The Summer is over half over for many and that means it’s time to Prep for Back to School!
I know, it’s still Summer time, and many of us don’t want to think about it ending. However, the beginning of the new school year is just around the corner. For some, it has already started. If you are among the lucky where school hasn’t started yet, this is the time to start your prep work. (If school has already started for your children, you can still do some of these activities now, or save this post for next year.
I am all about prepping early so that you can enjoy the last days of Summer with the peace of mind knowing that you and your kids are all ready to go come the start of school. Prepping for back-to-school involves more than just buying new school clothes and school supplies (though this part of the back-to-school prep is important.). It is also the time where you get back into the school year habits like adjusting bedtimes and wake-up times. Prepping for back to school is also about calming fears and getting your children excited for the coming school year. That’s why it is a good idea to try and start early.
Here are #6 ways to prep for Back to School for you and your children:
1. Start back on School Year Schedule.
I don’t know about you, but we have a school year schedule (with earlier bedtimes and wake-up times.) that is essential to our school year routine. However, during the summer we relax that schedule letting our kids stay up later and sleep in. After all, it’s Summer time.
Trying to go from a relaxed Summer schedule to a more rigid school year schedule overnight can be brutal. It’s easier on both you and your kids if you ease into it. I would recommend transitioning your children to earlier bedtimes and wake-up times about 1-2 weeks before school starts. That way you can do it incrementally.
2. Do Back to School Shopping
This is always a fun aspect of back-to-school preparations. Well for the kids at least. I loved getting to go shopping for new clothes and school supplies. For parents, it can be a bit stressful (especially if you are shopping for multiple kids). It can also get expensive. Thankfully many stores are having fantastic back-to-school sales happening right now.
I also love the fact that I don’t have to run around from store to store You can find soo many great back-to-school deals on Amazon and Zulilly all from the comfort and convenience of your home. I am all about finding the best deals online. If you need help finding specific deals let me know!
3. Label Your Kids School items
Depending on how old or young your children are this can be a simple or massive undertaking. Many school teachers these days require you to label every school supply item (including pens, crayons, pencils, scissors, etc) with your kid’s name in addition to things like backpacks and lunchboxes. I understand why this is a common request for it helps your kids to keep track of their supplies at school and know which ones are theirs if they get mixed with others.
If your kids are older it’s still a good idea to label binders, notebooks, backpacks, etc. Rather than trying to label all my kid’s school supplies with markers, I found it is easier to make custom stickers with my kids’ names on them using my Cricut. If you want to learn how you can check out my post –>HERE<–
4. Set Goals for the Coming School Year
Growing up one of our family traditions that I came to really appreciate was my back-to-school interview and goal-setting session with my dad. He would take time for each of my six siblings and me to talk about what we were looking forward to in the coming school years as well as any fears or worries. We would then set goals for the school year.
A couple of years ago I made a back-to-school goal-setting printable you can use with your children (or for teachers to use with their students). You can find them in this post –>HERE<–
5. Meet your Kid’s Teachers.
I love the practice of most schools these days to set aside a date and time for children (and their parents) to meet their teachers before school starts. I would highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity. Not only will it help your kids be less nervous for their first day of school. It will also give you a chance to meet the person(s) to whom you will be entrusting your children.
Many parents like to leave a good impression on their children’s new teacher(s) and thank them in advance for all they will do in the coming school year by giving them a teacher appreciation gift. I think this is such a fun idea (even more so if you involve your children in making/giving the gift.
6. Plan to Make the First Day of School Special
When the first day of school arrives it can be kind of hectic. Making sure your kids have everything they need and get to school on time can be a lot of work. However, if you plan the day in advance then everything will run more smoothly. Planning ahead will also make it so you can add a few extra touches to the day (pre & post-school) to make it more special for your kids.
Some things you might consider prepping for that first day:
- Pre-pack your kid’s backpacks with all their needed supplies
- Set aside a special first day of school outfit
- Print out the First Day of — Grade Printable Sign for back-to-school photos
- Plan a special lunch for the first day with your kid’s favorite lunch foods.
- Write a special lunchbox note to let them know you love them.
- Plan a special First Day of School Breakfast to help your kids start their day right.
- Go to bed early with your kids so you are all well rested for their first day.
- Plan a special treat (to make or take your kids to) to enjoy after school where you can talk about how it went and celebrate.
When it comes down to it, how we prep for back to school may look totally different. You know what is best for you and your family, though I hope this article was helpful in giving you ideas for how you can prepare your family for the new school year to make it a time to look forward to and not dread.
If you liked this article, then check out these: (Click on the photo to go to the link)
