Back to School Tips
While the back-to-school season is typically an exciting time for most, many children struggle with this transition. This year especially, as students return to school after over a year of virtual or hybrid learning, they may need some extra support to prepare them for the new school year. Below are some ways you can help ease this transition and make sure your kiddo is ready to roll for their first day of school!
1. Take advantage of open houses so your child can meet their teachers and therapists ahead of time. Knowing they’ll have some familiar faces right off the bat can go a long way in making sure your child feels at ease on the first day of school. Going to the open house is also an excellent opportunity to see the school, find their classroom(s), and meet other students in their class. If your school doesn’t offer an open house, call the office to see if you can arrange a time for your child to meet their teacher and look around the school.
2. Get back into your school year routine a week or two before school starts. Changes in routine can be challenging for kids to manage, especially changes in wake times, naps, and mealtimes. Slowly adopting your child’s school schedule as best you can before the first day can help ease this transition by giving them additional time to adjust. Creating a visual schedule with your child’s help is another way to get them accustomed to their new routine and excited for the start of school.
3. Speak with your child’s teacher about any extra support that they may need in the classroom. Your child may benefit from having access to sensory tools during class, keeping a visual schedule on their desk, or need gestures or visual “check-ins” when receiving verbal instructions. Even if these strategies aren’t included in your child’s IEP or 504 Plan, most teachers are glad to hear these suggestions and incorporate them when possible. If they’re not able to use them, they may suggest other strategies or supports they think may work.
4. Be positive and enthusiastic when you talk to your child about going back to school. Children are incredibly intuitive and may adopt your attitude about this upcoming transition, whether good or bad. Even if you’re anxious about going back to in-person learning, model enthusiasm, and optimism when discussing the school year with your child. Let your child know that while it’s okay to be nervous about a new school year, everyone at their school is doing their best to make the return to school a safe and fun experience.
5. Finally, prepare them for any aspects of school that may be different than they were pre-COVID. This preparation will depend on your school and school district, so check with them about any COVID-related changes that may be in place this school year. Will class sizes be smaller? Are they required to wear a mask? Will they be on a hybrid schedule or going in person every day? Especially if your child is older and aware of these changes, discussing them ahead of time can help avoid any day-one surprises that may cause frustration.
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