It’s almost time for your children to go back to school. And after being away from books, teachers and a regular learning schedule for so long, there are a few things you can do now to help your children prepare for the school year ahead.
In addition to talking about all of the upcoming and fun school activities with new and old friends, help your children feel positive about learning new things.
Here are three of my favorite tips:
· Review lessons with a game.
During the summer months, it can be very easy for children to forget what they learned in school the previous year. And when fun, outdoor activities are calling, the last thing they want to do is school work.
To help them remember what they learned, try to develop a game that reviews previous lessons. Perhaps you can:
- Create a question and answer game with flash cards;
- Play a Pictionary®-type game where children draw answers or act them out;
- Purchase an educational video game for the computer or television;
- Visit a museum, library, garden, science center, or other learning institute and review what was seen and done while there; and
- Develop your own fun activities specific to your child’s learning needs.
For correct answers, offer a small prize or spend time together at a fun activity. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. Simply try to think of interesting ways to help your children review lessons and get ready for the school year ahead.
· Start an earlier wake-up and bedtime schedule.
At this point your children are probably accustomed to sleeping in and going to bed later than usual. As the first day of school draws closer, try to start a regular time for going to bed and getting up in the morning.
This way, your children will be more acclimated to regular sleep hours for school and ready to start without being too tired.
· Shop for school supplies.
Since most children dread the thought of returning to class, you can help change their attitude a little bit now. Help them get excited about school by shopping for new supplies, clothes, shoes, and other fun items.
Look for special, back-to-school sales to save money. By finding personal and unique items specifically for school, you’ll help your children look forward to wearing and using these things when classes begin.
Help your children prepare.
These are just a few of the many ways to help your children prepare and look forward to the new school year. By spending some time with your children on special, educational activities now, the transition from summer to back-to-school will be much smoother for both of you.
For more help on this topic, see:
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/get-ready-school
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Child-Ready-for-Back-To-School
http://parentingteens.about.com/od/education/a/back_to_school.htm
And if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to contact me below. Thanks!
