Back to School Nerves? Check out some tips!

I have had a great summer so far.  I hope you have been enjoying the time you get to spend with your child.  I want to give you some back to school tips that might help as you and your child prepare for a new year. 

These are to make the school experience more positive and stress free.

1. Go shopping together for a special back to school outfit.
2. Have them pick out a very special folder and full size backpack. 
3. Walk them to their line and encourage them to make new friends that day.  Ask them to try to remember the name of one new friend that day.
4. Allow the teacher to take over at the door, don't insist that you walk your child in.  This is especially important for the parents of younger children.  It is TRULY easier to allow the teacher to take over at the door than to try and seperate in the classroom. 
5. When saying what time you will pick them up be truthful.  Don't say 5 mins or so just to calm your child down.  You can say "at 3pm" or "after lunch" or "after rest" or whatever you think would be appropriate.  This will help the child understand time and routine.  5 mins is A. not accurate and B. not concrete enough for them to understand.
6. When you do pick them up, especially the new young student, be specific in what you ask.  "what did you do today" is often to vague for many children.  Instead, ask things like, "What's your teacher's name? Is she nice?", "Who did you eat lunch with?", "What story did your teacher read?" etc.
7. Finally, don't push the preschool child to learn.  They will be learning their whole lives.  They HAVE been learning their whole lives.  School should be enjoyable.  A child pushed too hard too early may make a negative association about learning.  They will be learning in a variety of ways and in most ECE programs, they will be learning at their own pace.  Trust your school/teacher and don't be afraid to ask questions!!!
 
When the school year begins, I will be using this blog to continue offering support for all parents as well as provide information for my classroom parents.  It will continue to be relevant to the young learners in our lives.  Enjoy watching them grow!

May God continue to watch over you and your children. 
Tanya Boyle