Back to School time can be an anxious one for kids. BigIQKids offers tips to turn those nervous jitters into excitement:
- Get back to into a school-friendly routine. Summertime can mean crazy bedtimes, sweet tooth habits and late-night movie marathons that lead to late morning sleep-ins. A few weeks before school begins, switch back to school-year bedtimes, healthier eating habits and tame playtime schedules to ensure your child’s body clock is set for success. And use BigIQKids’ fun learning games to help gear them up for spelling, math, reading and geography.
- Bring summer to a memorable close. Throw a back to school party with neighborhood friends or plan a summer’s end outing with the family.
- Get the look. Never underestimate the power of new stuff to help get your kids psyched about the new school year. Take a fun shopping trip for a few new items of clothing, new backpacks and school supplies – even a new haircut. Feeling that they’re looking their best can do wonders for a child’s confidence, especially older children.
- Give them a roadmap. Most schools hold an orientation a week or so prior to the start of the new school year. This is a prime time to walk your child’s school-day route with him, making sure he knows where his classrooms and other important spots are. Make sure you cover all the bases, including the front office, school clinic, playground, gymnasium, lunchroom, restrooms, water fountains, drop-off and pick-up spots and bus stops.
- Get organized. Help your child label folders and book covers for various subjects, pack his backpack, choose and lay out his clothes and pack a healthy lunch and snack. Also make sure to include a note with your phone number should your child need to contact you after school. It’s a great idea to use index cards that can be laminated to help keep them intact.
- Prepare your child’s teacher. Let him or her know about any health or behavior specifics that might affect your child’s classroom success. For instance, if the teacher knows that your child has a vision or hearing issue, he or she will know to assign your child a seat near the board or the teacher’s desk. This will help assure that your child doesn’t miss directions or lessons, and can help reduce the chances of an embarrassing or stressful situation. Don’t be a pest, though. Remember that your child’s teacher has a classroom full of anxious young students who need attention too.
- Encourage your child to speak up. Read story books about going back to school or role play school situations, fostering the confidence to actively participate. This is important both for learning as well as for your child’s protection. Make sure he knows it’s okay to ask the teacher for help if he’s having trouble, feeling anxious or being bullied.
Talk it out, then relax. Help your child think of all the positives about going back to school, such as seeing friends for the first time since summer began or an annual school festival they always enjoy. Then, relax. Going overboard with preparation can have the opposite effect of what you’re aiming for, but just a little preparation can go a long way.
Help get your child excited about going back to school with BigIQKids.com.