As with any upcoming change, it is important to let kids share their excitment, concerns, fears, and stories. Outline what your children can expect this school year, and list exciting parts of the grade they are going to.
Some activities our group is doing to prepare for school....
Observations, Inferences, and Predictions derived from school themed pictures
See post here on "Picture of the Day - Activity" from Science Notebooking
5 minute meditation from "Meditations for Children and Teens"
Think Like A Great Student
Creating a Fall Bucket List
Like this one from KatieBalla Love of Life
Here are a few books that are great for going back to school, transitions, bullying, and self-esteem. I know I have mentioned at least one of them before, but I just love all three of these.
Lastly, encourage your children to read, write, get back on a schedule, and anything else that will help them to feel confident and successful in returning to school. Take their picture the first day. Make a special dinner or breakfast. Celebrate this next stage in their lives with them.
One of the best ways for children to retain information is to speak about things as if the child cannot hear you. Always speak positively about your child's teacher, school staff, school, and other authority figures. Tell your spouse (just within earshot of your child), "I'm so excited that Susie is going to have Ms. So-and-So for her teacher! She was my first choice. She will do wonderful this year in 1st Grade!" If there is a conflict with the school, address it between the adults. Many parents are surprised when their children have been disrespectful at school, but those same parents will look at me with their children right beside them and say negative things about their teacher, school, principal. If you do not respect their teachers, do not be surprised when you get a phone call from the school reporting that your child does not either.
Back to school is such an exciting time. If your child is anxious about starting a new school year, listen to their concerns. Do not belittle or deny that the concerns are valid. Listen, lean in, and say "can you tell me a little more about that?" Let them talk out what they need to and use you as their support system. Sometimes, we all just need to feel heard.
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning" Proverbs 1, 5
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