10 Ways to Help Children Transition Back to School

Going back to school can be a really stressful time for many children, especially if they are starting a new school or transitioning into elementary, middle, or high school. Having a new teacher, making new friends, navigating new and possibly more challenging homework, and just giving up a fun and more unstructured summer break can be hard.

 

Since I was a little girl, going back to school was almost always a really exciting time. I was such a social being, going back to school to see my friends was definitely a highlight for me. I also loved going back to school shopping with my mom and not only buying new clothes and shoes, but also new school supplies like a backpack, lunch, pencil case, etc. I have always tried making going back to school a positive experience for my children so I am sharing my tips on how you can help your children transition to go back to school in a positive and fun way. The key is to emotionally support your child and also find ways to get your children excited about going back to school, especially if they get to look forward to a few things that they didn’t get over the summer!

 

Start Transitioning One Week In Advance

Try to start getting back into a more structured schedule one week before school starts. This means going to bed earlier, getting up earlier, eating meals at the same times as they would be in school, and even catching up on some reading and math skills via books, flash cards, site words, or learning workbooks. This also means giving up more “free” screen time unless its a learning activity. Also set aside a time to have a conversation with your children during this week to talk to them about what they can expect when school starts and discuss any worries, fears, questions, or concerns they have.

 

Introduce and Incorporate Virtual Learning Apps

Have your child start to earn learning screen time via Osmo, Vooks, ABC Mouse, or another online learning tool of your choice. They can earn this fun, hands-on educational screen time by doing age appropriate chores around the house like brushing their teeth, making their bed, putting trash in the waste basket, helping with cooking dinner, eating this vegetables, etc.

 

Take a Virtual Class

Sign your child up for a new weekly or monthly online virtual or in person extra curricular class like cooking, art, music, etc. Whether you are homeschooling or it’s an after school activity, this is something your child can look forward to as soon as they start school! We put all fun classes like dance, gymnastics, etc on hold in the summer and only take them during the school year, so my children have something special to look forward to when school is in!

 

Go Back to School Shopping

I recommended taking one child at a time. Yes, I know that means 2-3 trips (if you have more than 4 children I suggest going in groups by age) but it will really make each child feel REALLY special to have a dedicated trip JUST FOR THEM! Let them have a say in picking out their own backpack, lunch box, water bottle, pencil case, a new pair of shoes, and even a first day of school outfit!

 

Pick One Summer Finale Activity

Parents can make a list of pre-approved activities for their children to pick 1-2 from for one last summer finale activity! Again, each child in the family should pick their own special activity, unless you have more than 4 children, then you can group them by age or preference of activity. I suggest going to the beach, going to the pool, going to the park, going on a hike, or going to get ice cream or frozen yogurt! Then plan to do this activity a few days before school starts so they have something to look forward to!

 

Plan a Special First Day of School

In addition to that special first day of school outfit and photo, planning something special on the first day of school is also a way to help them transition the first day, which is typically the hardest day. Similar to the finale idea, let them choose from a pre-approved list of something to do before or after school like going to get donuts or go out for pancakes for breakfast before school or going for ice cream or frozen yogurt after school. Don’t want to go out? Have your child pick their favorite dinner and dessert that you can make for them or with them as a special treat!

 

Set up Weekly Play Dates or Reading Buddies

Whether its done in person or virtually, set up a weekly social play date with a peer, possibly on Friday to kick off the weekend after a hard working school week. They can swim, ride bikes, read together, have a snack together, etc. All of these can be done being socially distant, too!

 

Pick a Special Homework Spot

Have your child pick out a special spot in the house to do their virtual learning or homework after school. This is their spot to decorate with a table, chair, poster, and some school supplies. Maybe even incorporate a pillow and blanket so they feel calm and comfortable!

 

Buy a Subscription to a Magazine

I remember loving to get something in the mail that had my name on it, like a magazine subscription. My first subscription was to Highlights Magazine but now there are so many to choose from, so have your child pick their favorite based on their preferred activities and interests, and get a subscription for the school year!

 

Pick out a Weekly Experiential Activity

Have some experiential play time whether it’s a sensory bin, a recipe to cook or bake, a science experiment, a STEAM or Coding toy, or a craft to do with you (or on their own) once week. This is special because they get to pick the activity and look forward to it all week. We have been loving the STEAM sets from Picasso Tiles, especially since one of the sets can be turned into a school!