As we all know, kids aren’t the only ones anxious for the start of a new school year. Fortunately, with a little bit of homework, parents can look forward to a less stressful, more productive year as well.
Erica Dolson, Sentinel reporter, interviewed David Colestock, supervisor of non-public school services, last week on helpful ways parents can prepare their children for the new school year. Read Erica’s article below.
The article can also be found by visiting: http://www.cumberlink.com/article_4ba8384c-b320-11df-ad17-001cc4c002e0.html
Back to School Tips
Written by Erica Dolson, Sentinel Reporter
Back to school tips for students who are making transitions, and for their parents.
If you are going into kindergarten...
- Eat balanced meals so you are ready for the day.
- Get a good night's sleep and try to get your body on a school-day schedule.
If your child is going into kindergarten...
- Check with your child's school about any orientation and transition activities that may be going on.
- Be mindful of the emotions you are expressing to your child.
Children can read their parents. If you express excitement about the new school year, your child will, too. If you express anxiety and worry about separation, your child will also reflect that.
- Remind your child of all the fun things she/he will be able to experience at school.
If you are going from elementary to middle school...
Middle school students need even more rest because their bodies are in a physical transition, as well.
- Find out about your class schedule.
- Check out your school's website so you can learn more about the school and the programs and activities it has to offer.
If your child is going from elementary to middle school...
Many middle school students do feel anxious about going to a bigger school. Listen to their thoughts as they discuss the transition.
- Help your child get into a routine and establish a schedule and routine at home.
The biggest help in making your child successful in school is showing an interest in school yourself.
It may help to set aside study time - as a family - every day. It should be a time for the television and cell phones to be turned off. Your child can use it to study for an upcoming test, do homework or read for pleasure. You should be there to help your child, but you can use it as a time to look at the newspaper or pay your bills.
- Know who your child's school counselor is and make sure your child knows how to get in touch with her/him, especially for scheduling issues.
- Send your child to school with a backpack, but don't buy too many other school supplies before the first day. Wait until school starts to see what your child will need.
If you are going from middle to high school...
- Check out the new building.
If your school does not offer an orientation program, see if you can go out on your own to see the layout of the building.
- Start thinking about how you will meet and get to know new people and the kinds of friends you would like to make.
- Check out your school's website.
This will give you an idea of the extracurricular activities you can join. It will also show you dates and places for social events, like dances and sports games, where you can meet new people.
If your child is going from middle to high school...
- Take her/him to the school to look around, especially if the school does not offer a formal orientation.
- Listen to your child.
Let her/him share with you any thoughts or worries, as well as things she/he is looking forward to.
- Establish guidelines about the Internet.
Many schools have websites where parents can access information, such as grades. While it's good to be aware of your child's progress in school, it can hinder her/his independence if you are always accessing her/his accounts. Talk with your child, and set clear expectations for your use of the Internet.
- Know who your child's counselor is so that she/he knows who to contact for help with classes and scheduling.
- Establish a study time at home when televisions and cell phones are turned off.
- Source: David Colestock, supervisor of non-public school services, Capital Area Intermediate Unit