Top 5 Things for School Start-up

​5. Start looking at the calendar with your child and count the number of days until school begins. Decide together how you can mark the passing of each day. Maybe draw a smiley face on the day as part of an evening routine, or add a sticker, or make a big X on the day. Write down some special activities you can do on some of those days so your child has some things to look forward to before the 1st day of school.

4. Find out what supplies will be needed for the new school year. Make a list and do a scavenger hunt. Hunt around the house with your child and check off each item as you collect it. Make a separate list and let your child check off each item as you find it at the store.

3. Go through your child’s clothes and see what will be needed for the new school year. Draw pictures or write words, depending on your child’s level, of needed items. Look with your child online or shop together or have your child cross off each item that you bring home.

2. Shortly before school starts, talk more about school. Pick ways that connect with your child: Draw pictures of your child’s favorite things about school: the bus ride, classes, recess, lunch, teachers, friends, toys, school routines. Look at pictures from last school year. Let your child pretend to be the teacher. Drive by the school. Play on the school playground.  
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1. Enjoy the moments of the last days of summer break. Be present with family members. Avoid distractions and multi-tasking. Focus on being together. Keep it simple. Relax.