After having the summer off, your child may find it hard and stressful to get back into the school routine. They may not want to go back. Staying home, having fun, going out, doing different things can be so exciting for them. This makes the thought of going back daunting.
So, how can you help prepare your child to go back to school? I’ve compiled a list of ideas below that might be of help for you.
So, we’ve been off school for a little while now. I’m already hearing from parents how some of the children are desperate to return to school already. While I hear from others that their child just enjoys being at home so much more. And, they’re already dreading going back and trying to get their child up and ready for school. Also, trying to get their child to look forward to returning for a new school year.
So, how can we help?
- Use a calendar. We often use a calendar to mark off the days. Also mark down when they go back to school. Let your child know – visually or verbally that this is when school starts again. Your child will be able to see when they are going to school. They’ll also be able to watch that day get closer.
- School shopping. Going shopping for school items, especially school uniform might be stressful. So, go prepared. Especially with visuals. These will help the individual understand that they will be going back to school. And, they can be part of the process.
- Social story. I swear by social stories. And if you follow my blog regularly you’ll see me mention them every opportunity I can. They are a great, visual approach. You can sit down with your child and read together the process of returning to school. Hopefully, it will then start getting your child excited and to go back to school.
- Photos. Ask the teacher of the school to send you some photos before the end of the year. You want photos of your child doing their favourite things in school. Then, put them in a photo album and go through this over the summer. This way they can see and remember how much fun they have at school.
- Consistency. Being off school means for a lot of people going to bed much later and staying in bed much longer too. Try to stay in more of a routine – allow perhaps an extra hour each way. But, try not to let your child get into the routine of having long lay-ins or staying up much later. This will just prove more difficult when it comes to going back to school.
What other ways do you have to prepare your child(ren) to go back to school?
