful to write a weekly schedule to see at a glance what your child needs. As they get older they can take responsibility for checking their timetable and getting their things ready. Pack bags in an organised way and discuss with your child where things go. You want to make it as easy as possible for them to make sure they have everything and find what they need.
The School Uniform
The uniform policy of your child’s school will set out exactly what is needed and it should suggest where to buy uniform from. Check the colours of clothes needed and if they need to be school branded or plain. The cost of school uniforms can add up, so try and budget in advance for this. Take into account extra time for orders and deliveries too. Some uniform sellers are notoriously busy with extended delays before the new school year starts. Remember, for a younger child always label new clothes with their name. If your child’s school has a no uniform policy, allow your child to have a say in what they wear. Have items laid out the night before to make getting ready in the morning that little bit easier.
Shoes are one of the most important parts of our daily lives, with comfort and style influencing our choices. However, for school, there are other factors to consider including colour, heel size and durability. Get your child fitted for new school shoes close to the start of the new term, so they don’t grow out of them over the school holiday. If you have a younger child, pop a name label in their shoes to prevent them from getting lost or mixed up with someone else’s.
Stationary
Back-to-school time is an exciting time for children. Get ready to stock up on supplies like pencils, pens, notebooks, scissors and glue all before the term starts. Many primary schools provide your children with stationery in the classroom, your school information should make it clear if you need to provide anything. However, it is still handy to have some stationary in a pencil case at home for your child to use when they are doing their homework. Nothing says the start of the term more, than a brand new notebook with crisp pages ready to write in.
Super Sleep
Sleep is essential for children to rest, recharge and grow. A good night’s sleep helps children’s concentration, but it also helps them keep healthy and happy in general. It can help with focus and studying at school, but it can also reduce stress and improve moods, which is important for everyone! Make sleep a priority for term time for the whole family and you will all reap the benefits.
Talk About the New School Year
As the holidays go on talk to your child about their thoughts on going back to school. What are they looking forward to? What are they worried about? Is there anything they would like their new teacher to know? What would they like to learn about this year? Go over any new routines, expectations or practical arrangements, such as how they get to and from school. This talk will ease any back to school anxiety and pave the way for a smoother transition into the new school year.