3 Strategies for Parents of Elementary School-Aged Students to Transition Back to School By Caitlin Hasson
As summer winds down and the school year approaches, parents of Kindergarten through Grade 5 students may wonder how to help their children transition back to school smoothly. Establishing routines and creating an organized environment can set your child up for a successful year. Here are three main strategies to ease the transition:
1. Establish Morning and Evening Routines
Creating a consistent routine helps children feel secure and develop essential skills. Here’s how you can make it engaging and educational:
- Visual Schedules for Younger Students: Take photos of your child completing daily tasks like brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and packing their backpack. Print these photos and label them with simple phrases such as “Brush Teeth” or “Get Dressed.” Place the cards face up on the table, and as your child completes each task, they can flip the corresponding card over. This activity not only helps with literacy and sight words but also encourages independence and responsibility.
- Written Schedules for Older Students: For upper elementary students, have them write their tasks on index cards. This practice enhances their executive functioning skills and helps them manage their responsibilities.
- Time Awareness: Teach your child to be mindful of time by timing how long they take to complete each task. This awareness can help them manage their morning and evening routines more efficiently. Additionally, introduce a wall calendar where your child can write down their school and extracurricular schedules. This visual representation of time helps them understand larger timeframes and plan accordingly.
2. Organize School-Related Information and Communication
Being organized is crucial for managing the various aspects of school life. Here’s how to stay on top of everything:
- Complete Initial Paperwork: At the start of the school year, there will likely be forms to fill out, such as emergency contact information, medical forms, and permission slips. Make time to complete these forms accurately and promptly.
- Centralize Information: Keep important details like websites, email addresses, phone numbers, and schedules in one organized place. You can use digital tools like Grouping Tabs on Google Chrome to categorize school-related websites or the Notion App to manage school and extracurricular activities. This helps busy parents stay organized and ensures that you have quick access to essential information.
- Build a Partnership with Teachers: Establish open lines of communication with your child’s teachers. Regularly check emails and school websites for updates and stay involved in school activities. Building a strong partnership with the school can provide valuable support for your child’s education.
3. Bring Learning from School into Your Home
Reinforcing what your child learns at school can enhance their educational experience. Here are some ways to do it:
- Key Books and Materials: Ask your child’s school for recommendations on books that align with the curriculum and are at your child’s independent reading level. These materials can provide additional practice and reinforce learning in a different context.
- Organized Learning Space: Create a designated homework area where your child can work without distractions. Keep the space organized and stocked with necessary supplies. Encourage a consistent homework routine, helping your child to manage their time and responsibilities effectively.
- Interactive Learning: Engage with your child about what they are learning in school. Observe how they interact with school materials and provide constructive feedback. Communicate with their teacher about your observations and listen to the teacher’s feedback to support your child’s progress.
Using these strategies, you can help your child transition back to school with confidence and key skills in place. 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. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling school year!