This article comes from the August issue of SDPB Magazine. See past issues here.
A new school year is fast approaching. For some people, this brings feelings of excitement and anticipation. Children are excited to be around their peers, caregivers are eager for new opportunities for their young ones, and educators are happy to have full classrooms again. However, these new beginnings could also be a source of nerves or anxiety. Kids might be worried about classes, parents may be nervous about their little ones starting school, and teachers might feel pressure around their responsibility as an educator. It is equally essential for caregivers and parents to feel equipped for the new year as it is for children. A good amount of school year nerves can be subsided just by taking some time before that first day to prepare yourself and the child in your life for new experiences and learning opportunities. Parents, guardians, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and educators alike can walk into the school year feeling refreshed and prepared.
A handful of simple steps can ensure that you and your loved ones are ready for whatever the school year has in store:
Get into routine early – The first day, and especially the first week, of school, is so vital to setting the scene for the rest of the school year. Therefore, it is important to tackle a schedule beforehand. There is no magic schedule to making sure the household wakes up ready to go but adjusting to a consistent wake-up and bedtime sleep schedule can help you and your little ones wake up on the right side of the bed way before the school year even starts.
Make a Visit - Even if your child is attending the same school as the previous year, setting foot in the school beforehand is a good opportunity to refresh or refamiliarize you both with the premise. This might look like a “Meet the teacher” event or a one-on-one if the teacher is available. Showing your kids, the spots where you will drop them off/pick them up and where their classroom will be can ease both of your nerves and make you feel safer with a game plan in place.
Practice scenarios - Younger children could benefit from practicing, as a family, interacting with other children and adults. Use dolls or other toys to simulate these interactions; this could include how to introduce yourself, how to ask someone if they want to play with you, how to share toys, and other scenarios.
Read books – Read books where the characters are also going to school. This tip gives children a look into what they might expect when they enter the classroom and lets caregivers be present for questions or conversations kids might want to have before school *could include some pictures of the books in the article or a short list?
- “Brand New Pencils, Brand New Books”
- “Danitra Brown, Class Clown”
- “Hunter’s Best Friend at School”
Educational Games and Entertainment - Incorporate learning into their day and give education a good impression before school even starts by turning on PBS Kids during the day for entertainment that challenges and expands their minds. If you prefer a learning experience that doesn’t involve the television, visit PBS online for a variety of games, readings, and worksheets. These educational moments can give you an opportunity to assist them in learning beforehand and get their brains up and running for the school year.
No matter your role in a child’s life; caregiver, childcare provider, guardian, parent, or family member, you can play a key role in making sure the child in your life is prepared for school and learning opportunities. Shape the minds of the younger generation by instilling a desire to learn and a passion for education from a young age. The educational of a child is no small thing. Whether you’re tackling schooling from home or supporting your child outside of the classroom, you can enter this season of learning with excited preparedness.
Visit PBS.org/parents for access to a wide range of resources from workshops and training for caregivers to interactive and educational games for kids.