Written by Nick Simard on 1.08.19
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Are you ready for back-to-school? Schools in New York will be starting soon, and this is the time to prepare for the new year. Here are some tips that can help you as you plan ahead to prep your kids for back-to-school.
Summer is a time of lazy days and disorganized clutter. This is normal, and even at times healthy, after the pressures of a school year. Yet, school is coming just around the corner. Take the time to get organized now, so you will prepare your children for success.
Set aside an area in your home that will serve as your central calendar. Give yourself space to write activities and details on this calendar. Then, when the papers start coming in announcing field trips and PTO meetings, you will have a place to note them.
Next, create a space for school “stuff” to go. Whether it’s a hook in a closet for backpacks or a central desk where pencils, paper and other school supplies reside for homework, make sure that you have a place for the items your kids will bring home and need once they are home.
If your family is used to staying up late and sleeping in during the summer, ease into the schedule as you get ready for back-to-school. Do not expect the children to wake up “bright eyed and bushy tailed” on the first day without a little time to transition. Start the process two weeks before school starts, re-introducing your school-year bedtime, and then waking your kids earlier in the morning. Their bodies will have an easier adjustment if you tackle the task slowly. Remember to adjust mealtimes as well, especially for younger students.
The morning rush for school does not have to be frenzied. Start thinking through your routine now, so that you are prepared when it starts. Consider strategies like creating a bathroom schedule, picking outfits the night before and pre-making lunches to make the morning load a little lighter. Plan easy breakfasts to eliminate the need to cook as well.
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One strategy that can help get everyone out the door on time, as recommended in Organized Home, is creating a family “Launch Pad.” The Launch Pad has all of the “out the door” essentials in one convenient location, preferably near the door if possible.
Give everyone a place within the Launch Pad for their stuff. Different colored plastic containers are a great way to do this. Teach the children to place permission slips, homework, and other must-have items in this location. Give Mom and Dad a spot too for their morning essentials, such as the car keys, Bluetooth and phone charger. With a well-organized Launch Pad, you can grab what you need and head out the door without that last minute search for the missing spelling paper.
Take some time before school starts to get in touch with the teachers and the school. If possible, meet the teacher and let your child meet the teacher before the first day of school. Talk about your desires for your child and how you can partner with the teacher to help your child thrive, as recommended by the Department of Education.
The first few weeks of school set the stage for success all year long. Start planning now, before the bell rings on that first day, and your child will be poised for a successful year. As an added bonus, you will have much less stress in your home on those busy school afternoons and mornings.
Topics: NYC Schools
