Things to Keep in Mind on the First Day of School

During the last lazy days of summer, getting prepared for the start of another school year can seem daunting.  Between purchasing school supplies and getting your kids prepped from a new routine, the weeks leading up to the start of school can be stressful for any parent.

Thankfully, all you and your children need to get ready is a little organization and planning.  With the Cherry Creek School District kicking off the school year on August 13, there’s no time to waste.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Ease back into the new routine

A week or so before school starts, move bedtime up and encourage your kids to start getting up earlier.  Limit your kids’ TV and video games and have them wake up at the same time every day. Get them used to eating a nutritious breakfast if that became a summer afterthought.

Visit the school before the first day  

A pre-school visit is a great way to get your kids in the right mindset for the upcoming school year, especially if they’re entering kindergarten or starting a new school.  If your child is taking the bus, show them the bus stop. If mom or dad is dropping off and picking up, give it a trial run.

Ask questions

How does your child feel about going to school?  Ask if they are excited or anxious. If they’re nervous about the first day, there are good books available that are designed to ease jitters.  Scholastic recommends “First Day Jitters” and “Will I Have a Friend?”, among others.

Make school shopping fun

Schools list supplies students will need online or in packets sent home.  Shop together to get your child excited about starting a new grade. Allowing them to pick out their own clothes, lunch box and backpack can help get them excited about the upcoming year.  Shop early to take advantage of great sales!

Create a homework station

Set clear expectations for when homework needs to be done and set up a desk or table that will serve as a workstation.  At the same time, create a parental “command center” for school materials, permission slips, and meal plans. Mark important dates, like parent-teacher conferences and school holidays, on the family calendar.

Remember to get your child’s yearly checkup

Check with the school district before classes start for required vaccinations.

Stock the pantry on weekends

To avoid last-minute chaos, load up on grab-and-go items such as crackers, fruit, veggies, and other healthy snacks.  A well-stocked pantry will make assembling lunches easier and offer up an array of nutritious after-school snacks.

Check out after-school activities

See what clubs or sports teams your child may be interested in so you can prepare for that schedule in advance.  Many have sign-ups that start right away.

Get ready the night before

Pick out outfits, make lunches, and pack backpacks the night before. Getting your kids in the nightly routine of prepping for the next day will help make the mornings a bit easier and less hectic.

With a little planning, you can take the stress out of going back to school, both for yourself and for your kids! To integrate education into your kid’s daily life outside of school, check out Copperleaf. We have multiple schools and learning opportunities located in the Copperleaf Community. To learn more, contact us today!