3 Strategies for Parents of Young Children to Transition Back to School By Caitlin Hasson
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents of 2, 3, and 4-year-olds may wonder how to help their little ones transition smoothly into the new routine. With a few thoughtful strategies, you can make this transition enjoyable and educational for your child. Here are three key strategies to consider:
1. Involve Your Child in Morning and Evening Routines
Establishing consistent routines is crucial for young children, and involving them in the process can enhance their executive functioning skills. One effective way to do this is by creating a visual schedule using photographs of your child completing various tasks. Here’s how:
- Take Pictures: Capture moments of your child doing daily tasks like brushing their teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast, etc.
- Label and Print: Print the photos and label them with simple phrases like “Brush Teeth,” “Get Dressed,” and “Eat Breakfast.” This introduces your child to literacy and sight words.
- Interactive Use: Place the pictures face up on a table. As your child completes each task, they can flip the corresponding picture over. This not only helps them understand the sequence of their routine but also gives them a sense of accomplishment.
This activity fosters independence and responsibility while making routines more engaging and fun.
2. Organize School-Related Information and Communication
A smooth transition back to school also involves handling the necessary paperwork and building a strong partnership with your child’s school or extracurricular classes. Here’s how to stay organized:
- Complete Initial Paperwork: Schools often require various forms to be filled out at the start of the year. Take time to carefully complete these forms, providing accurate information.
- Centralize Information: Keep important details like websites, email addresses, phone numbers, and schedules in one organized place. You can use digital tools like Google Chrome’s Grouping Tabs feature to categorize school-related websites or the Notion App to create a dedicated space for managing school and extracurricular activities.
- Stay Connected: Regularly check emails and school websites for updates and maintain open communication with teachers and school staff. Being proactive in this partnership can help you stay informed and involved in your child’s education.
Organizing school-related information ensures that you’re always prepared and helps you manage your time effectively.
3. Bring Learning from School into Your Home
Creating a bridge between school and home learning environments can enrich your child’s educational experience. Here are some ideas:
- Ask About Curriculum-Related Toys: Consult your child’s school about specific toys, puzzles, or games that align with their curriculum. These tools can reinforce what your child is learning at school in a fun and different way at home.
- Curate the Play Space: Avoid overwhelming your child with too many options. Instead, select a few key items that support their learning and rotate them periodically. This keeps the play area engaging and focused.
- Communicate with Teachers: Share observations about how your child interacts with the materials at home and seek feedback from their teachers. This collaboration can provide valuable insights and enhance your child’s learning experience.
By integrating school learning into your home environment, you create a cohesive and supportive educational journey for your child.
Using these strategies, you can ensure a successful transition back to school for your young child, equipping them with essential skills and a love for learning. At Evolved Education Company, we support students to learn and live well. If you would like to consult with us, please email Caitlin Hasson at caitlin@evolvededucationcompany.com. Let’s make this school year a great one!
