7 Tips to Prepare for Back to School Time

It seems like summer vacation has barely started, but it’s already winding down, and the new school year looms near. With just a few weeks to go, now is the time to start getting yourself and your kids ready. Waiting until the last minute can add unnecessary stress to everyone’s lives and get the year off to a rocky start. Here are a few ways that you can start preparing:

1. Adjust Sleep Routines.

Has your child been staying up and waking up later and later? Slowly begin adjusting sleep and wake times so come the first day of school, they’re energized and ready to go. This will give their body time to adjust so it’s not such a drastic change when school starts up and they have to be ready to catch the bus at a time when they used to still be sleeping.

2. Cut Back on Screen Time.

Do you limit screen time during the school year? Begin cutting back now so your kids aren’t so attached to their devices. Encourage them to read, draw, spend time outside, practice the piano, or play board games during free time rather than watching tv or playing on apps.

3. Gather School Supplies.

Back to school sales are starting! Load up on notebooks, pencils, erasers, glue sticks, note cards, hand sanitizer, and everything your child may need. Pick up a new backpack or lunchbox too to help them get more excited and make sure they’re ready to go.

4. Organize Work Spaces.

Time to clear the clutter off of their desk (or the kitchen table) and set up a space where they’ll be ready to work. Have bins with all of their supplies and places to put important papers you need to sign. Decide where they’ll keep their lunchbox, backpack, gym bag, sports equipment, and other necessities they need to take to school.

5. Create a Schedule.

Back to school can be an adjustment for the whole family. Start thinking ahead about how your child will get to and from school, whether they’ll participate in an afterschool program, when the family will be eating dinner, and what time bedtime is. Have a master calendar where everyone can add important dates so nothing gets overlooked. Also decide how the afternoon will look with snack time, homework time, practices, and free time.

6. Begin Tutoring.

Did your child struggle with certain subjects last year? Sign them up for tutoring to begin reinforcing key concepts and building effective study skills and organizational skills. Get them started on developing good habits now so the school year goes more smoothly and they can get the help they need early on.

7. Talk About It.

Sit down and talk with your children about the upcoming year. Find out what they’re excited about or what makes them nervous. What are they looking forward to? What are they worried they might have trouble with? Work together to come up with solutions and navigate these issues so they feel more confident and supported.

Get the new school year started off on the right foot by signing your child up for tutoring at Crafting Scholars. We’ll create a plan that meets their unique needs and helps them to be more successful with homework, studying, exams, organization, and more! Contact us today to get started!