By: Daniela Silva
Getting kids back to school after a break or vacation can sometimes be a challenge. Thus, this article aims to guide how parents can introduce activities and routines in order for their child to feel more confident and comfortable back at school.
- Sleep Time:
Establishing a sleep routine is never an easy task, even during school hours. With the return to school, the subject is even more delicate, as some children may have changes in their biological clock.
According to an article by Metro Parent, a pediatrician at Tender Care Pediatrics in New Haven, recommends that parents start easing their kids into regular sleep schedules about two weeks before school starts.
“Do this gradually every day in 15-minute increments,” he suggests. “Start getting up at 8:30 a.m. the first day, 8:15 a.m. the next day, and so on until they’re awake when they need it.”
- Reintroduce Learning Activities:
Encourage your children to engage in learning activities during the break. This could include participating in educational programs such as summer camp in which children can explore new subjects, develop new skills, and engage in hands-on activities in a holistic learning experience that combines education, socialization, and personal development in a fun and engaging way. Other educational strategies may include reading books, solving puzzles, playing educational games, and using math skills for simpler day-to-day tasks such as taking care of one’s own money, budgeting, or allocating resources for weekday activities. By keeping their minds active, you can help them transition back into an academic mindset more easily.
- Create a Positive Learning Environment:
Prepare a dedicated study space at home that is quiet, well-organized, and free from distractions. Make sure your children have the necessary school supplies and materials readily available. Creating an environment that promotes focus and productivity can help them get back into the mindset for school.
- Visit the School and Meet Teachers:
If possible, visit the school before classes start. This will make the child feel more familiar with the school environment and, consequently, reduce the feeling of anxiety. If there is an opportunity to meet their teachers, it can also create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
- Encourage Social Connections:
Help your children reconnect with their school friends before school starts. Organize playdates, ball/board games, outdoor activities, or virtual hangouts to reestablish social connections. This can make the transition back to school more enjoyable and help them feel more connected to their peers.
- Focus on the Positive Aspects:
Talk to your children about the positive aspects of school, such as makes new friends, learning diverse things, engaging in activities they enjoy, visiting different places with classmates such as museums, parks, cinemas, farms, etc. Remind them of the fun experiences they had in school previously and the exciting things they can look forward to in the upcoming year.
Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and understanding as your children adjust back to the school routine. By providing support, encouragement, and a positive environment, you can help them transition back into the school mindset successfully.
Other Ways to Connect
We hope you enjoyed these ideas about how you can get your children back in the mindset for school. What are your thoughts on the subject? Please connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and let us know!
If you would like to learn more about upcoming events, sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter here.
Check out some of our other blog posts here, for tips and tricks for single parents, budget hacks, inspiration and more information about what we do here at SPARC Hope.
Author Bio
Daniela Silva is a Brazilian Education and Mental Health Writer living with her husband in Goiânia (GO), Brazil. She holds a BA in Pedagogy; an MBA in Personnel Management and a postgraduate certificate in Neuroeducation. Working as an educational writer since 2012, Ms. Silva is a regular contributor to several educational websites, such as oc87 recovery diaries, The Ability Toolbox, 4W, Inspire the Mind, Psychreg, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, New Heights Educational Group, and Texas HomeSchool Coalition.